We recently had the chance to connect with Eliza Ladensohn and have shared our conversation below.
Eliza, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Who are you learning from right now?
I’m currently reading The Creative Act by Rick Rubin for the second time, because it’s just that good! It has helped me unlock ideas inside my mind and given me permission to stretch mentally, emotionally and creatively. It’s freed me up. There’s a sense of calling on inner inspiration, a sense of play and experimentation. Stretching the limits of what you’ve done before and how you’ve done it, which ultimately leads to work that is more intrinsic to yourself and something only you can create.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a fashion and portrait photographer based in Los Angeles. I studied business at The Wharton School and then launched my own women’s underwear line. It was there that I fell in love with the process of creating images that bring an idea and vision to life. I love being a photographer so much. I love that I get to be on set one day collaborating with a group of people and then another day I get to be alone in my office editing photos. I love that my work requires me to be completely and totally present in the moment. I love that it requires preparation and then also the ability to let all pre-conceived notions fly out the window and totally go with the flow. To take risks. To try things. You never know what will happen.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
In life and in photography there are the happy accidents that lead to something even better than could be planned. I’ve been letting go of the perfectionist tendencies that served me in achieving certain types of success. Having the opportunity to embrace preparation and high standards of excellence, while simultaneously letting the spontaneity of the moment happen. That’s where the magic is.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t take things so seriously – which is still something I’d say to myself now. A sense of humor goes a long way. I’d tell myself to lean into a sense of play and trust that it all really does work out. Your path will lead you to exactly where you’re meant to be.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Five years ago I didn’t know how to use a camera, but I felt the desire, the calling that I wanted to create images. Images that make people feel something. Images that make people feel understood, feel connected, and inspired. To show people the beauty, strength, and power inside themselves. To see themselves, to see who they want to be, see who they could be, see who they actually are but may not be able to see yet. I hope my images move people, connect people and inspire people.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m taking a moment to myself looking up at the palm trees in my back yard. Watching the butterflies fly around the yard. I feel so lucky to live in Los Angeles. It’s true paradise. Swimming, relaxing, doing a crossword puzzle, listening to good music, drinking coffee by the pool. I read this quote by the painter Alex Katz the other day: “I’m not interested in creating a world, I’m interested in capturing a moment.” As an artist I have the freedom of sometimes creating worlds and sometimes capturing a moment and sometimes both. As a photographer getting to capture the moment is such a privilege and the huge reward.
In life too when I get to be present in the moment it feels so good. My wife and I have a 3-month-old son and in photographing him, it’s the photos that capture our moments of joy and love that bring me the most pleasure as a viewer. That is what lives on in the heart and that can be reflected in an image even for viewers who weren’t present. It’s Henri Cartier-Bresson’s concept of the “decisive moment.” That is what inspires me and I love the fact that you never know when that moment will arise. It can’t be manufactured, but as a photographer I get to be entrusted to capture that moment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elizaladensohn.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizaladensohn/
Image Credits
Eliza Halley Ladensohn
