An Interview with Laura Kampman

Photo: Laura Kampman [Source]

Laura Kampman's ambitions stray far beyond those typical of the fashion world. Through portraits often taken in her own apartment, Laura captures the stories of models when they're not working. Her work is honest, beautiful, and most importantly, the photographic embodiment of this Spongebob gif.

But really, honestly, truly? What makes Laura infinitely interesting is not the fact that she has worked with totally fancy photographer Steven Meisel, or that she was on the cover of Vogue Italia, or even that that she's walked the runway for Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin, Kenzo and Prada. It's because after leaving fashion, she returned with the idea that she would not only model, but also foster her creative talents as a photographer.

What I'm trying to say is this: the life of a model is often bound by strictures of all kinds, but those limitations seem to have paradoxically granted Laura the freedom to live exactly how she wants-- in front of and behind the camera.

TAYLOR: What came first for you, modeling or photography? 

LAURA: Photography. I've been doing it since I was thirteen. I started modeling when I was sixteen.

How did you get into modeling? 

I got scouted at a restaurant and thought, "Why not"?! I said yes. Before I knew it, I flew to New York.

That's awesome. Did you always want to be a model? 

No, I didn't know anything about the fashion industry or modeling before I got scouted. It came to me as an unexpected adventure.

Photo: Shot by Laura Kampman. [Source] 

Do you think being photographed all the time has changed the way you approach photographing other people? 

For sure. I have a lot of experience in front of the camera. I know how I can look the best in pictures when I get guided, inspired and respected in a certain way, so I know how to treat the people in front of the camera.

You decided to stop modeling for a while, right? 

Yes!

Why?

I needed some time to grow, step out of the industry and realize what I really wanted.

What made you want to get back into it? 

I met the Lions [Model Managment] and they inspired me [to get back into it]. They didn't just see me as a model. They see and support me as an artist.

What do you think is the biggest misconception a lot of people have about what it's like to be a model? 

A lot of people see it as glamourous, luxurious and living the 'it' life. And it is a great life! But besides that, like every other life, it has ups and downs. There is a lot of rejection in the industry. Girls start at very young age and are forced to grow up very fast to be able to do their job. One day, you're sitting in a classroom with teenagers. The next day, you're surrounded with grown ups on set. It's pretty intense, but beautiful when you learn how to handle it.

Photo: Shot by Laura Kampman. [Source]

You have to develop a thick skin in an industry like fashion. Do you think being a model has helped you become more confident in yourself and your talents? Has it made you more ambitious? 

For sure. I had to become confident very fast to be able to walk strongly on the catwalk or look strong in pictures. It's all in the eyes. If there is no confidence in the eyes, they won't shine. With that, I also got more confident in my other talents.

“It's scary to let go of control, but the most amazing things come to you when you do.”

Do you get nervous before castings or shoots? How do you deal with the nerves? 

Sometimes I get nervous whenever I want something very bad. To deal with it, I concentrate on my breathing and tell myself that the earth won't burn down [if] I don't get this job. Life goes on. [Laughs]

Photo: Freja Beha Erichsen by Laura Kampman. [Source]

[Laughs] A lot of publications are saying that social media has "changed the modeling game." Do you feel like there is pressure to be active on social media and "brand yourself" a certain way? 

Yep, casting directors and clients look at your social media. It's a very big part of the fashion world. The fastest way of advertising. I don't feel pressure to brand myself, but I feel desire to show my personality to the world and attract people who feel inspired by it and wanna work with me for that. Social media is a great way to find the people you can do collaborations with. In terms of fashion and art.

Does having a creative job ever scare you? Like, with modeling and photography you never really know what's going to happen next. I was talking about this with Louise-- I legit ask everyone. The thing is, I'm really young, and I'm a writer. I'm constantly unsure of everything! Like, not knowing what I'm going to do terrifies me. 

It's scary sometimes but mostly very exciting! Everything can happen! I prefer the unexpected above the expected. It's scary to let go of control, but the most amazing things come to you when you do.

You're from the Netherlands, right? Do you go back home often? 

Yes! I try to go back every three or four months.

What do you like to do? What are some places you like to go when you're home? 

I like to spend time with my family as much as possible, doesn't matter where! That's my main reason to go back home.

Photo: Kelly Mittendorf by Laura Kampman. [Source]

I saw on your site that you have a Rolleiflex camera! It's so beautiful. Do you always shoot with that? 

Thanks!

No problem! 

I change it up. I shoot with my Rolleiflex, my Polaroid landcamera and my Olympus Stylus. All different film cameras.

What has been the most memorable experience in your career so far? 

I had to travel to China for a job and got to bring my best friend. That was an amazing adventure for us. I loved working with Steven Meisel. He let me be my creative self. And [I] always love working with Paolo Roversi. He's a big inspiration for my photography. He taught me to photograph with my heart instead of my eyes.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received? 

Let it be. Live in the moment, and let life surprise you! Never expect anything. Be your inner child.

To see more of Laura's work, visit her site, laurakampman.com or her Instagram @laurakampman.