We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Green and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Laura, what do you attribute your success to?
I genuinely feel that all of my success has come from creating genuine content & sharing stories I care about. When I shoot any type of photo, the goal is always to communicate with the viewer. What is this person about? What does this business represent? What lifestyle am I creating? Without that core, I don’t think images say much which is why people don’t resonate with them. I think of photography as visual storytelling which makes it a challenge. I know that when I shoot for myself, I am telling a story that I personally want to tell. But the best part of my work is after it’s been posted. At that point, the people get to decide what they love. They get to interpret my storytelling however they want. They get to see a whole different meaning to anything I post. It gives me new perspectives and ultimately fuels me to create more unique things in the future.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Becoming a photographer wasn’t always what I intended, but I’m glad I ended up here. This started as a high school hobby where I took my friends out in fancy outfits to shoot MySpace photos with a point-and-shoot camera. Over the years, with bigger ideas and better equipment, I’ve achieved way more than I originally planned for. It’s definitely been a process to get where I am today. I’ve been shooting photos semi-professionally since 2012, but it feels like in 2021, I’ve finally reached my stride. I know what I am capable of creating and I’m pushing the boundaries further every time. I think what sets me apart from other artists is just how specific my photos are. I don’t typically just take a camera out and shoot. Every concept I end up producing has been developing in my imagination for a long time. I see every detail down to the music I’ll edit the photos to. I think my audience really feels that when I share the final product. They get to see the story I created through their own lens which just fuels me more. I want my genuine feelings, emotions, and visions to pour out to other people who feel the same as me. Over the years, I’ve learned that your biggest obstacle is your own self-doubt. You struggle as a creative to know your worth & channel your creativity into a business. It’s so important to know that you’re worth much more than you think you are. Your talent and your vision are so valuable which is why big marketing companies, magazines, and brands need people like you. Don’t sell yourself short.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Orange County, you’re in range of so many incredible places. If you’re coming for a week, here’s a breakdown of some of my favorite places to go. Locations: – Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles, home to the iconic pink building influencers shoot photos in front of – Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, an incredible photo op & museum – Urban Lights in Los Angeles, the iconic art installation in DTLA – Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, another beautiful photo op – Museum of Death in Los Angeles, a morbid but amazing experience – Balboa Park in San Diego, a free and beautiful park to enjoy – The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, in the spring the flowers are incredible – Huntington Beach in Orange County, an iconic beach with lots to do – The Packing House in Anaheim, for incredible food & entertainment – Old Towne Orange in Orange, a historical area with lots to do – Big Bear Lake in Big Bear, it’s beautiful up there – Disneyland in Anaheim, obviously iconic and unmissable Food/Drinks: – Clyde’s Hot Chicken in Fullerton – Mr. BBQ in Fullerton – Pepe’s in Brea – Honda Ya in Tustin – Cream & Sugar in Anaheim – 7 Leaves in Tustin – Lee’s Coffee in Orange – SOL Mexican Cocina in LA – Urban Plates in LA or Tustin – Morning Lavender in Tustin
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When it comes to my success, I owe it all to the people who supported me. I want to thank ALL of the amazing people who have ever modeled for me. I know I have weird ideas & I take you into public places to do embarrassing things, but I truly couldn’t do it without all of you. I want to thank my husband, Matt, who tells me when something looks too edited or includes his random ideas when he has them. I love that you always leave me likes on my photos & let me do my weird stuff uninterrupted. Thank you to my parents, who have been my cheerleaders since before I even knew I was interested in photography. They told me I had an eye for this type of thing since before I even touched a DSLR. A huge thank you to Tianna Winters for always telling me to move past my imposter syndrome. Thank you to Carlos Serna for always being there to support my bigger dreams. Thank you to Raychel Taylor, Patrick Taylor, and Connor Allen for encouraging me to go full-time in my creative business. Thank you to Jasmine Rossol, who has always been there to hype my growth and tell me how proud she is of me. Thank you to Roshelle Castillo, who is always sending me DMs about how much she loves what I’m doing. And really…the biggest shoutout to anyone and everyone who has ever “liked” a post I’ve put up on social media. What started as a hobby would not have grown into what it is today without you.
Website: laurakiillz.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurakiillz/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lauraKiiLLZ
Image Credits
Jasmine Rossol Lauren Pimentel Nick Guzman Penelope Guzman Tianna Winters Nikole Cornejo