Lukas Korynta is a Prague born journalist turned photographer who has been documenting weddings using both digital and film mediums since 2014. Lukas Korynta is currently based in Portland, OR and travels to Europe frequently to capture weddings.
Tell us about your business!
I’ve been photographing weddings since 2014, I used to be a journalist before that and think it has always affected my approach. I work with a lot of interesting people who don’t always follow templates and that makes me excited about weddings over and over again.
What would you like couples to know about you?
I always get described as calm by people who see me work and I love that! I like staying back, watching what’s going on. I like to wait for good moments and good photos, never forcing it and never recreating something from before.
Where are you based?
Portland, Oregon.
Do you travel for weddings?
Always!
How would you describe your style?
My style is 80 percent photo journalistic (I love capturing things as they are, from up close, wide and with all the chaos) and 20 percent editorial (when the time is right and the light is nice, it’s fun to get a bit more playful).
What is your most memorable career moment?
I got to photograph a small wedding in Iceland my second year in the business, it really made me fall in love with photography and traveling.
What inspires you?
Art books, imperfect pottery, colors I haven’t seen before, Scandinavian design, old film photographs found in family albums, old paintings, music without words, people with hidden talents…
What motivates you to do what you do?
I think realizing that most people don’t really get photographed often and I have the honor to take photos of very unique situations that can’t ever get replicated, so these photos will always matter to the people in them. I love when I show the back of my camera to the grandmother, for example and she is absolutely glowing because she’s never had photos of herself like this. But even with the couples, they experience something special for them and my photos are forever the reminders of it.
How would you describe your working style?
Patient and calm. I love to play and try things and I smile a lot without talking too much. I love using film and always have a fun old camera to switch things up a bit.
Do you shoot digitally, on film or both?
I love both for different reasons. Digital is fast and reliable, film is risky and magical. Most of my favorite photos are actually film, so I use it whenever the light allows.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Absolutely.
What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?
I really enjoy rehearsal dinner coverage, even if it’s just a little family dinner and walk through town or something like that. There is a different feeling to the night before, all the excitement and some nerves too. The day before my own wedding was my favorite and I know others must feel similar so whenever I can, I love arriving a day early to capture that.
Where would you love to travel to for work?
I’m a European and I miss it often. Every time I get to travel back for work, I like to see my parents and make a trip out of it. So I’d say anywhere in Europe. My favorite place I’ve photographed was the French Alps and English countryside.
Who is your dream client?
Anyone who likes to go a little bit against the flow and plan their day around who they are. But more importantly, couples who want to enjoy their day, not just perform for others or the internet.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
Besides signing a marriage license to make your marriage official, you can do whatever you want! No need to follow any template unless you want to. So forget all the weddings you’ve been to and just start imagining what would be the most enjoyable way to get married.
