artist profile: lauren fleishman ‘love ever after’

Lauren Fleishman was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She attended the School of Visual Arts with a Vice Presidential Academic Scholarship. In 2000, she was awarded a full scholarship to study at the prestigious Ecole Superieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. In 2003, Lauren was named one of Photo District News’ 30 young photographers to watch. Lauren’s clients include Esquire, The Fader, The New York Times and Time Magazine. Lauren was included in American Photography for four consecutive years and was an award recipient in the 2007 PDN Annual for her Time magazine work entitled Sixteen Candles. She has exhibited her personal project on love and aging at the main branch of The Brooklyn Public Library and is a 2010 Camera Club of New York Residency Recipient. She is a 2011 award recipient  in the PDN Annual for her Time magazine multimedia piece that focuses on the use of photography as an aid to amnesia.

I normally interview the couple first and then take the photograph after. I do this so that I can listen for a great quote from their interview that I will later match with the portrait. I begin by asking the couple their names and how they met.

 
Although each couple were different in personalities and circumstance, what did you find was the one connecting notion that kept each of these couples’ relationships strong and loving?

It’s impossible to say because each couple was so unique and they each had their own relationship dynamic. When I started the project I thought that there would be one common thread but I can’t say for certain that there is one.  I actually think that it is encouraging to know that there isn’t just one formula. These couples show that love can grow and remain over time in very different circumstances.

What is photography for you? 

Photography has really helped me define my sense of the world. I have been sent to so many places to document real lives and experiences and it has been incredible. Photography has allowed me access that I wouldn’t otherwise have. It’s allowed me to explore the subjects that I am curious about and the things that I am afraid of.

 
What is your favourite subject matter?

Love.

To help Lauren in creating an inspiring art book of these beautiful couples and their stories, please visit www.kickstarter.com

To contact Lauren and view her work, visit www.laurenfleishman.com