Artist Statement

For me, being a photographer is the natural derivative of being an observer. I am relating to and understanding the world around me, which allows me to be present and capture the one moment that makes a good photograph. Having always had a special connection with animals, I now have an opportunity to give them a voice before it’s too late. My goal is to capture what I see in their eyes, then interpret that into clear and compelling portraits that speak straight to the viewer. This series entitled “Obsolescence” is a black and white photographic narrative that brings awareness to earth’s incredible creatures, many of whom may become extinct within my lifetime. “Obsolescence” focuses on an intimate conversation between the animal and the viewer, enabling them to identify with and recognize the plight of each animal.

Artist Process

My process begins with a partnership with zoos that have animals ranked on the IUCN Red List with a status of near threatened to critically endangered in the wild. Until quite recently, I had an uninformed disdain for zoos. I felt they capitalized on the animals plucked from the wild and stuck into cages. Well, that couldn’t be farther from the truth; and it is that truth that put me on this journey.

Zoos are completely focused on the conservation and restoration of species. The goal of contemporary zoos is to balance the value of conservation with the welfare needs of the animals. The majority of animals you see at the zoo today were actually born there and therefore don’t have any other world to compare to. The other majority are the injured animals rescued from the wild that cannot be returned there due to the injury.

Most of my time is spent learning from the zookeepers about each of the animals they work with. Animals must be healthy and feel safe and happy in order to create more life. Zookeepers are the key to that. The roll of a keeper is so very important and it isn’t glamorous, it doesn’t pay much and is really hard work. I have seen the way these animals respond to their keepers; they LOVE them and the feeling is absolutely mutual.

Once I get to meet one of the animals you see featured in my photographs, it begins with a conversation I have with that animal before ever picking up my camera. I tell them who I am and that the reason I am there is to tell the world their story. Having always had a special connection with animals, I know pretty quickly if they want to participate or not and if they don’t, I never push it. But if they do… well, you see the result. I never use a flash because I will never stress an animal for the sake of the shot which is why I shoot black and white, it’s much more forgiving in low-light situations. The eye contact is everything to me for this project because I believe the animal in some way understands my message and is absolutely present with me in that moment. My goal is to capture what I see in their eyes, then interpret that into clear and compelling images that speak straight to the viewer.

This series entitled “Obsolescence” is a black and white photographic narrative that brings awareness to earth’s incredible creatures, many of whom may likely become extinct within my lifetime. “Obsolescence” focuses on an intimate moment between the animal and the viewer, enabling them to identify with and recognize the plight of each animal.

See more of Lauren’s work by clicking on the links below:

Website: https://www.laurenchambers.com

Facebook: @lauren.uhlchambers

Instagram: @laurenchambers_wildlife