Elin Spring
About
Elin Spring (https://www.whatwillyouremember.com/) is Founder & Editor of the online photography review magazine, What Will You Remember? and a contributing writer to other magazines and exhibition catalogs. She regularly juries photography competitions such as Critical Mass and The FENCE and conducts portfolio reviews at national photography festivals. Along with Associate Editor Suzanne Révy, Elin co-curates exhibits in Boston-area galleries and in Viewfinder, the popular WWYR? feature of themed image ensembles. Each of these endeavors offers an opportunity to discover and highlight remarkable work in WWYR?. In 2014, Elin’s photography writing was recognized with a Scribe FOCUS Award from the Griffin Museum of Photography. Before concentrating full-time on WWYR?, for over two decades she specialized in professional portraiture in and around Boston. Elin earned her bachelor’s degree from Brown University and Ph.D. in Neuroscience from University of Pennsylvania.
Elin Spring
LACP asks Elin Spring ten questions about their background, career in and beliefs about writing.
Los Angeles Center of Photography: What kind of writer are you?
Elin Spring: My favorite form of writing is analytical reviews of fine art photography in clear, conversational language. However, I draw inspiration and ideas from reading fiction.
LACP: How long have you been writing?
ES: Founding What Will You Remember? in 2012 constitutes my third profession and a different mode of written expression for me, but I have been writing published pieces in various genres since high school.
LACP: Where did you get your training?
ES: I am still in training, every time I edit a piece. However, my formal education occurred at Brown University in Providence, R.I. and at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia.
LACP: When did you know you wanted to devote your life to writing?
ES: I would not say that I devote my life to writing, but rather to encouraging photographic artists and audiences through my written expressions of interest and support.
LACP: Did you ever come close to giving up?
ES: This seems like asking if I am human! Of course, there are times I become discouraged, but usually a good night’s sleep and some kind words turn me around.
LACP: Have you sacrificed anything by being a writer?
ES: I don’t think so.
LACP: What have you gained by being a writer?
ES: Writing gratifies me intellectually and emotionally and it is an indescribable joy to experience the appreciation and recognition I receive from artists and the photographic community.
LACP: What classes do you teach at LACP?
ES: “Writing About Your Photography” Workshop
LACP: What do you love most about teaching?
ES: Helping someone discover and develop skills that do not come easily to them has an addictive quality for me.
LACP: What advice would you give someone who is thinking about making a career in writing?
ES: Follow your passion. Work hard, take chances, and prepare for good luck. The right path will reveal itself. I think this is true for whatever career you choose.