camping // matanuska lake

May 24, 2014
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First camping trip of the summer. It was one of the last few days with our foreign exchange student, Felecia, and it was a picturesque Alaskan summer. I don't remember all the details, but I do remember loving all the little places we found, such as the "boardwalk", the loon nest, and general shadowy areas that I wanted to spend hours in. All this week I will be putting my iphone photos of my summer adventures up on this little blog. It was the best summer of my life, and I'm so thankful for the little piece of technology in my pocket that allowed me to capture all the little details that made it so great.

And just for kicks, here's a link to my summer diary blog from 2011. That was the first year I took photos "professionally." You'll notice some horrible processing, and horrible hair from myself. But what I love about those photos is the memories. They are still some of my favorites because of just that. Who knows what my friends thought when I lugged my dslr everywhere and shoved it in their faces. Heck, I even took it when we went out to eat at restaurants. What was I thinking? But now I'll never forget that girls day with my mom and sister, or the delicious chicken fried steak I ate. All that to say, again, I'm thankful I now have a cell phone so that I don't have to take my real camera everywhere--and I can still capture those memories.

So expect many posts this week. This is my documentation.

some more ramblings

I guess a big reason why I stopped doing the whole personal style blogging thing is that I never want to just be one of many. There are so so many bloggers out there nowadays, I felt like my voice didn't really matter simply because everyone was yelling at the same time. That's not to say that it didn't matter or that I didn't enjoy yelling or that I don't enjoy reading blogs (I still read my favorites everyday, even though I'm horrible at commenting on them), but just that I was tired of yelling, I guess? But so many people I know in real life, even, are starting blogs, having their instagram feeds labeled as "blogger and photographer" and I just didn't want to have that label anymore. Even still when I tell people that I'm a photographer, I sort of cringe in the back of my mind, thinking of the whole mommy-photographer concept that seemingly every modern midwest American woman seems to have (at least that's been my observation). Still that's not to say that mindset is a bad thing, because I would be the first to tell anyone that blogging is wonderful and it changed my life for the better.

Part of the thing is that I've been oversaturated with the "unique snowflake" millennial generation ideal, and then with social media being the way it is, (and I'm sure with the ability for us to curate it to be limited content), everyone's doing the same thing and I can't become a #uniquesnowflake anymore.

I read a recent article about instagram user and National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson, and he said this: "I think that in the world of social photography, which is enormously powerful and ever-growing, that one essential fact is true: photographers used to produce pictures, now photographers must produce eyeballs. The point being that we used to just make pictures and it was somebody else’s job to get the pictures seen. Now it is incumbent on the photographer to make pictures that go directly to the audience, many times bypassing traditional publishing altogether. The photographer must bring the audience to the client in this model. And I think that is the growing realm of photography."

What I took away from that in regards to what I'm talking about now, is the fact that because now that everyone has to produce eyeballs, there are too many of the same things to look at. Back in the day, a photographer just sent his photos off to an editor or whoever, but now the photographer has to send them to everyone and anyone. It's overwhelming and frankly frustrating, a lot of the times, especially to see someone getting a lot more "eyeballs" and business than you, maybe even when you are producing better pictures. This isn't even in just regards to photography. In this day, it almost seems like it's not enough to simply produce good content, because even if you have the best photos mankind has ever seen, or the best outfit, or the best blog article or novel, or whatever, if you can't produce eyeballs, then you're a failure. Regardless of that skill.

I'm just not good at making eyeballs, at least eyeballs from anyone and everyone, and at least at this point in my life, I'm tired of trying. Which brings this post around to what I was talking about in the beginning: the reason why I decided to stop being a personal style blogger. I just stopped trying to be that huge social media presence that I couldn't become.

It all seems sad, right?

On a seemingly unrelated note, Photoshelter also released their latest guide, The Photographer's Guide to Instagram, and I took note of the fact that every instagrammer interviewed spoke about the real world relationships that developed from the platform. How cool is it that something that fits into our pocket can connect us with the rest of the world? I'm trying to become more intentional with my social media in that way--reaching out to people, meeting other creative, talented individuals, and creating relationships with those that inspire me. I am quickly learning that no matter how many likes I do or don't get on a photo, nothing compares to the real world meeting of another human who shares the same passions as me--or different passions that I can learn from. That's my new goal for this devil called social media, to use it to just meet awesome people.

