We were lucky to catch up with Ute Reckhorn recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ute, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is Develop with Light—a photography workshop I created specifically for creative photographers seeking more depth, intention, and expression in their work. What started as a personal exploration into the emotional and artistic side of photography has evolved into a global community of like-minded creatives through a Facebook group that organically grew from the workshop.

The idea came to life during a time when I was navigating personal transitions and seeking more connection—both with my own work and with others who understood the creative process not just as a technical skill, but as a deeply personal journey. I realized that the photographers I felt most aligned with weren’t necessarily looking for sharper images or better gear—they were looking for ways to feel more present, more expressive, and more connected through their cameras.

What makes this project so meaningful is how it’s become more than just about photography. Through monthly challenges, group discussions, and shared experiences, we’ve woven mindfulness, exploration, and personal storytelling into our photography practice. I’ve had the privilege of guiding creatives from all around the world—people who’ve opened up about their lives, their fears, and their breakthroughs, all through the lens of a camera.

Watching this community flourish, knowing that I helped create a space where vulnerability and creative courage are celebrated—that’s the kind of impact I always dreamed of making.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey into photography began in my teenage years, but it didn’t truly take root until much later in life—when my youngest child started preschool, and I realized I was entering a new season. As a full-time mom, I had devoted myself to raising my kids, but I could see the horizon of an empty nest approaching, and with it came a question: What comes next for me?

That’s when I decided to study photography more seriously—first on the side, between school pickups and bedtime routines, and later with greater focus once my children had grown. I experimented with many genres—family sessions, events, portraits, headshots—but what truly lit me up wasn’t just taking photos. It was teaching photography. Sharing what I had learned with others brought me alive in a way nothing else did. I quickly discovered that the more I taught, the more creative I became myself. That exchange of ideas and inspiration continues to be the heartbeat of my work.

Today, I am a creative photographer and photography educator, offering in-person and online workshops, mentoring sessions, and personalized photo walks. My audience ranges from curious beginners to seasoned creatives, and I especially love working with people who want to move beyond the technical and connect more deeply with their creative voice.

A big part of my brand is my collaboration with Lensbaby, a specialty lens company that makes tools for creative expression. These lenses don’t just capture what something looks like—they help you express how something feels. Teaching others how to use these unconventional lenses, especially when they seem intimidating at first, has become one of my favorite things. I know firsthand how transformational they can be—both technically and emotionally—and I love watching others discover that same magic.

The project I’m most proud of is Develop with Light, a photography workshop I wrote for creatives who want to deepen their craft with mindfulness and intention. It grew into an international community of photographers who explore creative challenges together through our Facebook group. It’s a space where we support each other, try new things, and lean into the vulnerable, rewarding process of artistic growth.

What sets me apart is my belief that photography is not just about sharpness and settings—it’s about seeing and feeling. I help my students slow down, become more present, and reconnect with their creativity through light, play, and exploration. Whether I’m guiding someone through a one-on-one session, leading a group photo walk, or teaching lens techniques, I bring my full self—my curiosity, empathy, and deep love of this craft.

At the heart of everything I do is a desire to create community and help others grow—not just as photographers, but as creative humans. That’s what I want people to know about me and my work: it’s not just about the final photo. It’s about the joy and self-discovery that happen along the way.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I’ve had to unlearn is perfectionism—and truthfully, I’m still working on it every day. I was born and raised in Germany, where discipline, structure, and precision are deeply embedded in the culture. When I moved to the U.S. as a young mother, I brought that mindset with me. For a long time, it shaped how I approached not only life, but also creativity.

When I first picked up a camera, I did what I thought I was “supposed” to do: I followed the rules. Exposure, focus, composition—all by the book. My photos were technically correct, but they felt… empty. They didn’t reflect who I was, or how I felt. There was no soul in them. And I didn’t yet understand why.

It wasn’t until years later—when I began to reconnect with my creativity, explore photography more intuitively, and especially when I started working at the beach—that I began to let go. The beach became my classroom and my sanctuary. The ocean doesn’t care if your lines are straight or your image is sharp. It invites you to be present, to play, to feel. At the beach, I finally became the artist of my dreams. I learned that self-expression doesn’t live in the rules—it lives in the freedom to break them.

Learning when to embrace my German heritage—my structure, my attention to detail—and when to set it aside in favor of curiosity and flow has been a transformative part of my creative path. Letting go of perfectionism opened the door to finding myself in my work. And that’s where the magic began.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

For much of my adult life, I was in motion. I moved across continents—first from Germany to Seoul, then São Paulo, back to Germany, then to Detroit, San Francisco, and back to Detroit—all while raising three young children. At times, it felt like I was always unpacking boxes, learning new languages, adapting to different cultures, and helping my family settle into yet another new home.

But through all those transitions, I carried a quiet but unwavering vision: that one day, I would create something entirely my own—a space where creativity could thrive, where I could teach, inspire, and grow a community of like-minded artists.

There were many years when I didn’t have the time or freedom to fully pursue my art. But I never let go of it. I learned to be patient. I took photographs when I could. I studied on the side. I stayed open to inspiration and kept feeding that creative spark, even in the busiest, most chaotic seasons.

Eventually, we moved to Los Angeles, and that was 10 years ago. After all the places I’ve lived, LA is the one that finally feels like home. It’s where my creative life truly took root. Now, with my photography business, my Develop with Light workshop, and the international community that has grown from it, I’m living the vision I held onto for so long.

My resilience lies in that quiet persistence—knowing my time would come, and never letting go of the dream, no matter how far I traveled or how long it took.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://californialover.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/californialover/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/californialoverphoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ute-reckhorn-44956146/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@californialoverphotography

Image Credits

All images were taken by Ute Reckhorn