A bit about Laura..

I come from a small village in Kent and my photography is heavily influenced by where I grew up. When I first started taking photographs I really admired social documentary photographers Martin Parr and Tony-Ray Jones. I would say that I always try to connect with whomever it is that I'm shooting and try to convey a sense of their personality in my photographs. When I got into fashion photography I still took the same approach in my work - shooting people in their home environment with a very anti-fashion aesthetic. I learnt to shoot on film but work more with a digital now as it is more practical.

If you could photograph one celeb who would it be and why?

It would probably be Adele - I love her new album and really admire her style and attitude - I think she really stands out in the music industry as being down to earth and she has such a classic, timeless look.

Where is your favorite place to go and why?

I love being at home in Hackney and going for a walk to Broadway Market on a Saturday morning. The best place I have ever been was Mexico - I love the culture and the bright bold colours everywhere. It's a very uplifting and special place for me - I would love to go back and work on a portrait project.

My most recent shoot was a test shoot with model Tatiana at D1 models. I worked with Anna Singleton whose collection was the starting point - my friend Ellie Gill did makeup and hair. I tend to work a lot in all girl teams or sometimes just the model and myself.

The book 'Not In Fashion' by Mark Borthwick inspired the shoot- we also love the Jil Sander adverts shot by Willy Vanderperre. We wanted to create a series of images that were very clean and simple, channeling 90's minimalism.

photographer / Laura McCluskey

www.lauramccluskey.4ormat.com

Olivia Richardson

Last week the Because team went to the launch of Lacoste's new brand - L!VE. Set in an east london basement, the venue was packed with fashion and music enthusiasts all celebrating the launch of the diffusion line. The LED dance floor and oversized bright balloons, set the tone for a debaucherous evening. And with live pictures of the event being projected around the venue, the night started as it meant to go on.

Last week the Because girls went to the annual fundraiser for the Whitechapel Gallery in partnership with TOD'S, and supported by Harper's Bazaar. The evening proved more than a success, raising over £225,000 of vital funds for the gallery's Education and Community program which helps over 3,000 children a year. The array of high profile guest included Whitechapel Gallery Director Iwona Blazwick, Tod's President and Owner Diego Dalle Valle, and Harpers Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Lucy Yeomans as well as Lara Bohinc, Johnny Borrell and George Lamb. All the guests were treated to an evening full of dramatic performances which celebrated the unique fusion of art and drama. With the opportunity to also bid on a one-off TOD'S D-bag specially customised by Ian Davenport in his trademark lines of multi-coloured print... As luck had it we didn't win the one of a kind bag, but we have high hopes for next year!

Jessica Trendle