We were lucky to catch up with Lana Braden recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

The photography industry has evolved dramatically over the years, especially with the advent of digital cameras. In the ’90s, photographers spent decades mastering the intricacies of light metering and often attended university to perfect specific lighting styles, such as Butterfly and Rembrandt. However, with the rise of cell phone cameras and digital technology, it has never been easier for individuals without professional training to call themselves “professional photographers.” This has oversaturated the market, making it challenging for clients to discern who they can trust with their investment.

For those seeking a photographer for their wedding or engagement, it’s now harder than ever to figure out who is truly capable of capturing the most important day of your life, and who may not show up, or may not have the skills to deliver the results you’re hoping for. After witnessing friends and family being let down by photographers who claimed to be professionals, I decided to set my business apart.

I’ve always been passionate about the art of off-camera lighting, and I truly love working with light. It’s amazing how you can completely transform the story a photo tells just by shifting one light or adding a colored gel to your backlight. When I photograph an event, I bring a variety of umbrellas, softboxes, and diffusers. While it may take a few extra minutes to get the shot just right, I can guarantee it’s always worth it. A simple pop of light can soften the skin, make anyone look younger, and eliminate dark circles under the eyes.

I also believe soft, natural lighting has its place and can be incredibly beautiful—after all, clouds are God’s natural diffuser. Whether you choose natural light, on-camera flash, or off-camera lighting, I believe the key to being a great photographer is mastering and manipulating light. That’s what we take pride in at Lana Raquel Photography.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Looking back on my childhood in Canada, it’s clear that my path in life was always leading me towards photography. At just 7 years old, my parents started taking us on epic road trips, sparking a deep appreciation for the beautiful people and places around me. Armed with a pink, plastic Barbie camera, I was determined to freeze every magical moment in time, unknowingly laying the groundwork for a lifelong passion.

It wasn’t until I was cast in my first musical that I truly understood the power of storytelling. My love for theater led me to pursue modeling in my early 20s, and through modeling, I learned the intricacies of posing, expression, lighting, and movement. These experiences—storytelling, traveling, modeling—have all seamlessly woven together over the years, preparing me for a fulfilling career in photography.

As a wedding and family photographer based in Branson, MO, I get to witness and be part of my clients’ love stories. Since Branson is a tourist destination, my work often brings me the opportunity to meet travelers from all over North America. It’s a gift to see the world through my clients’ eyes, even if it’s just for a few hours, and to tell their stories through photos.

My clients can expect a partnership during their session. I want them to feel inspired, playful, and confident, creating natural-looking moments that don’t feel stiff or posed. I want to bring out the best in them. I love working with and training new models as well.

I’m especially touched by the work I’ve done capturing families during difficult times and I think it’s very important to document family lineage. I’ve had the honor of photographing spouses with Parkinson’s on their “last Christmas” and of parents who passed away shortly after their child’s wedding. These moments are bittersweet but incredibly meaningful, and I consider it my greatest honor to preserve someone’s essence on camera.

For me, photography is more than just taking pictures. It’s about telling a story, creating an experience, and helping my clients see how truly beautiful they are. Whether it’s a wedding, family gathering, or a special milestone, my aim is to capture those moments with care, authenticity, and artistry, leaving you with memories that last a lifetime.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Becoming a photographer was always a dream of mine, but transitioning from wanting to be one to actually becoming an entrepreneur was a whole different journey. In 2020, I found myself unexpectedly laid off from my job. Faced with the decision of whether to return to the stability of working for someone else or take a leap of faith and pursue my passion full-time, I chose to step into the unknown. At the time, I had been working as a part-time photographer and accountant—two very different professions.

My husband, a seasoned entrepreneur, encouraged me to embrace the challenge, reminding me that I had nothing to fear. It wasn’t easy, though. I had to learn how to run every part of my business, from sales and marketing to networking and managing all the behind-the-scenes work, like accounting and filing. The journey taught me that there’s so much more to owning a business than what people usually see. It’s about things like paying for business licenses in each city you operate in, forming an LLC, and making sure your taxes are filed correctly—details that many overlook when they picture entrepreneurship.

One of the proudest moments for me was opening my own studio and holding my first gallery show at the Hilton Convention Center. Looking back at every milestone—big or small—I am filled with pride. But, it hasn’t always been easy. The down seasons, especially from January to April, were tough. I wasn’t shooting as much, and there were months when income was slow, forcing me to become disciplined with my finances. But I’ve learned to view those slower times as opportunities for growth, not failure. Every challenge, every mistake, has been a part of the process, and through it all, I’ve learned to be resilient, to adapt, and to keep moving forward, even when things aren’t going as planned.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come, not just because of the successes but because of the lessons I’ve learned along the way. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Looking back on my creative journey, one of the resources I wish I had discovered earlier is the power of community and collaboration. Early on, I didn’t realize how much further I could go when I was surrounded by like-minded individuals—especially other photographers or business owners within the wedding industry. When you work alongside people who share the same mission and passion, there’s an incredible sense of mutual support that drives growth.

Collaborating with others in the industry has been invaluable. By sharing tips, tricks, and experiences, we learn so much from each other. Not only do we improve our craft, but we also grow our businesses together. I’ve realized that helping one another—whether it’s through sharing marketing strategies, recommending each other to clients, or promoting each other’s work online—can create a powerful, supportive network. It’s not about competing; it’s about lifting each other up, encouraging one another, and celebrating wins together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lanaraquelphoto.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanaraquelphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lanaraquelphoto

Image Credits

Photo of me in the red pants: Marshall Meadows
All other photos: Lana Raquel Photography