Today we’d like to introduce you to Lina Takeuchi.
Lina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I moved to NEW YORK in 2017 from TOKYO to pursue my photography career. I was a freelance photo assistant in TOKYO before I came to NEW YORK and I learned a lot from many photographers. Then, I was ready to start on my own but TOKYO was not the place I can picture myself working in TOKYO anymore.
I did not know anyone in NEW YORK but I got connected with people (thanks to NEW YORK MAGIC) and I am still here in New York and feel a lot freer to express myself in any way I would like to express.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have experienced the very strict world of photo assistant world in the photo industry in TOKYO, after living in CA for 10 years. The adjustment was very difficult for me but somehow I made it and met many beautiful people who taught me a lot of value in life.
Then, New York welcomed me with the ups and downs of challenging waves including dealing with the weather. I have lost a job, worked at a restaurant for a few months, and the pandemic has hit…
But all of these experiences have built me into the most comfortable place I am in now.
Ironically, the pandemic has taught me to be free of doing what I feel right about and keep believing in what you are doing.
I would say the discipline, patients, and attention to detail from my assisting days and all the struggles that I encountered in New York have helped me to survive in NYC.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a freelance photographer, curator, collaborator, and more. I am very proud to say that I am where I am now. I do not want to limit myself to one title. We are all born to do what makes us happy. I worked hard to find what makes me happy. Photography was my first language but I am learning to be open to trying different ways to express my vision in many different ways. This has led me to many new projects that I never thought of doing.
I love finding shine in people and making collaborations happen. That is my strength and what sets me apart.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
You are not in control of anything else but yourself. Let things be the way they are and flow through them.
Contact Info:
- Website: linatakeuchi.com
- Instagram: linatakefoto
Image Credits
Photography | Lina Takeuchi @linatakefoto Styling | Melissa Melardo @_vision_me_ Model Ovo Drenth @itsovodrenth MUA | Shoko Sawatari @shokomakeup Stylist Assistant | @gods_hidden_treasures Photographer: LinaTakeuchi @linatakefoto Model: Tian-Yi Chang @tianyinyc Agency: EMG Models @emg_models Model: Honglin @honglinliii Photography | Lina Takeuchi @linatakefoto Styling | Rikiya Ogura @rikiya_ogura Model | Meisha Brooks @meishabrooks MUA | Shoko Sawatari @shokomakeup Hair | Kiyo @kiyotaka_tsutsumi
