Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorelai Robideaux.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Lorelai. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My photography journey started in 2014 where I shadowed my stepmom, Adrienne Robideaux (@animalcrackerstudio/@susiemakessupper), in photographing food and designing layouts. I couldn’t afford a camera at the time so the work was done with the iPhone 5c. After traveling to India and Ecuador, and completing a senior project on the sociopolitical ramifications of Fine and Street art in New York in 2015, I figured it was time to invest in one. Starting out with a Nikon D3200, I began photographing friends throughout the Rocky Mountain Mountain Range in Central and Northern Idaho. At Evergreen State College in 2016, I was able to really get into my craft as I was photographing landscapes, subjects, etc. I wouldn’t call myself a photographer in any means but I was able to develop my own style. Those styles changed with every season as did my mood. However, when I moved to New York in Fall 2017, my work consisted of developing a stable signature to portrait photography. Since moving to New York, I have fallen in love with people! I feel that my craft has developed in a way that I am absolutely proud of. I still wouldn’t call myself a photographer at all but I do call my work art… I hate the label though because creativity isn’t a linear act. Because of its complexities, I feel that defining myself as an artist or photographer limits the way I choose to create art.
With that being said, I have partnered with several businesses to provide content for their branding purposes. In addition to brand deals, I have been commissioned to do portrait shots for many individuals looking for any editorial shots. Today I study photography at The New School: Parsons School of Design in Manhattan, NY where I just finished a ten-day vow of silence that required me to take a photo every 15 minutes while awake. It was an incredible experience and I hope to continue performance art in the future.
Has it been a smooth road?
For me, personally, it has been a smooth road. I have had the absolute privilege to find the right clientele that we are able to consistently work together. Of course, there have been clients that are hard to work with but they have honestly helped me shape my business. I would say the hardest part about being a “photographer” is dealing with the belittlement of myself and other women. It can be difficult to work with others who value my opinion as less than their male counterparts. In this situation, I typically try to show that I know what I’m doing through example. With that being said, I have definitely been straight up to them and said: “back off, I know what I’m doing.”
I always try to go about my business with a positive, uplifting attitude, as we all do.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Even though I don’t like calling myself this, I am a portrait photographer in New York City.
I specialize in editorial portraits shots that encapsulate the essence of the individual.
I honestly have no idea what I’m known for. I really hope it’s for taking portraits that you can envision being on the cover of Vogue Magazine.
I am most proud of my development over the years. I take such pleasure in the joy of planning out a shoot and knowing it’s going to turn out how I envisioned it. I am most proud that I am able to turn a passion of mine into something that can provide for/and support me. Above all else, I am most excited to see where photography takes me. It is a secure yet frightening thing I have ever done.
What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership, in your industry or generally?
I mentioned this earlier but the biggest barrier in the photography industry is connecting with others. Whether we are partners, a boss of mine, or the model, there is a lot that goes into each shoot. More often than not, everyone is going to have a different way to execute the vision. A struggle I face is being accepted of everyone’s ideas without losing my own vision. This varies depending on the job description, of course, but I often struggle with the articulation of my vision. A way I deal with this is by thanking them but making them know that they can’t get away with that from me.
It has taken me a long time to develop my style and craft of photography. A big part of this means that I have had to learn the value of my time and what that ends up looking like when people hire me.
I also need to remember that every barrier/struggle is a source of development for the future of my art.
Contact Info:
- Address: 65 Fifth Ave. New York, NY 10011
- Website: lorelairobideaux.com
- Phone: 208-721-8920
- Email: lorelairobideaux@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lkrobideaux
- Twitter: @lkrobideaux
Image Credit:
Lorelai Robideaux – Photographer, Remy Vernoy, Amelia Pagliaro, Lenny, Taylor, Sarah Norton, David Dweck – Models
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
