Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Drayko.
Hi Elena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always loved photography. My dad got me my first camera when I was 16, and once I picked it up, I was hooked. At first it was just about capturing moments and having fun but over time I became more curious about learning, improving, and finding my own style. I went through a lot of phases—trying different genres, studying light, composition, and editing—just constantly refining my eye. Along the way, I fell in love with film photography for its imperfections and character, and later added drone work, which completely changed how I see perspective and storytelling. It’s been a long, evolving journey of curiosity, practice, and creative growth, and I’m still exploring and learning every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. Like most creative journeys, there was a lot of trial and error along the way. I went through phases of self-doubt, feeling stuck, and questioning whether I was heading in the right direction. Learning to trust my own eye took time, and so did figuring out my style without constantly comparing myself to others. There were also real-world challenges, like investing in gear, learning new techniques, and balancing creativity with the business side. But all of that pushed me to grow, experiment more, and stay curious. Looking back, those challenges really shaped both my work and my confidence.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Most of my work right now is weddings and engagements, with some family shoots mixed in. I really love capturing real candid moments as they happen—nothing too forced or overly posed. I focus a lot on emotion, movement, and light, and telling the story of the day in an honest way. What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients give me to document such meaningful moments in their lives. I think what sets me apart is my approach—I’m always looking for the in-between moments and creating images that feel timeless and genuine, not trendy or staged.
How do you think about happiness?
Spending time with my family, my daughter, first and foremost. She’s my biggest source of joy and keeps me grounded. And honestly, seeing my clients happy with the final result makes me really happy and excited too. Knowing that I captured something they’ll look back on for years—makes all the work feel worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lenaslensphotos.com/
