Inspires Me: Lana Ortiz

Photo: Lana Ortiz Photography

What do you get when you combine a big personality, a sexy salsarita, a Ukrainian accent, a heart of gold and a creative mind? Let me introduce you to Mrs. Lana Ortiz. Lana and her husband are Owners of Albany Salsa Dance Studio. If you want to learn how to Salsa, Bachata, ballroom or burlesque dance-her laid back, yet information packed classes are for you.

Recently Lana embarked on a different journey, to become a photographer and start her business Lana Ortiz Photography. Her knowledge of the body and its lines quickly pointed her toward taking beautiful pictures and her boudoir sessions are now in high demand.  Many people will tell you Lana's loud, joyful laugh and quick wit help to bring out the beauty in anyone she's around. Women are now turning to Lana not only to learn how to move their bodies but also to take beautiful pictures of them. Lana's bravery to try a new project is why she "Inspires Me".

1. Lana, tell people about your background and family- you busy mom of 4 girls!

I came from Ukraine in August 29, 1992 with $1 in my pocket. Went to Sage JCA for accounting, worked in various brokerage firms as sales assistant, and always felt that I couldn't be an artist because I art didn't pay, and I had little children to feed. In 2006 I re-met my husband who told me to pursue my dreams. First I went to get a Bachelors in Management online at Empire State College, while caring for a newborn, 3 girls and one large boy (my husband), a dance studio and a salsa social where everyone did what they were passionate about - Latin dancing.

Photo: Lana Ortiz Photography

2. You have been teaching dance for 5 years now. You admitted to me recently that you enjoyed recent creative explosion so to speak. Tell us about that and how did you find your way to photography?

 One thing that was always put on a back burner is my love for drawing/painting. In 2011 for my birthday, I asked my husband for a camera, to "see where that will take me". Little did I know it'll become my passion.

3.As women we often worry about our flaws so how do you help the women take down their walls and embrace their body for your boudoir sessions? It must be a challenge.

Photo: Lana Ortiz Photography

I always say women are too critical of themselves, myself included. Men are way more forgiving than women are to themselves and each other. I see beauty in every woman I photograph, and remind her that most often she sees herself differently from within than outsiders. Outsiders see a woman's beauty comprising of her physical attributes as well as disposition, personality and aspirations. I want women to know that I want to convey all things - inner and outer - in her boudoir photography.

4. What other type of pictures do you take?

Photo: Lana Ortiz Photography

I love all kinds of pictures: landscapes, portraits, products photography (food shots) anything creative! I love it all. Group boudoir are scheduled every two-three months in the local hotels.  No challenge is big enough to scare me away.


Lana has a new boudoir session scheduled for November 9th. If you would like more information on that session or about her other types of photography click HERE to find her on Facebook or HERE.