Light and LARA

I have had a camera in my hands since I started walking and have documented all aspects and stages of my life through a lens or some form of art. Photography has always been a refuge and my favorite artistic outlet.

I graduated with a photography degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC, in 2000. I loved learning the art of lighting, discovering newfound creative outlets and the experience of living in New York City as a young adult. Pushing artistic boundaries and standing out meant not fitting in any one box, instead, I learned to become courageously unapologetic for showing the world how passionate I am at standing out in an exciting contagious way! Upon graduating FIT, I started photographing animals for books, magazines and calendars around the world. A lifelong dream of photographing animals started to bloom and the art of animal portraiture became my next chapter. The focus was mostly dogs and cats even though my lens saw birds, horses, reptiles, rodents, exotics, farm animals, wildlife and more.

Next, South Florida became my home and my photographic passion turned towards people. FoTik Photography opened in 2005, then Studio FoTik for schools and sports. I combined fashion photography with classic portraiture and mastered the art of storytelling in a single image. I loved the honor of freezing time and the reward of gifting forever in a moment. Capturing priceless moments as a forever heirloom became a fire in my soul! Learning to add lighting anywhere, everywhere, at any time of day or night and in any weather allowed me complete artistic expression. Documentary storytelling and freezing time into a single frame without words became my daily inspiration. It still feels amazing to see the memories I have created with people and families displayed proudly and lovingly in homes, offices and businesses. I love and cherish all the memories and bonds I made over the years and all the people who believed in me, guided me and inspired me to be a better version of myself and to be a great photographer!

  
I married my best friend in 2011 and we made five beautiful people over a decade. Life brought us to Washington State and I didn't make much time for shooting or editing. One snowy day, I went for a walk with my light and lens. That day was the beginning of Light and Lara! Horses, snowflakes and dramatic lighting... yes please!!! I now strive to create breathtaking horse and animal portraits, with or without their humans, that freeze time and story in a unique and dramatic way, without words, and challenge myself to fulfill my passion of making art that takes my breath away! 

Today I have the privilege and honor of teaching my children how to express themselves through art, especially my oldest daughter who is my lighting assistant. She gets to see me in my element and I love watching her shine in hers! The honor and pride I feel to have her beside me through all of life fills me up with sunshine and pure excitement! Taia works hard for the best lighting angles and captures each horses heart! Together our hearts shine through for you to see. I hope you see our love of life and feel the song in our hearts as you experience our collection. This amazing, talented, artistic and brave young woman will be everything she sets out to be in life. I have taught her to live life fearlessly and I continue to ask her to please do in great light! I proudly introduce you to my inspiration, my first born, my light, my Queen, Miss Taia King!!!