We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren D Zbarsky and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Lauren Z, how do you think about risk?
I think taking calculated risks as well as risks based on intuition are integral in achieving success in business, art and life. I’ve taken many risks throughout my career as well as within my personal life. The one thing I can say without a doubt is that I’ve always learned so much from each one. Lessons about relationships in business, how to navigate certain situations, how to be strategic. Every risk I’ve taken, no matter how it played out, I’ve come out richer in experience and always grateful for the opportunity.
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.
I’ve been making pictures for 11 years and have some hilarious, outlandish, sometimes difficult but most importantly, fulfilling stories in the books so far. There’s never a dull moment or an uneventful project. The thing that makes what I do so rewarding for me is the people I get to create with. It’s a special relationship to actively make art with people – not all art forms have this element and it’s definitely a huge reason why I’m here doing what I’m most passionate about. I love photographing people, hearing their stories and learning from them. This is what portraits are made of. I feel that the camera is secondary to the art. My images are about the relationship between the photographer and the subject and the conversations that happen somewhere between the gaze, the lens and the shutter. I love that through this interaction I have the opportunity to work with amazingly talented and interesting individuals. Hopefully, in a small way, I can contribute in helping them tell their story.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For some reason, I find that time is slower here and so much can happen in just one week or even one day. As much as I love adventuring, I love to host, so I would definitely be spending a lot of time at my home in Beachwood Canyon. We would hang out in the yard or on the porch, take many many photos, do lots of grilling, make beautiful dinners and drink wine into the night. We would also be going on daily walks through the neighbourhood, exploring the amazing architecture of Beachwood, admiring the different vistas of the city, the many nature trails close by and the Hollywood sign, of course.
One of my favourite parts of dining out is the vibe of a place On my list is (in Hollywood) La Poubelle, Chateau Marmont, (In Los Feliz) Cafe Figaro, (In Silverlake) Cafe Stella, (In Atwater Village) Momed, (In Beverly Hills) The Terrace at the Maybourne – this is one of the best dining experiences and meals I’ve ever had. And definitely Sabor Mexicana. It’s a small little spot in a strip mall in Hollywood and has the best tacos in the city. Ask for the Birria taco!
I love vintage shopping and thrifting so I would venture to Los Feliz (N Vermont st and Hollywood) and stroll in and out of the many cute shops. Starday Vintage and Replay Vintage are my faves.
I would also try and get out of the city for an overnight adventure in either Palm Springs or Yucca Valley. I love driving through the desert and shooting along the way. I love how many beautiful spots there which are close and accessible to the city.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my beautiful, talented and supportive husband Marty Katzoff. He’s my number one fan, coach, cheerleader and support system all wrapped in one. He challenges me to push myself creatively while also supporting me in every endeavour along the way. He is often assisting me on shoots, offering opinions on my work and sometimes even runs photo errands for me. I can rely on him in any situation which has truly helped me make better work. I’m endlessly inspired by his infinite drive to create, learn, make art and push boundaries within his own practices. I feel so lucky to have found my creative partner in life and art.
You can find his work here: martinkatzoff.com
Website: laurendzbarsky.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ldzbar/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
Image Credits
Portrait of Lauren D Zbarsky by Marty Katzoff