Vendor Feature Q&A - Lena Lakoma
Are you a bride that dreams of looking like a fashion model on your big day? If so, then Lena Lakoma is the photographer for you! Lena is a Twin Cities based photographer who specializes in weddings and fashion. She started her career in New York City as a fashion photographer and her work has been featured in Modern Bride, Minnesota Bride, Your Prom, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan and TV Guide. As wedding photography trends have changed the past few years and couples have opened up to new ideas, often looking for fresh, unconventional images, Lena realized she could bring something different and her own aesthetic into the world of weddings. Lena loves working with couples craving a fresh, creative approach and a cinematic, editorial style, with that little bit of drama! Lena loves to bring out the fashion and natural beauty in all of her couples.
Check out what Lena had to say when we reached out to chat!
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHING WEDDINGS?
Weddings bring so much deep meaning into my job as a photographer. It’s incredible how fast a bond is created between me and my couples. We spend the entire day together and I’m there not just to keep my eyes open and document such a momentous and yet intimate time but I’m there to support them, to make them feel comfortable when they worry, to share their amazing joy and to crack a joke when they could use one.
What I also absolutely love is watching my couples relax and gain confidence with every click of the camera during their session. It’s an incredible transformation and it’s all in the eyes and the gestures.
And of course, wow, it is such an honor to photograph people on their most emotional and true day, when they so look fabulous and so happy, to create images that will have them feeling those emotions forever. I love telling those love stories and telling them with the full glamour of the day.
WHAT DIFFERENTIATES YOU FROM OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS?
My wedding work is heavily influenced by my fashion background, my editorial take on fashion and by my fascination with documenting. Fashion shows in posing, the light, the angles, the lenses I use, and even in the way I direct. I don’t spend a lot of time on old, traditional poses. The goal is to make a couple feel glamorous and natural at the same time. Some of my shots may be cinematic, some sweet, some have drama, but they all bring out true personalities and who they are as a unit. Their own brand of love, sexiness, glam or joy. I mix direction and spontaneity to create intimate and organic images. I also really pay attention throughout the day, document, document, document. Last but not least, my editing process is very particular to create that signature look and feel in my images. Each image is handled with lots of care to make sure it reaches its highest potential.
WHERE DO YOU FIND YOUR INSPIRATION AND MOTIVATION?
Each bride, each dress is different. Each couple connects in a different way. With that in mind, I always scout the venue and the area for fun locations before the wedding day. I love to walk around with my camera and think. Would Jen and Chris look cool on that couch? Should I shoot from above? Always looking for interesting angles that lend to a mystery and fit the dynamic of the couple. Should I have them run, have her jump on his back, or should I have them just chill. It’s a process, I like to be alone when I do it. Sometimes a bride or groom will share their ideas; they may want film noir inspired shots or they may send me a vintage Ralph Lauren ad as an inspiration. It can get really exciting, I can play with that concept. But also, it's amazing when they just say: we trust you Lena, do your thing! Engagement sessions are a great way for us to get to know each other before the wedding day so I know their energy when I plan. Within all that planning, once I’m there, I just let things happen, let the dynamic of the couple lead. Some people are goofy and laugh a lot, some are steamy, some are quiet. It all feeds the energy. Last but not least, I absolutely love to hunt for special moments and be invisible. Bride flying a kite, mom wiping off tears or a stolen kiss.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TIME OF YEAR TO SHOOT?
I’m a seasons girl, love change. Fall colors, snowy days, late summer afternoons with long shadows. Love them all.
BESIDES YOUR CAMERA, WHAT IS ONE THING THAT YOU ALWAYS HAVE IN YOUR BAG ON AN EVENT DAY?
A reflector! It will paint beautiful light on my bride’s face, will block hot sun if necessary, will sometimes serve as a picnic blanket for a tired couple and works wonders as an impromptu fan on a hot day!
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT WE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
I have twin boys and the cutest dog named Lulu. I’m Polish not French. I love swimming, high heels and camping in wild places like the Amazon. I like getting flowers more than getting chocolates. I will get dirty to get that amazing shot!
WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE FOR NEWLY ENGAGED COUPLES?
Celebrate that amazing time! If things go crazy, slow down to smell the flowers. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Let your planner take care of you, they will make your day a dream, so you can focus on each other. Take a few private moments away from your guests during your wedding day. Trust your photographer. I promise you, you will look beautiful!