Back on the main track, even though it may seem sad that I've "given up" on trying to just make some eyeballs, I'm instead making complete human beings. That is to say, I want real relationships with real people. Still doesn't mean I don't want those online relationships, because I do have some great internet/blogger friends that I love dearly; also I understand that sometimes it's impossible to meet someone in real life, and the internet is a wonderful thing for bringing two people who were otherwise strangers closer together.

Gregory Heisler from Maine Media Workshops + College on Vimeo.

This is a recent favorite video of mine, in which Gregory Heisler talks about how he wished he realized early on that photography was all about relationships. I'll let you watch the video and have it speak for itself.

So it seems sad, but really, without me spending so much time on social media, I have been able to make so many real life friends and contacts. I wrote a bit about this on my facebook page:

Post by Lauren Parker.

I didn't necessarily write that status in the light that this post is being written in, but I'll add this: even though I'm not popular or successful on the internet whatsoever, this has been my most successful summer of photography. I'm doing more shoots, meeting more people, producing better images than I ever have before. The number of eyeballs does not equate to the number of human beings. Meaning, my internet success has no relation to my real life success.

But then in the same breath, it is important to have a good online presence, as like I said before, all these social media platforms connect people to one another. So maybe the eyes do lead to humans? Who knows. Either way, I am content where my life is now.

But I still don't go a day when I don't question if I should even try to pursue photography as a career. It all goes back to that oversaturation. There's too many photographers in the world--do they really need one more? Am I really making a difference by throwing some three by fives into the giant dump of millions and billions of three by fives? One thing I do know, it's those human relationships that remove all doubts. When I hear or read someone say that they love my photos, that they feel beautiful in them, when they put them on facebook or instagram or in their home, or ask to buy prints, or even ask me to photograph them, that's what makes it all worth it. I am very much a people pleaser, and I absolutely love being able to make people happy through my work and my art.

It's not about the eyeballs, it's all about my affect on people's hearts--and in turn, their affect on mine. Because relationships are all about giving to others, and in that giving we are blessed.

July Photos

Best Friends Club


Carrie & Brandon's wedding


Song of the Everglade


Universe Travelers

Here are some photos posted during the month of July. I've gotten really bad at putting my work online quickly, so this is only a very small showing of work that I actually did this month. On top of shoots, editing, work, and a lot of adventures, I also hosted my first First Friday reception for my August gallery show at a local coffee shop here in Anchorage. It was amazing getting to hang up real-life versions of my art for people to see for the whole month of August, and also having a lot of people come out and say hi (and even buy prints!) during the reception. You can see an online version of the show here, complete with commentary on the photos and ways to buy prints. In the coming months, I'll slowly upload those previously unpublished show pieces to the internet, so you'll see them again in future monthly photo posts.

I also have a backlog of some blog posts in my mind, but you probably won't read any of them until I am back in Oregon for school. So until then, I hope everyone has a great rest of their summer!

First Friday Show: Anchorage

Get ready everyone! Because I'm officially showing my very first, First Friday show for the month of August! The show is called "Inspire" and features twenty two images, twelve of which have never been seen before, of talented people who are huge inspirations because of their passions, dreams, and their drive to achieve them.

The show will be up for the entire month of August in Anchorage, but there is a special opening and reception happening THIS FRIDAY at 12100 Coffee (that's 12100 Old Seward Highway) from 6-9pm. I'll be there hanging out, passing out free cookies, and maybe even answering any questions you may have. A selection of the pieces will also be up for sale, hand signed with love.

I would love to be able to see you all there!

TO OUT OF STATE PEOPLE: While you're all more than welcome to come to Alaska (it's an awesome place!), I understand that some people can't make it. If that is the case with you, on August 2, I will be releasing an online link of the gallery where you can see and purchase the images. You'll also be able to read all the writings and behind-the-scenes stories of each photograph and get nearly the same experience online as you would in real life. If you pour yourself some coffee, it will be nearly identical.

I'm really excited to have this show and be able to share it with you all, and especially honor the people in the photographs who inspire me. Thank you all so much for your continued support. You guys are the best!

So once more, August 1, 12100 Coffee, 6-9pm, party time.

