Self-Portrait Photography Filled with Emotion: Laura Zalenga

Learn how to delve into your thoughts and feelings using photography with Laura Zalenga

Laura Zalenga (@laurazalenga) is a German freelance photographer with a passion for creating self-portraits filled with emotion. In 2018, she was one of seven international artists selected for the Adobe Creative Residency. She has worked for Adobe, Artemide, Disney, Lufthansa, Sony, and many more and been featured in a Sky Arts documentary.

In her Domestika course, Laura takes you on an intimate journey of self-discovery and experimentation through the art of self-portrait photography. ‘Self-portrait taught me everything I know about photography. It also taught me how to accept myself more and how important it is to spend quality time with yourself.’ She finds inspiration within her memories, moods, and emotions, other times in places, light conditions, and even everyday objects. Her style is defined by clear visual language, the power of telling stories, and showing raw, honest emotions.

Let’s get to know her and her unique and emotional art.

Beginnings

Laura does not remember being particularly creative when she was younger, although her parents tell her so. However, she clearly remembers that the first time she felt able to express herself was when she discovered photography. She remembers a box of photos kept in the attic that her dad had taken in his 20s. They were beautiful analog portraits captured in a way that made a real impact on Laura. Her first encounter with this art probably started a process that pushed her to become a photographer.

The journey

Laura began taking photos when she was 17 or 18 but was not accepted to photography school. She admits her portfolio at that time was not a coherent mix—so she studied architecture instead. She still took photographs at any opportunity, posted them online, and started to be acknowledged by her online community.

“The day I had that certificate in my hands, I knew I would finally be allowed to do something I wanted to do so badly. That was such a good moment.”

Laura had found a way of putting herself into the creative process, especially when she discovered self-portraiture and could not wait just to be able to express her creativity with this medium.

“I managed to turn my passion for self-portraits into the one thing that I make my living with today. I do my client shoots most often as self-portraits.”

The passion

When the photographer is the main subject, tapping within for inspiration, expressivity is at its highest. Laura has reason to be proud of her self-portrait work, which she presents in workshops and talks worldwide. It helped her gain an Adobe Creative Residency, a spot in Sky Arts’ ‘Masters of Photography’, and commissions with major companies. However, what makes her more proud is that she has the opportunity to talk about topics important to her.

“In images about mental health and depression, I love being able to express those feelings and get feedback from people who say it helped them to see someone speaking openly about it. I am thankful to bring topics like climate change or the gender spectrum into visuals through self-portraiture. And I guess that’s why they’ll always be a part of me. I just got so used to putting my stories and emotions into them. I think self-portraiture is a nice companion at my side. And I really hope that it can grow into something special for you too.”

If you want to know more about Laura Zalenga's influences and processes, sign up for her course ‘The Art of Self-Portraits: Expressing Yourself through Photography.' Learn to develop a strong concept and create a self-portrait that tells a captivating story.

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