Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Galasko
Hi Lena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My photography journey didn’t follow a traditional path. Growing up in a small town in Latvia, I was taught that success meant following a set formula: do well in school, earn a university degree, and secure a job in that field. While I engaged in creative activities like playing piano, dancing, and collaging, it never occurred to me that a creative career could be more than just a hobby.
After completing two years of high school in Latvia, I decided to take a risk of a year-long high school exchange program in Ohio. I was so inspired by the opportunities in US that I ended up taking additional classes and graduating a year earlier than planned. This experience opened my eyes to new culture and possibilities, including moving to California to study International Business at a University—a bold move at the time, as most kids from my hometown stayed close to home. My family took a significant risk supporting my journey at such a young age, and I am forever grateful for their encouragement.
Despite academic pursuits during college, I constantly sought creative outlets. Living close to LA, I dabbled in modeling, but quickly learned that I felt more creatively drawn to the work happening on the other side of the camera. The attention to details, great composition and the way a great photographer made me feel empowered fascinated me and stayed with me even as I moved on from modeling.
After graduating college, I found myself working at several startups in the tech industry. While these experiences were often interesting, they lacked the creative spark I craved. After enduring multiple layoffs as one of the newest hires, I was fortunate to land a position at olloclip, a startup specializing in mobile lens photography. This opportunity proved pivotal for my growth as a photographer. At olloclip, I eagerly embraced the chance to use the product, taking my iPhone 4S and olloclip lenses everywhere—whether I was walking my dog or hiking with friends. This practice ignited my creativity and deepened my curiosity about the technical aspects of photography.
To further support our interest in photography, olloclip generously provided used DSLR cameras, allowing me to transition from mobile photography to working with a “big camera.” My passion for photography, the lessons I learned, and the experimentation with mobile lenses fueled my determination as I moved on when the company got sold. When faced with another round of layoffs at the next tech job, I chose to follow my true passion instead and start my own photography business.
Through my camera, I’ve traveled the world, capturing unique and beautiful moments in people’s lives. I take pride in helping others tell their stories and express themselves. Working with fellow female entrepreneurs has been particularly rewarding, as I’ve been able to capture the essence of their businesses through their personalities captured on camera.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My career as a photographer hasn’t been a smooth journey. However, experiencing layoffs early on prepared me for the entrepreneurial life. I’ve come to realize that even when following a traditional, proven path, there are no guarantees. So, I decided to take a chance on something I truly love—photography.
One of the key factors that has helped me through tough times is the creative community I’ve built around myself. Instead of competing, we choose to support, inspire, and uplift one another, even when we work in similar fields. I firmly believe in the power of community over competition.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
While I have been a part of various creative photography projects, I take pride in capturing unique details, candid moments, and compelling stories the most. I love helping my clients feel at ease, bringing out their uniqueness during our shoots. I particularly enjoy the challenge of working with clients who claim to dislike having their picture taken but end up loving the results of our sessions together—those transformations are always beautiful.
One of my proudest moments came early in my journey when I took photos at a friend’s wedding using my iPhone. Afterward, she told me she preferred my images to those of the professional photographer she had hired. In that moment, I realized I possessed something truly unique: an ability to tell stories through my lens and capture details that others might overlook. My friends affectionately dubbed it the “Lena angle.”
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support me as a photographer is to share my work with anyone who resonates with it or might know someone who would appreciate it. There’s nothing more powerful than word of mouth for small business growth. Once we’ve worked together, it brings me immense joy to see my images being posted, printed, shared, and simply enjoyed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lenagalaskophotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenagalaskophotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LenaGalaskoPhotography
