Meet Lana Lebedeva

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lana Lebedeva. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lana, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is a familiar feeling for many creatives, and as a photographer, I grappled with the question: “When can I truly call myself a photographer?” Is it when you earn money from a photoshoot? Does mobile photography count, or is it only when you’re using a professional camera? Or perhaps it’s when photography becomes your full-time job and primary income? These questions haunted me early in my journey, creating a sense of inadequacy and self-doubt.

I came to realize that the title of “photographer” isn’t tied to specific equipment or income thresholds. The turning point was understanding that being a photographer is more about intention and passion than about the tools or the paycheck. I started with mobile photography, capturing moments that spoke to me and practicing my craft whenever I could. As I grew more confident, I invested in better equipment, but I never let the lack of it stop me from creating.

The real shift happened when I stopped comparing myself to others and started focusing on my unique perspective. I realized that photography is about telling a story, and each of us has a distinct way of seeing the world. Once I embraced my journey—whether it was capturing images on a phone or earning a living through my lens—I felt more comfortable owning the title of “photographer.” The journey is ongoing, but now I proudly call myself a photographer, not because of a job title or paycheck, but because it’s who I am at my core.

So, if you’re wondering when you can call yourself a photographer (or anything else), remember: it’s when you decide to see the world through your unique lens and share that vision with others.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Hey everyone! I’m Lana, and I’ve been working in photography and videography for over 10 years. My style has evolved quite a bit as I searched for my unique voice, and I’m happy to say I’ve finally found it. It’s an amazing feeling when clients come to me and say, “We want you to be our wedding photographer and no one else, because…”—and then they perfectly describe what makes my work special, its DNA.

Everything I’ve been thinking about—what I want to capture, the emotions I want to convey, the colors, the mood, and that lingering feeling I hope to leave with you—has started to resonate with others, and that recognition has been incredibly exciting for me.

I also have a background in construction engineering, so I’m all about diving deep into the details. I’m driven by a need to break down every question and idea to its core before I can feel at peace. When I bring that level of attention and care to my work, it’s not just about capturing moments; it’s about creating something truly meaningful.

So whether it’s through photography or videography, I’m here to capture the moments that matter most—infusing every shot with care, emotion, and a piece of my heart, so you can relive those memories forever.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Reflecting on my journey, three key elements have been most impactful: navigating immigration, cultivating self-discipline, and embracing growth through sobriety and meditation. Each of these areas has shaped not only my career but also my personal development in profound ways. Here’s a deeper look into how they influenced my path and some advice for those just starting their own journeys.

1. Immigration: Embracing Change and Resilience
Immigrating to a new country is one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences. It’s not just about adapting to a new environment; it’s about redefining who you are in a place where you might not speak the language fluently or know the culture deeply. For me, immigration was a powerful catalyst for resilience. It taught me to embrace change, navigate uncertainty, and push forward despite obstacles. The key lesson I learned is to see every challenge as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback.

2. Self-Discipline and Personal Growth
Self-discipline has been the backbone of my journey. Whether it was learning a new language, adapting to new cultural norms, or honing my craft in photography and videography, self-discipline kept me moving forward. It’s about setting goals and consistently working towards them, even on the days when motivation is low. This relentless commitment to growth and improvement has helped me stay focused and achieve my aspirations, one small step at a time.

3. Sobriety and Meditation: Finding Clarity and Inner Peace
Sobriety and meditation have been game-changers for my mental and emotional well-being. Sobriety has allowed me to be fully present in my work and life, free from distractions and the fog that comes with substance use. Meditation, on the other hand, has been a powerful tool for managing stress, maintaining focus, and connecting with my inner self. It’s taught me the importance of mindfulness and living in the moment, which has enhanced my creativity and decision-making.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

As a photographer deeply passionate about capturing the magic of life’s most meaningful moments, I’m always on the lookout for talented individuals in the wedding industry to collaborate with. My vision is simple yet profound: to create unique, high-quality experiences for couples, offering them a seamless journey from planning to the final captured memories—all in one place.

The wedding day is one of the most important days in a person’s life, and it deserves nothing less than excellence and care. I believe that when we bring together the right team of professionals—photographers, wedding planners, makeup and hair artists, florists, and more—we can craft not just events but cherished memories that couples will hold close for a lifetime.

What I’m Looking For
I’m seeking partners who are as dedicated to their craft as I am to mine, and who share a common goal: making people happy. Whether you’re a wedding planner with an eye for detail, a makeup and hair artist who brings out the natural beauty in every bride, or a florist who knows how to create breathtaking arrangements, I want to connect with you.

Why Collaborate?
Collaboration allows us to offer a comprehensive, cohesive service that makes the wedding planning process smooth and enjoyable for our clients. By pooling our expertise, we can elevate the overall experience and ensure that every aspect of the wedding day reflects the couple’s unique vision. Imagine a couple being able to book all their essential services through one connected team, knowing that every detail will be handled with the highest level of professionalism and care.

Our combined efforts will not only reduce the stress of planning but also ensure a beautiful, unified aesthetic and experience, from the initial consultation to the final photo album. It’s about creating a journey that’s as special as the day itself.

Let’s Make Magic Happen
I’m excited to meet other passionate professionals who are eager to deliver joy, beauty, and unforgettable moments. If you believe in the power of collaboration and want to offer couples an exceptional, one-stop-shop for their wedding needs, let’s connect. Together, we can make dreams come true and create memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Let’s join forces to create happiness, one wedding at a time. If you’re interested in collaborating, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s make magic happen!

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