Jess Lagrange, Unraveled | An Interview
Jess Lagrange of Walking Between Mountains, is a wife, mother, and photographic artist currently living in the New Orleans area. Her work is a mix of documentary and lifestyle photography with a focus on authentic moments and genuine connection.
For more inspiration from Jess:
Instagram | Website
You can now learn from Jess in the Academy in her lesson, IPS for Documentary and Lifestyle Photographers. If you are not already a member, join our community today and gain access to hundreds of lessons, courses and videos!
Here is Jess, Unraveled…
What inspires your art?
I constantly find inspiration in the depth of human emotion. From immense sadness to immeasurable joy and all the nuances in-between. Something I talk a lot about in my work is the beauty of the “extraordinary every day”, and how those little and often overlooked things turn out to be the most precious and fleeting. I’m inspired to help others see these moments within their own lives in a new light.
What do you shoot with? Camera body and favorite lens?
I shoot with both a Nikon D810 and a Sony S7riii. A 35 1.4 typically lives on the Nikon and a 24-70 2.8 on the Sony.
What other ways do you express your creativity?
Through writing. It’s always been through writing.
How do you de-stress at the end of the day?
It’s honestly usually with a glass of wine and/or a good book.
What kind of music do you listen to while editing?
Most of the time I edit in silence. I’ve never thought about why before. I like to drive in silence too...a lot of my best ideas and thoughts come to me when I’m doing something somewhat monotonous in silence.
What is your favorite book?
Currently, it’s “The Artist’s Way”...but I have many many favorite books.
Name one movie that inspires you.
I don’t watch a lot of movies. I’m definitely more of a book person. I can’t even think of the last movie I watched that wasn’t a kid movie. I like documentaries and sappy love stories.
How do you handle self-doubt or creative slumps?
I get self-doubt almost immediately after every session. I think it’s all crap. Then I go back a few days later and start to love the images again. The thing that helps me the most with self-doubt is to focus on what my work ends up meaning to the people I do it for.
What has been the most difficult part of your creative journey?
It’s not been an easy road for sure! Finding my true voice has been the slowest part of the process. Learning to shoot through my own vision and not what I THINK my clients want. That, and learning how to run a successful business!
Who is one of your favorite photographers?
Gabe McClintock has always been a fave (plus he’s a really nice dude in person). I also love The Kitcheners work, and of course discovering all of you amazing artists in the Unraveled community!
