Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laura Holland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Laura, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

My roots in the creative world began with a BFA in theatre from NYU. However, life has its twists, and my interest pivoted towards photography. The initial phase of my career was eclectic—I did random gigs and captured Instagram shots for influencer friends. It was a time of exploration and learning opportunities.

When I moved from NYC to Austin during the Covid pandemic, suddenly, I was in a new city without my usual subjects. It was during this phase of that I stumbled upon the world of still-life photography. I became interested in studio lighting, experimenting with food and product photography. I shared my projects online, and serendipitously, it led to my first big break—a job offer from a creative agency.

Looking back, I don’t think I would want to speed up my learning process. Every step, every mistake, every ‘aha’ moment was invaluable. There’s this magic in the phase of discovery, in being curious and open to experiences. Sure, turning a passion into a job has its downsides—it can become routine—but the initial thrill of learning and exploring is something I now wish I had savored more.

The most essential skill in my toolkit? Definitely studio lighting. It’s like the backbone of product photography. The Artificial Academy course by Joanie Simon was a game-changer for me. Understanding lighting nuances transformed my work, opening doors I hadn’t even known existed.

I consider myself fortunate in terms of obstacles. The biggest challenge I faced was time. When Covid hit, and I found myself unemployed, I turned learning into my full-time job. It was a unique opportunity that I fully embraced. Now, as I work full-time with a creative agency, finding time to evolve and refine my skills is my biggest hurdle. But I view this as just another opportunity to grow and adapt.

Laura, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a commercial photographer with a niche in product photography and AI-generated imagery. I work full time at Sircle Media, a New York City-based agency. My work primarily revolves around creating compelling content for a diverse range of food and beverage brands. I find so much joy in every aspect of my work, from the day-to-day tasks to the unique excitement and perks it brings.

My core mission as a creative is to produce work that truly resonates. I firmly believe that behind every brand there’s a story—a group of dedicated individuals, a visionary founder, all united by their belief in their product. These stories of commitment and ambition are what fuel my creativity. Whenever I hit a creative block, I remind myself of these passionate individuals and their journeys. It’s their dedication that inspires me to bring my best to the table.

At Sircle Media, our approach to content creation is both strategic and science-backed. In a world inundated with imagery, our goal is to craft content that not only catches the eye but also conveys the brand’s essence effectively. Whether it’s through brand recognition, retailer highlights, or spotlighting unique selling points, our content aims to engage and inform.

The most thrilling aspect of my work right now is the exploration of AI-generated imagery. The potential of AI in creative fields is astounding, and it’s opening up unprecedented avenues for innovation. As a creator, AI allows me to push boundaries and explore new realms of visual storytelling.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputation in the market grew significantly during my time at Wonderkind Co. in Austin. My collaborations with talented stylists really enhanced my portfolio. This blend of high-quality styling and exposure to larger-scale shoots really distinguished my work.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Absolutely, I’m an avid reader, particularly drawn to the self-help genre, which has significantly influenced my management and entrepreneurial philosophy. Two books stand out for their impact on my career and thinking:

Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans: This book was pivotal in shaping my approach to career development. It guided me in weaving my passions and existing skillsets to architect my dream career. The practical strategies offered in the book encouraged a proactive and design-oriented mindset towards career planning.

The Defining Decade by Meg Jay: This was the motivational push I needed in my twenties. It underscored the importance of laying a solid foundation for my career early on. The book is a powerful reminder of how impactful our decisions can be in our twenties, setting the tone for the rest of our professional journey.

Both of these resources have been instrumental in molding my approach towards career development, encouraging me to blend my passions with pragmatic strategies to build a fulfilling career path.

Contact Info:

• Website: lauraholland.format.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraho11and
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraholland14/

Image Credits
Laura Holland