Check Out Lena Ibarra’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Ibarra.

Hi Lena, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I am Lena Ibarra, a wedding and lifestyle photographer, weaving the tales of love and life through the lens of my camera. My journey in photography is not only a creative pursuit but also a way to capture the essence of meaningful moments. Rooted in the late 1800s and early 1900s, my ancestors embarked on a courageous journey from Scandinavia to the United States, seeking a brighter future. Their resilience and hard work have paved the way for the opportunities I cherish today. 

From a young age, a sense of connection to my heritage beckoned me to explore the rich stories, culture, traditions, and languages of my Scandinavian roots. This calling led me to study Scandinavian Studies and Fine Art at North Park University in Chicago, where my Swedish relatives had also trodden. Armed with a camera, I spent over a decade immersed in the landscapes, fjords, and fika of Stockholm, Sweden, and Oslo, Norway. Eventually, I found my way back to the “Danish Capital of America,” Solvang, California, where I grew up. Through my lens, I aim not just to capture moments but to narrate the tales of our origins, believing that understanding our roots brings a profound sense of wholeness and that these stories are vital for the generations to come. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It wasn’t always a smooth road. Some of my struggles included: – the pressures of getting a higher education, not knowing what I wanted to do or be, just knowing I needed to physically move in that direction (East) 

– moving to a foreign country at 21, learning to speak Norwegian and Swedish fluently 

– fighting for residency permit to stay and work legally in Norway 

– my year as an au pair for a family in Sweden was challenging and isolating, my first year out of college 

– failed relationships, moved many times, started over many times 

– being far from family, familiarity, and home 

– trying to prove myself extra as a “stupid American” in Europe, both in my work and personal life (sadly, it’s a thing!) 

I’ve always had an intuition that often feels like a sixth sense, and I navigate life with a deep trust in my instincts. Though it can be daunting at times, I find solace in the knowledge that by embracing and following my heart, I’ve forged a path uniquely my own. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a wedding and lifestyle photographer as well as a web designer and overall creative. I’m passionate about learning and capturing culture, heritage, and traditions, especially through wedding and lifestyle photography. These are the moments that I dream will be part of people’s stories and memories for generations to come. I am most proud of following my heart, being able to start over and build a life in many cities, 3 different countries, starting my photography business over each time, too. Some of my accomplishments include: teaching an intro to photography course at the adult learning center in Stockholm, Sweden 2012, and documenting other events such as climbing the tallest mountain in northern Europe 2013 and DJ Kygo’s clothing line launch 2016. I am resilient and able to adapt to different places, personalities, cultures, and even languages. I believe this shows respect and care for my fellow man. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lenabrittphotography.com
• Instagram: @lenabrittphotography
• Facebook: @lenabrittphotography

Image Credits
Vestland Fylkeskommune
Lena Britt Photography