Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauri Novak

Hi Lauri, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Photography has always been part of my life in some form or another. My mom was the recorder of our lives, family events and vacations. Her father also had a camera on hand quite often. I am now the owner of many, many photo albums, boxes and tubs of negatives and prints. The earliest prints I’ve found in my collection are from the early 1940s. Those are all from my parents and grandparents.

I got my first camera when I was 10. It went on our family vacations, school trips and all around the house with me. When I was 16 I used my first paycheck to purchase a 35mm SLR, and my second paycheck for an airline ticket. Those first two major purchases sum up my life, photography and travel.

I started photographing for the school yearbook and newspaper in junior high, high school and college. In college, I was assigned to get photos of one of the football players and ask him some questions for a story. At that moment I knew that photographing people was not my thing.

After that, my photography was much more about recording places than people.

Along the way, I entered a few contests, picked up a blue ribbon or two and kept doing what I loved. I was always told I should do this for a living but didn’t pursue it until later in life. My path has led me to experiences working in a photography studio, at art fairs, at exhibitions in galleries and selling commercially. It’s also led me to help others on their creative journeys. Now I write about photography and mentor others and still sell my work to private and commercial clients. Lately, I’ve added a couple of handmade books into the mix. They’ve been a fun and creative way to showcase images.

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?

Is there such a thing as a smooth road for anyone or anything? The bumps and struggles along the way are what build our character.

My biggest struggle comes from within. Sometimes it’s the lack of self-confidence or the imposter syndrome creeping in. Other times it’s a lack of motivation to do the work that needs to be done. My entire professional life was spent in marketing or sales, I know how it works but I do not apply this to my artwork.

A friend said to me earlier this year, “You’re an artist who wants to be a hobbyist.” This phrase continues to occupy my mind. He was spot on. I’d rather be creating, taking photos, editing images, helping someone or writing than stuck at my desk making sure I’ve posted enough on social media to be noticed by someone who will buy from me.

For two years I contacted art dealers and design firms, it was a chore. If you want to sell and create business connections, it’s what you have to do. I’ve tried a lot of tactics. In the end, they take up far more time than the actual creative process.

I’ve come to the point in my life where I prefer to be happy doing what I’m doing. I know the business side of things, but I choose not to push into that as much as I should. Because of this, I’m not as successful as I likely could be.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I am a fine art photographer with insightful and thought-provoking perspectives. My perspective is what sets me and my work apart. By using the camera I find unique ways to present everyday subjects. Those subjects range from shadows to architecture to photographing car shows.

Most of those who are familiar with my work would say I’m known for my architectural images. I’m drawn to architecture and love to find new ways to see and photograph structures, shapes, lines, reflections, light and shadows.

I’m most proud that through this creative journey, I’ve continued to stay true to myself. Ignoring the latest trends, what you should be creating, where you should be presenting your work and more, keeps me grounded and helps my work retain the “me” in it.

How do you think about luck?

I’m a believer in the “you make your own luck” philosophy. Hard work gets most of us to the point we want to be. Being positive helps as well.

Am I lucky to have an eye? Maybe, but I have also worked many years and continue to work on making my compositions compelling. I feel much more fortunate than lucky. Fortunate to be able to pursue my passion. I am fortunate to have parents who didn’t put limits on what I could become, what I could do or where I could go with my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laurinovak.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurinovakphoto/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauriNovakPhotography/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcokyycuZ6pdUewy4VtT8tw
• Other: https://medium.com/@LauriNovakPhoto

Image Credits

Images of me ©Ezlan Powers Studios