Today we’d like to introduce you to Pras Luebke.
Hi Pras, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I’m a freelance photographer, who has traveled and worked all over the world and has settled in the Midwest (St. Louis, MO). I started PeKai Photography LLC, in 2021, as a creative outlet for the COVID-19 world pandemic, and have been making beautiful images ever since.
I have no formal training in photography, but I’m constantly learning from the community of photographers around me. I’ve shot weddings, landscapes, portraits, live bands, and boudoirs. I even had my photography on exhibit and featured as the cover art for the Webster Arts/May Gallery Webster Groves Photographers 2021.
My forte is what I call “Sexy Street Life” which blends my love of architecture and a bit of risqué. I have three beautiful children, all of who have been my featured models, and I love sharing my perspective with the world through photography.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Admittedly, it hasn’t been that easy to break into the photography business here in the midwest. Since I’m not a “native” to Saint Louis, it takes a lot of work to put yourself out there to get noticed.
There are many talented photographers and creators here, and sometimes it does become a bit of a competition. Though I’ve learned I can’t compare myself to others, I just have to do me.
People don’t realize how much science photography is. It’s not just taking a “pretty picture”, there’s a nuance to it. From the choice of equipment, camera settings, lighting, staging, and the post-process of editing photos to bring out the magic.
I will admit I’ve entered this game late in life, and maybe I don’t have the energy of some of my younger colleagues, but the gratification of getting that “perfect shot” is motivating.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve joined the ranks of freelance photography in Saint Louis as a photographer when I found that I really enjoy capturing photos of places I’ve visited, and people I meet, especially the local music scene here. I stood up my photography business, PeKai Photography LLC, in March of 2021.
I specialize in portraits and street photography. I’m known for my minimal setup style of photography where I use as much natural lighting as possible. I honestly don’t like to use studio lighting because I want to capture the moment as it happens. I enjoy photos that are candid and real. Though, when I do landscapes, I do go a little crazier in editing.
The community knows me for the use of architecture in my photographs. I like highlighting a location because I have a passion for its history and beautiful lines. When I add a model to it, it just makes the location come to life.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Resilience.
You can’t predict what can happen on a photoshoot or assignment; the weather can change on you, models or clients can cancel at a moment’s notice, or the location changes, you need to be on your toes and not let it get to you. It’s no surprise that the weather here in STL can change from sun to snow in seconds, and you just need to be ready to recoup and take advantage of the situation.
I would even say, staying positive is key. Not to let the things that are out of your control get to you. When it rains, I always ask models to do a photoshoot, makes for great photos!
Contact Info:
- Email: pekaiphotography@gmail.com
- Website: pekaiphotography.square.site
- Instagram: intstagram.com/pekaiphotography
- Facebook: facebook.com/pekaiphotography
Image Credits
Dixie Recht, Rebecca Bryson, Kaity Navi McAllister, and Brian Peck
