Today we’d like to introduce you to the talented Lauren Lukacek.
Lauren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was young I used to always carry a camera around with me. I was lucky enough to grow up in a home where my creativity was nourished and encouraged. In high school, I continued my exploration of art and carried that over into college. I received a B.A. in Art History and a B.S. in Photography from Kent State University before digital photography was affordable. After graduating I assisted and then started my own business. I moved to Los Angeles just over two years ago and have finally begun to build up my client base. I recently started helping with the Free People California Instagram account. It’s been so fun creating content for them.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been an incredibly crazy ride. When I graduated the housing crash was taking its toll on the economy so a full-time job was not really an option for me. I took a part-time job at a restaurant, took photo gigs when I could, and traveled once a month for three years. Eventually, I started getting booked as a production assistant on film and commercial shoots. I also dabbeled in craft service and location scouting, which came in handy when I started shooting stylized portraits. Convincing people to pay me for my talent and skills has been the biggest challenge.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and career?
I think a little bad luck hit my career hard when I graduated. I graduated in the summer of 2007… When the housing market crashed and the job market took a dive. I didn’t have a choice except to work part time and hustle when I could.
Is there a quality or characteristic that has played an outsized role in your success?
I think my creativity has been most important. If I didn’t have that I’d probably be up the creek without a paddle.
What do you love about our city and what do you dislike?
I love that there are beaches and mountains and a vast array of people. There’s so much energy. What I like least it’s how crowded it is and how unnecessarily competitive everything had become.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://laurensquared.com
- Phone: 630-989-9097
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @l2photo
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/LSquaredphoto/
