A Glimpse into the World of Celebrity Photography at Major Events
For decades, the glitz and glam of Hollywood events have mesmerized audiences worldwide. From film premieres to prestigious award ceremonies, celebrities grace the red carpets in stunning couture, unveiling new styles and stories to eager photographers. Witness the magic as photographers capture every moment, showcasing the essence of stardom and fashion evolution.
Over a century ago, theater mogul Sid Grauman first introduced the Hollywood red carpet at the premiere of “Robin Hood” in 1922. Since then, this Tinseltown tradition has seen celebrities attending events like film premieres, festivals, and award ceremonies dressed in high-end fashion, revealing new looks or relationships to the public.
Photographers play a crucial role in capturing these moments, serving as a bridge between celebrities and everyday people. Their work not only influences trends and beauty standards in the present but also creates visual records that will be cherished for years to come. Chelsea Lauren, a photographer with Shutterstock, has been documenting the red carpet scene for almost ten years.
During the first four months of the year, Lauren is busy covering various prestigious awards ceremonies such as the Golden Globes, Emmys, and Grammys. She also attends other industry events like the Costume Design Guild Awards and Independent Spirit Awards. It's a busy and exciting time for her.
VF OSCARS BOOK FINALS JUNE 9, 2023
VF OSCARS BOOK FINALS JUNE 9, 2023
Mark Seliger
Related article
Intimate portraits from a decade ofHollywood’s hottest after-party
Billed as the celebrity event of the year, the Oscars are truly something special. The 900-foot-long red carpet stretches down Hollywood Boulevard and leads into the Dolby Theatre, setting the stage for a night of glitz and glamour.
There's a clear hierarchy to the arrivals at the Oscars. Non-famous attendees take a less central route down the red carpet, while the biggest stars save the grand entrance for last. Even seasoned celebrities like Lauren find the experience overwhelming at times. The atmosphere is buzzing with noise as photographers compete for the attention of stars, calling out their names. Amidst the sea of professional lights, camera flashes go off everywhere as live TV cameras capture every moment.
Lauren shared with CNN that many actors seek her out on the red carpet because it helps them feel more relaxed and secure. The overwhelming experience of being constantly yelled at can be a lot to handle, so some celebrities take a moment to break away from posing and come over to hug her.
After spending years working in the industry, Lauren has built strong relationships with numerous celebrities who now consider her a friend. She mentioned Paris Hilton, whom she photographed at her wedding, as well as singer Janelle Monáe and actor Colman Domingo, who was recently nominated for an Oscar in 2024. Lauren expressed her admiration for Colman, calling him a remarkable and kind-hearted individual, and she is thrilled to see him succeed in his career.
Lauren bonded with actor Daniel Kaluuya (seen here with Timothée Chalamet at the 2018 Oscars) after someone spilt red wine on his suit at a pre Oscars party.
Chelsea Lauren captured this image of singer Janelle Monae at the 2022 Outfest Legacy Awards.
Courtesy Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock
FHKCHX Dark shadows 2012 Helena Bonham Carter Warner Bros Pictures / Collection Christophel
Chelsea Lauren photographed Paris Hilton's bachelorette and wedding.
Courtesy Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock
At the Oscars, not only do the stars shine in their glamorous outfits, but the photographers also need to dress to impress. Unlike other awards shows, there is a strict dress code in place for everyone attending, including those capturing the event: women wear long gowns and men wear suits.
Celebrities are always worried about making fashion mistakes, especially with all the media attention. Lauren shared a memorable experience when she bonded with actor Daniel Kaluuya at a pre-Oscars party. When someone accidentally spilled red wine on his suit, Lauren came to the rescue with a stain remover she had just bought that day. Despite their efforts, they couldn't completely remove the stain. Lauren then helped sneak him out of the party to avoid other photographers noticing. The next day at the Oscars red carpet, Kaluuya pointed at Lauren and called her his "G," showing his gratitude. Lauren cherishes these small moments and believes in treating people with kindness, not just as sources for photos.
Lauren bonded with actor Daniel Kaluuya (seen here with Timothée Chalamet at the 2018 Oscars) after someone spilt red wine on his suit at a pre Oscars party.
Being a red carpet photographer may seem glamorous, but it's not all fun and games. There's a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. Lauren mentions that one of the challenges is having to remember the names of the countless celebrities who walk by her camera. Additionally, she has to make sure she captures a variety of shots of each person.
Lauren's assignment for the Oscars changes every year. In the past, she has shot the show, executive arrivals, or the afterparty. This year, she will only be shooting arrivals because she has to catch a plane the next morning for another photography job at South by Southwest. She joked, "Maybe I'll get some sleep once that's done."
Although Lauren has a warm personality and a talent for photography, her career as a celebrity photographer started as a hobby. Growing up in the suburbs of LA, she also worked as a child actor, but now prefers being "celebrity adjacent." She shared with CNN, "When I was younger, my grandparents gave me a nice camera, and I took it everywhere." After building a strong portfolio, Lauren applied for a job at an agency. She proudly recalls, "I brought in a big book of photos, all old-school, and just plopped it down." Lauren worked at the agency for seven years before being hired by Shutterstock.
FHKCHX Dark shadows 2012 Helena Bonham Carter Warner Bros Pictures / Collection Christophel
Warner Bros Pictures/Collection Christophel/Alamy Stock Photo
Related article
Meet Lauren, the woman who assists actors in getting into character through a unique approach. From the beginning of her career, she has witnessed significant changes. Initially, she stood out as one of the few women on the red carpet. In fact, she recalls being part of only 30 percent of the press pack, surrounded by much older men.
Lauren expressed her dislike for conflict, recalling how other photographers would often try to assert dominance over her during events. She vividly remembered instances where they would claim their territory and dictate where she could or could not go. Despite this, she now stands her ground firmly, refusing to be pushed around. Reflecting on the past, she wished she had been more assertive in those situations.
In recent times, there has been a noticeable shift in the gender balance among photographers, with a closer split of 50/50. This change has brought about positive developments at events, according to Lauren. She has observed a shift in behavior, with certain unacceptable actions becoming less common. This transformation has created a more inclusive and welcoming environment for women in the industry. Lauren also highlighted the increasing diversity in general, which she views as a wonderful progression.
Lauren has been capturing photos of the stars for more than 15 years, yet she remains humble. She expressed her gratitude for being surrounded by the most creative, talented, and beautiful individuals in the world. Despite getting caught up in the day-to-day work, she emphasized the importance of taking a step back and realizing the privilege of having a dream job.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides an intriguing glimpse into the glamorous world of red carpet photography and the experiences of Chelsea Lauren, a renowned photographer who has captured the essence of Hollywood's biggest events for almost a decade. It highlights the intricate relationship between celebrities and photographers, where Lauren serves as a bridge between the stars and the public, documenting their fashion choices, new looks, and personal moments.
The article also delves into the challenges and rewards of being a red carpet photographer, from having to memorize countless celebrity names to dealing with the pressure of capturing the perfect shot amidst the chaos of the event. Lauren's anecdotes reveal the human side of the industry, where she has built strong relationships with celebrities and witnessed significant changes in gender balance and diversity over the years. Her passion for photography and her ability to treat people with kindness and respect have made her a sought-after photographer in the entertainment industry. beauty and privilege found in capturing the moments that define Hollywood's red carpet legacy.
