Talking Frames 23 Laura Pannack Exploring Empathy and Connection in Portraiture
Oct 31, 2025
Laura Pannack, an award-winning British photographer, dives deep into her journey through portraiture that explores youth, vulnerability, and human connection. She reveals how creating safe environments and using silence help cultivate authenticity in her subjects. The conversation highlights her acclaimed project 'The Journey Home from School,' rich with nostalgia. Laura discusses the importance of trust, long-term relationships, and how she navigates the balance between artistic growth and public perception, making each portrait a collaborative exchange.
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Finding Photography Felt Like Falling In Love
- Laura describes the moment photography clicked during her foundation course when a teacher told her she had "an eye."
- She compares it to falling in love and says she became addicted and certain photography was her lifelong path.
Storytelling Beyond Frontline Drama
- Laura realized storytelling didn’t require frontline conflict to be powerful.
- She shifted to portraiture because human connection can carry universal stories without parachuting into crises.
Learn By Assisting Deliberately
- Assist widely to learn practical skills, client relations, and long-term project workflows.
- Use assisting to pick technical lessons selectively and absorb how to market and sustain photographic work.
