We recently had the chance to connect with Lorena Cora and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lorena, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first hour and a half of my day is completely dedicated to grounding myself and setting a positive tone for everything that follows. I start with meditation, taking time to clear my mind, breathe deeply, and center my energy for the day ahead. Then I open my gratitude journal, reflecting on what I’m thankful for and writing down my intentions — a simple ritual that keeps me focused and aligned.
Next, I head out for a morning walk with my dogs, enjoying the fresh air, their joyful energy, and the quiet rhythm of nature. It’s one of my favorite parts of the day — it balances mindfulness with movement. When we get back, I enjoy a healthy breakfast, giving my body the same care and attention I’ve already given my mind and spirit.
By the time those 90 minutes are over, I feel centered, grateful, and ready to take on the day with calm purpose and clarity.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Lorena Cora, a South Florida–based photographer passionate about capturing the genuine connection between pets and people. Through my work, I create luxury portraits that celebrate love, personality, and the bond we share with our companions — both two-legged and four-legged.
My brand is rooted in art, emotion, and purpose. What makes it special is the way each session becomes more than just a photo shoot — it’s an experience designed to tell a story, evoke feeling, and create lasting memories. Whether I’m photographing a beloved dog, a family, or an individual portrait, I focus on authenticity, elegance, and the unique essence of each subject.
Beyond photography, I’m deeply involved in community and philanthropy, often partnering with local rescues and organizations to raise awareness and funds for animals in need. My goal is simple: to use my art to make a difference — capturing moments that matter and celebrating the beautiful connections that define our lives.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I’ve always believed deeply in my art and in the purpose behind what I create — but we all need that one person who pushes us beyond our comfort zone and helps us see our full potential. For me, that person has been Danielle Gaudreau.
Danielle has an incredible way of recognizing strength and vision in others, often before we see it ourselves. She’s challenged me to think bigger, refine my brand, and step confidently into new creative spaces. Her belief in me has been both grounding and inspiring — reminding me that growth happens when we dare to expand, even when it feels uncomfortable.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me the true meaning of resilience. It reminded me that even in the hardest moments, there’s always a reason to keep going — that pain isn’t permanent, and there really is light at the end of the tunnel.
While success can be rewarding, it’s through suffering that we grow, reflect, and discover our inner strength. Those difficult seasons have shaped my perspective, deepened my empathy, and taught me to appreciate life’s beauty in a more profound way. Suffering made me stronger — not by removing challenges, but by helping me face them with grace, courage, and faith.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the photography industry — and in society in general — is the belief that having a camera on your phone means you can capture professional portraits. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Photography is so much more than pressing a button. It’s about mastering light, composition, emotion, and storytelling. It requires years of study, training, and experience to understand how to bring out someone’s essence, how to work with different lighting conditions, and how to transform a simple image into a timeless piece of art.
A true photographer doesn’t just take pictures — we create experiences and preserve memories with intention and skill. That’s what separates a snapshot from a portrait that speaks to the heart.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me not just for the art I created, but for the heart behind it — for everything I gave without ever expecting anything in return. I want to be remembered as someone who loved deeply, especially animals, and who dedicated her life to capturing beauty, kindness, and connection in every form.
If there’s one legacy I’d like to leave, it’s that I tried to make the world a little softer — rescuing, helping, and loving as many animals as I could along the way. I want people to say that I lived with purpose, compassion, and gratitude — and that through my work and my actions, I made others feel seen, loved, and inspired to do good.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LorenaCora.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorena_corapetphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lcorapetphotography
Image Credits
All photos were done by Lorena Cora
