I recently had the pleasure to sit down and talk with local Charleston photographer, Diana Lauderdale. Not only is she an incredibly talented photographer, but she thinks outside the box, by taking her photography “off the wall.” With a variety of products from distressed wood blocks to leather cuffs all decorated with her photos, she offers an array of ways to portray her work. (I personally have a suede cuff with the “SOUTH” image, I absolutely love it!) I hope y’all enjoy this small insight into the life of Diana Lauderdale as much as I did.

Q: What is your background?

A: I am a first generation American and grew up in the Mohave desert in California. I think this was the start of inspiration for my photography in the sense that I am first, proud to be an American and second, that there is no mystery in the desert. I love things that are Americana and I try to make my images simple in a way that they are not mysterious. They are what they are.

Q: How did you get into art/ photography?

A: I am self taught and in fact I primarily use the same camera that I started with over 10 years ago. I was inspired to teach myself how to take great pictures and use my camera after I went through some major life changes and was looking for a new lifestyle.

Q: Why Charleston?

A: I ended up in Charleston for family, (I am raising my daughter here.) It has ended up being a great place for me in regards to finding inspiration for my photography. I love what the South has to offer.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration?

A: The land, the dirt, the people….I like to observe what people do and how they live, in the real world. I am also drawn to all things vintage. I guess this is where I ended up with one of my main concepts of “Vintage Americana.” I find great sources for this in old signs, typography, cars, and the country.

Q: Who are your influences?

A: Margaret Burke White and Danny Lion. I am also a huge fan of strong American literature. I am a book collector and love to read about how the “soil of America was created.”

As you can tell, Diana is a huge fan of America, which we thought was only appropriate to feature her the week of July 4th. Diana’s photos and products (keep an eye out for new products coming soon,) are available at:

• The Charleston Farmer’s Market every Saturday
• Indigo (Downtown)
• Moon Drops (West Ashley)
• Mellow Mood (Mount Pleasant)
• Got the Goods (Polly’s Island)

Postcard worthy is a collection of postcards or postcard worthy photos we have stumbled upon. See more