1. What is the mission of LSB?

• HANNAH O: Let’s Shoot: Boston is a collective of WOMXN who collaborate at monthly social events focused on photography, fashion and art. Our mission is to create a safe space for photographers, models, stylists, and creatives to network and collaborate. We aim to empower the womxn of our community to create, to give back, and to have each others’ backs. Our photo meets are a place for womxn to express themselves, to work toward a common cause, and to form new relationships.

• LAUREN: LSB is an inclusive womxn-only space, and our intention is to create an open atmosphere where womxn can practice their skills free of judgment. Our events are primarily photoshoot based and can be very personal, so we ask that our members trust and recognize each other for their artistic abilities and individual voices. Womxn’s groups have always been questioned, receiving scrutiny for being “sexist” in their exclusion of men, and LSB is no different. Many times, the LSB mods have been prescribed to run our events “regardless of gender”. We find these comments problematic, especially concerning recent media coverage of scandal in the industry and the cases surrounding Terry Richardson and Harvey Weinstein. We want our community to know that LSB won’t be backing down from our mission and that we stand strong with members of sexual assault.

2.  What is your vision for LSB, and what is in store for the future of LSB?

• HANNAH O: Historically, the photography and modeling industries have used womxn and their bodies as tools of artistic expression. We feel that it’s time to change this narrative and disrupt the industry with our strong perspective. LSB is a platform for our community to share a united message: that we are diverse in our backgrounds, skin tones, body shapes, religions, sexual orientations and so much more.

• LAUREN: Due to this, it should come as no surprise that we lead this group with a heavy nod to intersectional feminism, and this is very intentional. By hosting these events, LSB stands in active protest against putting womxn “in a box” and our individual members stand against the limitation of their creative voices by society.

• HANNAH O: When we think about the future of LSB, we think a lot about giving back to the community. We feature a new charity each month, directing all proceeds from our ticket sales directly to the organization. We have raised donations in the name of Black Lives Matter – Charlottesville, Mira Coalition, Dress For Success, and Community Servings. We will continue to position this community around giving back, and we hope to  support more womxn-focused charitable causes in the future.
  
  

• LAUREN: Recently, we also started partnering with womxn owned businesses in order to promote their products, which in turn promotes our community members and builds their portfolios. Our November event with Recollective Vintage was a huge hit, and we aim to offer opportunities like this to our community as often as possible. We have a few tricks up our sleeves, so stay tuned for upcoming event invitations featuring more local businesses. If you’re a small business owner in Boston, please reach out to partner with us. We’d love to hear from you!

3. How has LSB empowered you both?

• HANNAH O: LSB has empowered me greatly this past year not only as a photographer but as a feminist. We are tasked with operating this community from a place of trust and respect, and I feel that we uphold this to the highest degree. It means a lot that our members come back each month to collaborate in the space we have created, and that feels so powerful.
  
  

• LAUREN: To me, LSB is proof that a small idea can become so much more through the supporting arms of your community. Our first meet was in August, and since then we have grown to over 1100 followers on Instagram and 250 active community members who purchase tickets to our events, share their images, and promote our creatives. There is power in the group and in what we are doing, and it’s been amazing to see it grow.

4. Where is your favorite place to take photos in Boston?

• HANNAH O: I’m happiest when I’m wandering around and exploring new places. Nothing makes me happier than setting foot at a new location and having my camera right by my side. Because of this, I don’t really have a favorite spot I like to shoot in Boston. Instead, I like to create a feeling wherever I go and take that space for that it is, experimenting along the way.
  
  

• LAUREN: When I shoot, I like to be surrounded by positivity and other forms of artistic inspiration. I love finding new murals, busy areas in town with a lot of motion, and places that feel have electricity or a “spark” about them. I’m also very drawn to water and the elements, so shooting in nature is always a plus. My favorite place to shoot is in a collaborative space where artists can be truly open with one another and respect each others’ visions. I think that being able to find that balance is important.

5. About the mods:

HANNAH O: I’m originally from Northampton, MA and I’m currently studying at Northeastern University here in Boston. When I graduate my goal is to become an international portrait photographer. Three fun facts about me:

• I’m currently on co-op as a photography assistant at Elevin Studios

• I work for a photo booth company @poseyphotos that specializes in custom design photo booths

• My dog’s name is Big Papi

Hannah O

LAUREN: I’m a creative at heart with major entrepreneurial passions. In addition to working at a startup in Boston, I host LSB events with Hannah, model actively, and am also an avid cook and baker. Three fun facts about me:

• In my spare time I have been doing creative production for a food zine (@sundayisforbrunch), with the first issue slated to be released in January 2018!

• Tyra Banks once posted my selfie on her feed and said I had #WhatItTakes to be on ANTM!

• I have a black cat named Icarus who I call my familiar

•