WorkPhotography

Lauren Tepfer's photographs capture what it's like to grow up in American suburbia

Setanta Books has just released its latest bi-monthly publication, 006 by Lauren Tepfer, as part of an ongoing collaboration with Open Doors Gallery, a platform that looks to support and highlight emerging and early career photographic artists.

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A lone figure in white stands in an empty suburban car park at dusk, with illuminated storefronts and street lights against a purple and orange sky

In this sixth issue, we're introduced to Lauren Tepfer, a 21-year-old photographer and director living and working in New York City. Having grown up in southern New Jersey, Lauren is particularly adept at capturing the essence of a teenager living in suburbia. She first began shooting portraits of her friends and family at the age of 13 and has since developed an evolving body of work.

Lauren has had her photo work exhibited in both Los Angeles and NYC and her films screened in the Big Apple, too. She is currently studying at Parsons School of Design where she is pursuing a BFA in photography. "Growing up with a creative mind in the boundaries of a town populated by less than 7,000, I’ve learned to create my own magic and nurture it myself," says Lauren.

Suburban street at dusk with illuminated houses, a stop sign, mature trees and empty road under purple twilight sky
A figure lies face-down on a red-toned floor beside a glowing orange table lamp in a dimly lit room

She adds: "To me, capturing my suburban surroundings in photographic form is like a digital love letter. I connect most to genuine and intimate settings and I feel that small towns are where most of that energy blossoms from. Aside from giving me good feelings, I hope that my suburban narratives can provide comfort for those growing up feeling lonely or unaccounted for."

Lauren Tepfer joins five other photographers in the series by Open Doors Gallery and Setanta Books, which was a project borne out of the chaos of 2020. So far, we've also seen the work Hollie Fernando, a British photographer and director based in Brighton, and Michael McCluskey, whose art "uncovers hidden layers in the mundane". There is a lot to explore over at setantabooks.com.

Nick & Joe's Pizza storefront glowing with neon signs in vibrant pink and red lighting at night
Close-up portrait of a young person's face lit in cool blue tones, gazing directly ahead with a contemplative expression
Suburban street at night bathed in green light with fireworks exploding above houses and trees, captured by Lauren Tepfer
Neon red bowling pin sign glowing above a shuttered roadside bowling alley at dusk, with parked cars and bare trees visible in the suburban landscape
Person in neon pink and red clothing floating against a dark blue and purple gradient background
A white house and utility pole illuminated in red light at dusk on a suburban street with a traffic light and bare trees in the background
Silhouette of a hand pressed against an illuminated yellow door with six panels, viewed through a circular mirror frame against a dark wall
Miniature illuminated house with blue roof nestled in grass and wildflowers, evoking a dreamlike suburban scene
Silhouetted figure with windswept hair reaching towards a crescent moon in a twilight sky with purple and pink clouds
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