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Art & Soul Photography Blog bio picture

Welcome to the Art & Soul Blog!

"Art comes to you proposing frankly to give nothing but the highest quality to moments as they pass." author unknown

This has been one of my favorite quotes for years now because it represents what I want to accomplish as an artist. My name is Lana Eklund and I love capturing unique, beautiful moments in life. I've been a professional photographer for 5 years and spent many years before that learning my craft. It started as a passion for photojournalism in high school and evolved into a love for fine art photography in college with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography.

I have a wonderful husband and two miniature pinschers named Hunter and Dora. I love walking barefoot in fresh green grass, laughing with my mouth wide open, listening to the birds on spring mornings, God, frozen yogurt smothered with gummy bears, spending time with my family, a clean house, friendship, sunsets, hugs, and surprises. I love life.



Kansas City Wedding Photography: Debbie & Mark tie the knot

Friday, August 6, 2010 Posted in General, Weddings


Every once in a while you meet a couple that is super fabulous…Debbie and Mark are one of those couples. I feel really thankful to have been able to document their engagement, rehearsal dinner, and wedding day in Kansas City. I love how they make each other laugh!

Brio on the Plaza

Interior Brio on the Plaza - Rehearsal Dinner

Rehearsal Dinner and Brio on the Plaza

Debbie and Mark have a really amazing group of friends and family that surrounded them throughout the weekend of events. What a beautiful setting for their rehearsal dinner!


Debbie getting her make-up done at Nordstrom's at Oak Park Mall

Debbie started her day off at Nordstom’s at Oak Park Mall. Her make-up was flawless and stunning.


Getting ready

Cross on Exterior of Chapel

I love this image! One of my favorites of the exterior of St. Joseph Church.

Exterior of the church

Fi

The First Glance is one of my favorites parts of every wedding day. This series of images of Debbie and Mark that Ashley captured says it all.

 

Debbie and Mark during the First Glance

Debbie and Mark after seeing each other

Portrait of Debbie & flowers

This portrait of Debbie is simply gorgeous. She was such an amazing bride to work with and she has a real timeless beauty. And, wow! What fab bridesmaid bouquets!

Ceremony

Ceremony and Exterior

Debbie and Mark after the ceremony

Cake and the Reception

Dinner at Reception

The caterers were so creative and made the most interesting shapes out of edible arrangements.

Dancing with her dad and Father-In-Law

Dancing the night away

It was an amazing day! Thanks Debbie and Mark for allowing me to document this incredible day in your lives. You’re a great match.

 

Check out these really wonderful vendors from Debbie and Mark’s wedding events:

Rehearsal Dinner: Brio Tuscan Grille at Country Club Plaza

Ceremony: St. Joseph Church in Shawnee, KS

Caterer: Classic Catering Corporation in Overland Park, KS

Event Planner: Diane Boone with Arcadian Events

Cake: Hy-Vee in Shawnee

DJ: Mike Willman at Retro Radio

Reception: Shawnee Civic Center



 

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by Lana

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Benefit for Relay For Life

Thursday, April 29, 2010 Posted in General

The last two weeks have been such a blessing! Poppy invited Art & Soul Photography to be apart of their Paint the Town Purple Window Decorating Contest benefiting Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society. I’ve really enjoyed the partnership! Lili Johnstone, the creative genius behind Poppy’s amazing windows and merchandising, had a great idea to incorporate portraits of cancer survivors into their Paint the Town Purple window theme. I jumped at the idea to be involved and donate my time in memory of and to honor several loved ones and friends that have lost their battle with cancer. I also want to recognize and thank my lab, Miller’s Professional Imaging and MPix.com for donating the 16×20 prints for display in Poppy’s windows from May 3-7th.

I photographed female survivors wearing purple merchandise from Poppy that will be entered into a silent auction benefiting Relay For Life. What an honor it has been! From Josephine’s infectious laughter and joy to Jenny’s creative spirit and energy to Kathy’s refreshing attitude and love for life…I enjoyed meeting each of these 6 women and capturing their beauty – their essence – their joy. You spread hope.

To join Art & Soul Photography, Inc. in celebrating life and contributing to the American Cancer Society, visit Poppy during the week of May 3rd thru the 7th. The portraits of each of these amazing women will be displayed next to the jewelry that each of them modeled during their portrait session. You are encouraged to participate in the silent auction including earrings, necklaces, rings, purses, and scarves. There will be a reception on May 7th from 6-8pm in which the winners of the silent auction will be announced. There will be birthday cake and punch provided as well. All the proceeds will be donated to Relay For Life.


Jenny

 

Kathy

 

Josephine

 

Marilyn

 

Kathy

 

Brianna

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by Lana

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Art & Soul wedding featured in Inside Columbia

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 Posted in General, Weddings

February is here…finally. We are starting to see and feel the warmth of the sunshine again, even if for only a few hours a week. The thrill of Valentine’s Day and celebrating the people we love is upon us…such as our spouses, children, friends, parents, or co-workers. It’s another good excuse to remind ourselves of what we appreciate and love in those around us. What are you thankful for?


I’m thankful that I get to be a part of capturing some of the most poignant, fabulous, enchanting, and heart-warming moments in people’s lives. Weddings are one of those series of moments wrapped up in a pretty package. I’m blessed to be a part of so many journey’s down the isle. Each one is unique and charged with emotion. One of those amazing weddings was recently featured in the February 2010 issue of Inside Columbia magazine. Ali Ratcliffe & Dan Bauer live in Chicago, IL and were married in Columbia, Missouri in August 2009. It was a romantic summer wedding sprinkled with southern charm. Check out the issue at: www.insidecolumbia.net


Inside Columbia February 2010 issueInside Columbia February 2010 issue #2



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by Lana

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Fine Art Photography available at Olive Branch Gallery

Friday, January 15, 2010 Posted in Fine Art

In September of 2009 a new art gallery and gift boutique opened in Kansas City called Olive Branch Art Gallery. It is located in historic downtown Overland Park, KS and is now featuring some of my most recent fine art work. The grouping of fine art photographs is from a series that I started [...] Continue Reading…

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by Lana

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Child Portraits in a New Light

Friday, June 12, 2009 Posted in Children

A few weeks ago I got a visit from some of my favorite little guys. I’ve had the privilege of documenting the past few years of growth in this adorable family of four. Quinten and Spencer were a blast to spend the morning with and I can’t wait to see them again sometime soon. Here’s some of my favorite shots from their session.

[...] Continue Reading…

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by Lana

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