We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Rotunno and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, what are you inspired by?
The more I sit back and witness what this world has to offer the more I become entangled with all its glories. Moving to California eight year ago has stirred something within me. The more I’m around the ocean & palm trees the more inspired and recharged I feel. The life I live each day is inspiring, and that includes the bad, the good, and everything in-between.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Woven Vessel Photography was born as soon as I picked up my first film camera. The creativity was palpable as soon as I stocked my camera with new film and was ready for a day of shooting! The essence of film that drew me in so quickly was this ability to become fully present with each experience I was shooting. There’s no looking back and seeing if the photos are positioned right or if the lighting was perfect, you kind of have to leave it up to the faith and keep moving forward. Which made me even more giddy when I’d get the rolls of film back and see that they came out even MORE beautiful than I expected. A big piece of advice that took me a while to grasp was that as a photographer I was an artist and that my vision is unique and beautiful in its own way. Comparing is part of our human nature but to be able to come back to the essence of what made us excited and inspired in the first place to do this is what’s going to keep fueling you forward on your path.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You can always find me at the beach, however it would take forever to list all the beaches I love! Once we finish a quick surf/yoga sesh I would make my way to one of my favorite food spots.  Some I would suggest checking out is Homestyle Hawaiian, Enoteca Adriano, Wayfarer Bread, Paradisaea. End it with a sunset walk along windansea beach and you have yourself the most perfect day right there!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m so grateful for the places that have supported my growth and given me a space to tap into my creativity! The first being Riffs Yoga Studios, the one spot where I felt at home. I stepped into the studio over 6 years ago and now I’m deeply woven into the fabric of its community and offerings there. Another incredible experience was with the company Warm Collective, a collaborative photography space dedicated to empowering the female voice.

Instagram: Woven_vessel <— (Photography) Lauren.rotunno <—– (Personal/Yoga Related)

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