Work Crush: Lauren Spitznagel
from Paris with love
Work Crush is a guest Q+A series where you can get to know incredibly talented and tasteful friends of of the letter. Each with careers, brands, or businesses I follow with personal deep admiration. I think you should know about them, too.
Lauren is an incredibly talented photographer with a sharp eye. Our paths crossed a few years ago in Toronto, and we became fast friends. Shortly after we met, she moved to Paris to pursue photography full time. A couple months later, I was in the city on a buying trip, and we met for dinner to catch up.
I have a distinct memory of that night. It was fashion week, but Paris was…empty. March 2020. COVID cases were climbing out of control across Europe. There really wasn’t much we could do, except hang out (and order extra frites). We spent hours in a near empty brasserie, gushing over our favourite brands, music, whatever else we were into. I left that dinner inspired and motivated. Lauren had picked up, and moved across the world to purse her creativity, unapologetically. To me, that felt big.
SC: Lauren, I’m so excited to have you here. I’m curious, did you find it difficult to make the career switch into photography full time? Was there a catalyst in your professional life that pushed you into it?
LS: For me, the difficulty was more in staying in a space that I had outgrown. I'm a very intuitive person, so when I felt strongly drawn towards photography I took the leap without thinking twice. Without sounding too cliché, I believe life can be difficult regardless of which decision you make; you either shrink yourself to stay in a space you've outgrown or you push yourself into the unknown and expand/develop/ flourish. There have certainly been challenges along the way (and I'm sure there will be many more), however the positives of going after the life I've always dreamt of, far outweigh any negatives.
SC: Why Paris? Was it always the dream, or a right place/right time situation?
LS: I started to think strategically about long term goals and what I was actually looking for out of life. I spent my twenties throwing myself into so many different situations and experiences, living abroad, figuring it out as I went along. I got back to Toronto, and started to challenge myself to think intuitively about what I was looking for next. For the first time, I focused on my long term goals. Paris was on that list.
SC: Is there someone’s work specifically you look to for inspiration?
LS: Ferdinando Scianna is a huge inspiration of mine. His career began as a photo journalist in 1960’s Sicily. Eventually, a visionary campaign commission by Dolce & Gabbana in the late ‘80s (for an early collection) brought him to the world of fashion editorials. This collaboration resulted an iconic (and now quite rare) photo book, Marpessa. I came across it in a book shop, and purchased it immediately. One of my forever inspirations.
SC: What part of your process fills your cup most?
LS: Ultimately, I’m hired by a client to execute their vision. After the job is completed, I organize shoots in between to capture images that reflect my soul and current interests; whether it be portraits, fashion, or observing the way light travels against a subject. Often, it’s a mixture of several of these things. Right now, I’m working on a special long-term project, capturing a new culture and its beautiful people and customs. For me, it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to use this gift of photography to share messages. This particular message is focused on unity, compassion, openness and community.
SC: How have you found breaking into the creative industry there?
LS: Paris moves slow, and is deeply arts focused. While everyone wants their work to be known, there’s less focus on viral notoriety. When I was starting out, I was lucky to get connected with a popular French influencer (now one of my most cherished friendships), and I worked with her often. Suddenly, I found myself in rooms full of people I would die to work with. But…I was put in a box. I knew then I would have to diversify my work and put myself out there, so I could show up to a real seat at the table. I will say, I do appreciate the the directness of French culture across the board. You always know where you stand, and I’m a better business owner for it.
SC: OK, last thing. We’ve found ourselves in Paris…where should we hang out?
☆ eat/drink ☆
Bistro Paul Bert — 11e (a classic that always delivers)
La Marine — 10e (favourite spot to take visitors)
Furia — 11e (delicious tacos, natural wine)
Chambre Noire — 11e
☆ shop ☆
Louise Paris —10e (near République)
Val M Vintage — 9e (excellent selection of vintage Courrèges!!!)
Dover Street Market Paris also just opened :)
☆ art and book shops ☆
Musée d'Orsay — 7e (no instagram, chic!)
Fondation Arp (just outside Paris)
OFR Bookstore — 3e
Shakespeare and Co — 5e (a classic for English novels)
A massive thank you to Lauren, who took such care in answering these questions, and was so patient with me while I figured out exactly how I wanted this to look and feel! Follow her here, and below.
I think video sign offs might become my thing
…I have a hunch this 1994 D&G fragrance spot (starring a young Monica Bellucci) would not be here without Scianna’s campaign, shot a just a few years earlier.
S x
this is so fun, love the work crush sofia <3