You can join the event and get all the details (even though at this point in time is was mostly a copy and paste sort of thing) right here! I would love to see you all there!

into the wild unknown

June 24, 2014 I hopped into the car and drove for two hours to a brand new location. Talkeetna was the destination, and I was so excited to see something new in Alaska. It definitely did not disappoint, and the drive with all its sights of Denali and other mountains and rivers and lakes were so breathtaking. This was a new kind of adventure, as I was driving to shoot some conceptual photos for the Emma Hill band (I will write more about it in detail when I show the final products). When I arrived to their location, I looked at myself in the mirror and thought how crazy this whole situation was, to be able to take creative photos for a band. It was crazy to think that me, Lauren, was going to shoot with talented people I had never met before. Occasionally I speak of my introversion and shyness, and every day I am stepping out of my comfort zone to do some awesome things.

Shooting bands is something that I want to happen more regularly. I've always had a close connection with music, from playing it myself when I was younger, as well as my younger brother who is pursuing it in high school and soon college, to often feeling deep connections to songs, and I have a special respect for musical artists. Emma and Bryan (and their videographer, as well as the Gentlemen Callers) were simply wonderful and it was too much fun walking around the town of Talkeetna with them, searching for cool locations.

I stuck my feet in freezing water, trespassed on a grass airstrip, and fed goats, all while walking around wide eyed and in awe of the quaint town in the middle of the woods.

On the drive back to Anchorage we read funny lame jokes and listened to Ira Glass--so beautiful and relaxing. And that evening I went to Emma's house to shoot a portrait of the full band as well as some candid photos of their practice.

It was crazy and insane and absolutely amazing, and I am thankful every day for the unique opportunities I am given.

the 4th

Long time no outfit post, huh? Yesterday I happened to find myself with a bit of free time, no access to a computer to work on client photos, and a need to get out of the house, so for old time's sake I grabbed my tripod and remote (and camera, of course), and took some photos of what I wore for July 4th. And no, this doesn't mean a resurgence of outfit posts. My camera/lens is starting to show wear and tear and doesn't really auto focus very well anymore, so even if I did want to take photos of myself all the time, I would get too tired of the soft focus that these photos have. But I digress ...

As everything, this post is a documentation--of my style evolution, of my confidence, of my hair growth, of my general youth to look back on in later years.

Of my style evolution; I'm starting to be drawn towards simpler, modern designs. Androgynous with a feminine twist. Also occasionally with some of the 90's resurgence. This outfit isn't particularly a mirror of that, but it is certainly a step away from my old, girly ice-cream dress, hair bow, past. (Though I'm not going to ever put myself in a box.) Of course, deciding to change your entire style is no easy process, but I'm finding ways to cut corners a bit--making my own clothes (like these mom-jeans turned shorts), looking through bags of clothes I hated in junior high and love now, and reworking the things I already own in new ways.

Of my confidence; It's taken a long time for me to become generally confident with myself look-wise, and it continues to get better every day. People can say that looks don't matter, but I'll be honest, I love feeling pretty. And American society is a very visual society, so outward appearance is important to an extent. But I won't get too into that ... I'm actually attempting to grow out my bangs, which I have had since eighth grade. I got bangs because I hated my forehead and my eyebrows, and they were great and I love them,but I just want to try something else out for a change. So for now I'm rocking the elementary school 90's middle bang part and I feel fabulous. And it's awesome! Also I'm gearing up the courage to bleach my hair and try blonde. I used to have blonde hair when I was little, and my mom, brother, and sister all have blonde hair. That's what I keep telling myself to convince myself that I won't look ridiculous with it. Either I'll go dirty blonde, or bleach it to a pinkish white, ooor maybe have it light purple. We'll see. But now is the perfect time for me to be totally irresponsible with my hair, since it would be a bit unprofessional after college, so might as well!

Anyways, these words are just for me to remember. Ever since I was a little girl, I would write in my diary and imagine myself (and a million other people because I was going to publish my diaries, haha) looking back after all those years and reading it again. I found a couple of those diaries, and let's just say it's not going to get published--nor is anyone ever going to see it. But at least now that I am a little bit more aware of myself, these silly little blog posts will be interesting (and hopefully not embarrassing) to read when I'm a lot older.

So with that, I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July, whether you were celebrating America or otherwise.

June Photos

Here are the photos I've posted for the month of June. There were certainly others that I created, but they either aren't completed, or the timing hasn't been good to put them up.

I hope everyone had a wonderful June.