Laura Jane Photography

For those that know me, they know I love Spain!

I’ve studied flamenco and traveled across the country as often as I could in an attempt to learn more of its culture.

Perhaps it stems from when I was a little girl;  my dad had a Matador poster from his tour through Spain.  It always intrigued and haunted me.

For the last three years I have been wanting to photograph this strange Spanish icon;  part celebrity, part royalty, wrapped in mystery, and of course, controversy.

It’s extremely difficult for a foreign photographer to gain access, especially now when the Bullfight is being banned in parts of Spain.

But I did not want to focus on the bullfight …

I wanted to see the man behind the mythology, the rich and intricate details of his process as he built his persona.

After many months of emails and phone calls, strokes of good luck, and the help of great friends, it finally happened!

After driving (and getting lost!) through endless dusty olive groves, we arrived to meet a  smiling and regal young man who spoke no english (and I almost no Spanish). He  graciously shared with us his very private process; dressing, preparing, and praying before a Corrida.

We did the shoot in his home, his mother and Mozo (assistant) present.  Peeking from the doorway, his mother witnessed her son’s intimate ritual for the first time, and was moved to tears by the intensity and deep spirituality  as he prepared to face danger.

These are a few photos of Rafael Castellanos. He’s a 20 year old Torero, from Castilla la Mancha, Spain.

In this business people are always asking us to define our style in words.

As an artist, it’s hard to define yourself. You just see how you see and do what you naturally do.

You can compare yourself to other artists and other work, looking for the differences, but it often seems elusive.

Last week I was commissioned to photograph my client’s daughter’s ballet class, to document this memory and this time in her life. Amazing!

The school was wonderful and chaotic. Dozens of 6 year olds zooming, twirling , giggling.

I automatically go into photography-mode.

I’m crouching on the floor, or pressed up against a wall in the corner to get the shot I see, the shot I want.

In the end, while looking through the photos, I had to laugh at a moment of self-realization…

The photos I came away with were  zen-like, clean, and quiet images. Details and intimate gestures. As if the room were still.

Finding grace in chaos.

Each subject alone in their beautiful world, owning the camera with their own uniqueness.

New website is finally launched ! It can be difficult or sometimes impossible to find the time to work on these more personal projects. So, when they  get done, it’s satisfying like a much needed haircut or cleaning out your storage.

I’ve decided to change things up and combine my two sites. Weddings and personal/commissioned work sit side by side now…and there is lots more to come!

I’d like to thank Russell at junctionj for his technical savvy and Megan Hunt of Ampers and Aster for her always clean and gorgeous design!