Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Lauri Novak of Elgin, IL

Lauri Novak shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Lauri, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’ve always been one to wander, both in life and my work. You never know where wandering can lead. Wandering also allows me not to get stuck in one moment, in one genre of photographic work or hung up on something that I can’t seem to finish unless I head in another direction. I do not see wandering as a lack of direction, although I do feel that way at times. To me, it’s just how I approach life and my art.

I look at it as a deliberate exploration of what is possible and ask the question, “What if?” to see where it takes me. This fluidity prevents stagnation. What I learn on one path can be applied to another, creating a unique and multifaceted body of work that is distinctly mine. It’s a testament to the idea that an artist’s identity isn’t defined by a single style, but by the entire, ever-changing journey.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a fine art photographer, author and photo tour leader who captures the beauty in architecture, automobiles, nature and travel. My images are journeys with insightful and thought-provoking perspectives.

My acclaimed Polar Opposites book is a breathtaking visual exploration of Earth’s poles, pairing stunning scenes
from the Arctic and Antarctic. But beyond the vast and remote, I find magic in the everyday, too. Whether guiding photographers through my lens on private photo tours, walking the architecture-lined streets I love, or inviting viewers into my visual stories, my work reminds us to see, notice, feel, and celebrate what’s around us, and to find joy in seeing more clearly.

Currently, I am gathering images for a second book project and curating images for commercial fine art purposes.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I can honestly say it wasn’t one single moment, but many. My view of the world was shaped early in my life as we packed up our car and went camping almost every weekend. Being out in nature and away from the pavement and sidewalks of our town and neighborhood created my love of the outdoors. Beyond the weekend getaways were our summer vacations. We went somewhere new on each trip. Traveling became part of who I am and how I see the world. When you travel, your world expands, you learn about different cultures and see landscapes and sights beyond your daily life.

Traveling both near and across the US gave me experiences and insights that opened my mind. It prompted me to constantly look for something new, unique and see the world beyond where we reside.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Keep going, you are on the right path for you. Trust that you know what is best for yourself and listen to your heart.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I am the same person for the most part in public as I am in private.

I’m an open book. I can be both raw and rebellious in some people’s eyes.

Much of the population can’t handle raw and rebellious, so we change who we are and how we are when we’re around others. I never used to change for anyone. Now? Well, I’ve only learned to keep my mouth shut in certain groups of people. I sit quietly in the corner, sip my wine, and observe.

It’s not worth it to me to have to explain who I am and why. Not everyone will like me and I’m ok with that. I’m grateful that I was never one to care much about what others thought of me.

I happen to like who I am. Real. I don’t know how else to be.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I believe I’m doing what I was born to do. Uniquely see the world, capture it through my lens and share those perspectives with the world. Hopefully, this inspires and allows others to see beauty they may not be aware of.

After too many years in the corporate world, being told what to do and doing work for others, I’m finally doing my own thing. I am so much less stressed and so much more at peace with myself and life.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photo of Lauri: Ezlan Powers Studio
All other images: ©Lauri Novak

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