Meet Detroit-based Fashion & Beauty Photographer Laura Nash: The Eyes Behind the 2012 Whip Hand Cosmetics Launch Campaign

It’s an exhilarating time to be launching a fashion or beauty business in Detroit.  Over the past 16 months, the city has been rapidly redefining its fashion and design aesthetic, thanks in large part to a crop of young agent provocateurs who are challenging the style status quo in the city and surrounding suburbs.

And the center of this new movement is an unassuming 23-year-old fashion and beauty photographer named Laur Nash.

If you met Laur on the street, you’d never know that she’s one of a small core of Detroit-based photographers that are at the center of a style and creative revolution in the city.

For being a self-professed “introvert”, Laur seems to be everywhere these days. In other words, the girl has hustle. And people are taking notice, not just because her laid-back West Coast demeanor makes her a breeze to work with, but because what she lacks in years of experience, she more than makes up for in skill, originality, vision and creativity. Laur is one of those rare photographers who was born with “The Eye” — give her a 60 second creative brief and let her go. She makes the rest happen.

Watching Laur’s portfolio and style develop over the past year has been thrilling.  We consider her to be one of the most promising and talented up-and-coming new photographers not just in Detroit, but in the country.  So we were ecstatic when Laur accepted the Whip Hand Cosmetics Launch Campaign assignment earlier this year. We were even more thrilled when we saw the first round of proofs come back. Not only did she capture the vibe we were going for with this first round of editorial for Whip Hand Cosmetics, but she also captured the energy and beauty of models Cassie Keller and Nia Scott (who had never shot with Laur before.)

At Whip Hand Cosmetics, we like to share the love and highlight the talented models, stylists, makeup artists and photographers that make our brand shine.  The more successful they are in their careers, the happier we are. Earlier this month we asked Laur to play a game of “21 Questions” and here’s what she came back with:

 

1. If you could photograph one person alive or dead who would it be and why?

Andrej Pejic – his androgyny is so beautiful and mesmerizing. He can pull off anything. I’d love to have him as a muse.

2. Who is you favorite fashion designer?

Elie Saab for his gowns, and of course Alexander McQueen for the artful brilliance and complexity in each of his pieces.

3. Your favorite photographer?

There are so many out there that I look up to, including many in Detroit. One photographer that I always go back to for inspiration is Lara Jade. Bruno Dayan is a new favorite. I’m always stumbling upon amazing photographers.

4. If you could take credit for any famous photo, which would it be?

I couldn’t pick. I’d rather have the experiences that went in to many famous photos, than credit for the photo itself.

5. What’s your favorite piece of photography equipment?

I’m assuming the camera body itself is a given, so I’d have to go with my 50mm 1.8 lens – I love using it for natural light fashion and beauty work.

6. Apple or PC?

Apple

7. iPhone or Android?

Android

8. What inspires you?

Exploring places. Meeting new people. Looking at photographs. Fashion. Makeup. Movies. Books. What doesn’t inspire me would be a question just as difficult to answer. My eyes are constantly open and searching.

9. What’s in your purse?

Nothing out of the ordinary. Definitely a few business cards – never know where you’ll go and who you might meet!

10. What’s your favorite music to play during a photoshoot?

Anything upbeat and fun. I’m not too picky when it comes to music as long as it sets the right mood.

11. The one item you could not live without?

My camera will always be number one. Aside from that, I’m not the kind to get too attached to the things I own. My bed would probably be the best bet, though!

12. “Beautiful” is ….

In everything, everyone, every story and experience. It’s in life itself.

13. What’s your favorite thing about Detroit?

The supportive community. My experiences here have been amazing thanks to the people who are optimistic, helpful and energized about the future of Detroit. I have received so much support and love from everyone I’ve met here that it’s completely overwhelming. It’s definitely a beautiful thing.

14. Your pet peeve?

People who are unwilling to learn, or admit they are wrong.

15. When I grow up I want to be ….

Fashion photographer, artist, designer, writer, teacher, creator, traveler…If you can’t tell, I’m already a dreamer.

16. What’s you favorite thing to photograph? 

Definitely people. For being such an introvert, faces are my favorite subject. I’m specifically interested in pursuing fashion photography. I don’t think I could shoot fine art landscapes without thinking they could be improved with a fashion model.

17. Where did you grow-up?

I grew up in Northern California, specifically in the San Francisco Bay Area. I moved to Michigan right out of high school – and love it here!

18. What’s the one thing you could not live without?

I couldn’t live without the love + support of my family, friends and boyfriend. I’m truly lucky to have so many people that believe in my abilities!

19. Money, Fame or Art?

Art. Money, only if it stems from the art. Fame is not really conceivable or desirable to me.

20. Personal Motto?

“If you’re not scared, you’re not living.” I’ve been scared and excited a lot, lately. And it’s all been worth it.

21. Favorite Quote?  

“Learn to value yourself, which means: fight for your happiness.”-Ayn Rand

To see more of Laur’s work, visit Laur Nash Photography. You can also check Laur out at: