the six questions featuring laura noel
Thursday, March 12, 2009 by Shutter Sisters 
Image Copyright Laura Noel
Today's interview features Laura Noel, an Atlanta-based fine art photographer. I first encountered Laura's compelling work on display at the Atlanta Celebrates Photography (ACP) Portfolio Review last October where she shared "Deliver Me" – a portrait series of smokers that "explores a diverse group of Americans united by a dangerous habit." Laura is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of Georgia. This month, she hosts a solo exhibition in the Hunt Gallery at Oxford College of Emory University from March 19 – April 23. Georgians, come meet her at the opening reception on Thursday, March 19 5:00pm – 8:00pm. Welcome, Laura!
1. What's the story behind this photo?
This photograph, called #44, is part of a series called All's Fair -- the series loosely explores ideas related to love and violence and what we do to achieve or avoid these emotions and encounters. I am interested in finding signs and clues in the contemporary landscape that point to American values with regard to this topic. This photo has a sense of mystery and a strong graphic structure, which is a compelling combination.
2. What was it that lit your photography spark? Do you remember a particular camera, course, person, roll of film?
I wanted to be a reporter but didn't like asking people questions, and all along I'd taken photographs in high school of weird things like a new pair of shoes hanging in my shower or all my graduation gifts lined up on the bed. I sort of woke up one day when I was a senior at Duke University (after being the news editor of the student paper) and realized that all along I had wanted to be a photographer. So I spent my last year driving to UNC Chapel Hill and NC State to supplement the courses at Duke. Now they have the Center for Documentary Studies but in 1988, it was in its infancy.
I was also lucky enough to meet Wendy Walsh who was a photographer at the local independent newspaper, and she graciously met with me once a week to talk about photography. At the time I took it for granted but now I realize what an incredible gift of her time and talent she gave me. She turned me onto Sylvia Plachy and others.
3. What's your photo philosophy? Does it reflect your life philosophy?
Whenever I encounter this question, I want to steal better answers from other artists, like Gary Winogrand who said he photographed to see what things look like on film. Or Diane Arbus who said certain things would go unseen, if she didn't photograph them. For me, photography is a way of expressing ideas that motivate me. First of all, I am interested in the intersection of the magic and the mundane. Sometimes beautiful or mysterious objects are placed out of context in a hum-drum setting and become more powerful or more interesting when placed in these unlikely spots. Sometimes these scenes are obvious but sometimes you have to have "eyes to see" and this is where I come in.
Another reason I photograph is as a method of coping with the world and its problems. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the banality of our strip mall culture I am immersed in, and I photograph that culture not to point out its emptyness but to find hidden gems of humor or mystery or interest.
4. Where do you look for inspiration?
Photographers such as William Eggleston, Sylvia Plachy, Robert Frank, Martin Parr, Luc de la Haye, Trente Parke, etc. Also the films of Nicolas Roeg (Walk About, The Man Who Fell to Earth, Don't Look Now) and those of Wim Wenders.
5. If you could go anywhere in the world for an epic, weeklong photo excursion all by your luxuriously unhurried self - regardless of money, time or childcare issues - where would you go and why?
Japan for its long visual history and support of photography. Plus I like rain and neon and imagine it looks like Blade Runner. My son thinks Pokemons walk the streets of Tokoyo -- so we both want to go.
6. Are there women out there that you consider your shutter sisters? Who and why?
Sylvia Plachy for always following her inner voice and eye. Because when people hire her to take photos they want her vision, not just coverage -- and that's the career I am working towards, as well. Because she writes beautifully and always embraces the mystery in life.
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~WW
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