Tastemakers

Q&A with Tastemaker Lindsey Belle

December 15, 2013

Get to know photographer, mother, and Bu Ru Tastemaker, Lindsey Belle, in this exclusive Q&A.

BR: What do you love most about being a mom?

LB: I love that I see the world with new eyes. Stella notices the small things and gets so excited about everything. I really look at everything differently and appreciate so many things that I never noticed before. For instance, I used to not take much interest in NYC (New York City) pigeons, but since she loves them so much, I find myself seeking them out on the streets to show her!

BR: What is the number one way in which motherhood has changed you?

LB: Motherhood has changed my priorities. I love having a career that allows me to be with her all the time. It is so important to me to watch her grow up and to do my best to teach and influence her.

BR: Did you breastfeed your daughter? Why or why not?

LB: Yes, I breastfed Stella until she was 18 months old. Nursing Stella was relatively easy for me and so convenient and healthy.

BR: You've said that you "don't photograph pretty people," you photograph "people." What does that mean and why is that important to you?

LB: I always get asked if I only shoot pretty people. I am always shocked when I hear that because I don't define people by their physical beauty but rather their inner beauty and character. People on my blog are beautiful because they are happy; they are laughing and in love with their families. Beauty to me is happiness and laughter. I think people think my images are beautiful because they are full of real emotion.

BR: Why is movement so important to you in your photographs?

LB: Life is so full of motion. When I shoot people, I typically shoot them doing what they love with the people they love, and we have fun! We run around and laugh a lot. Movement is definitely a major part of my sessions.

BR: You've said that places and magazines inspire you and that you enjoy learning new photography techniques. Specifically, what places and magazines inspire you? Why?

LB: Living in New York City is such an inspiration in itself. I try to visit museums as often as possible. I love to walk around the city and just watch people. And I love to meet with my friends. I get inspiration just from being around my creative and talented friends!

BR: What is your favorite subject to shoot and why? (I.e., fashion, couples, children, etc.)

LB: I love photographing people and every shoot is so different. But if I had to pick my favorite subject, I think it would be children. Children are so real and so honest and so energetic.

BR: Has becoming a mother changed or influenced your photography style at all? Why or why not?

LB: Yes, definitely. I now look for the little things that parents love most about their children when I am photographing them. The perfect smile isn't always the best image. My goal is to capture the child's personality and their connection with their family. Now that I am a mom, it is a lot more emotional to see the connections that parents have with their children.

BR: During and after your pregnancy, what was your day-to-day style? Did you ever wear maternity clothes during or after your pregnancy?

LB: During and after my pregnancy I focused mostly on comfort. But I didn't want to feel sloppy. I search out fashionable clothes that are flattering and comfortable. I mostly wear jeans and sweaters with boots.

I barely ever wore maternity clothes except for a few leggings and jeans. I just bought bigger sweaters, vests, shirts, and tanks instead of buying typical maternity wear.

BR: What are your five favorite pieces from your Bu Ru Tastemaker's Sale and why do they work in your mommy lifestyle?

LB: I am obsessed with the Rebecca Minkoff purple leather pants, the Townsen black and white slouchy pants, and the Tucker pants. They are all so comfortable and easy to dress up or down. You can pair them with a simple tee for day or a fancier sweater and top for night. Hunter Bell's polly dress is insanely awesome. It is perfect for a night out and is so different! And the Tucker pod coats are just gorgeous and cozy for winter!

(To view any of the items listed above, click on the designer.)

BR: What are your five favorite baby products? Why?

LB: Where to start? There are so many amazing products! These are a few of my absolute must-haves:

Mustela Vitamin Barrier Cream: It's the best cream and prevents a diaper rash.
Bonpoint Baby Alcohol-Free Perfume: It smells amazing and I love spraying it on Stella's clothes.
Honest Conditioning Mist: I spray it on Stella's hair after the bath and just love how it keeps her hair frizz-free!
The Laundress Baby Detergent: What a smell and it keeps all the beautiful baby clothes so clean.
7am Enfant 212 Evaluation Blanket and Warmmuffs: I couldn't survive the winter in NYC without these beautiful and cozy stroller accessories– definitely a must-have!