We recently had the chance to connect with Lina Kaplun and have shared our conversation below.
Lina, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Healthy habits and routine are everything to me, especially as an entrepreneur. The first thing I do (before touching my phone!) is drink a full glass of water. Then, I move my body to a quick 30-minute at home yoga or pilates session. I’ve learned that waking up my body first is the best way to wake up my mind and set the tone for the day.
After that comes my beauty routine! Let’s be honest, as a woman, that’s part of the ritual too. I won’t dive into too many details, but I have a specific shower and skincare routine depending on the day of the week. It’s my little morning self-care moment.
Next up: tea time. Always chai (I’m obsessed), paired with a healthy breakfast. I’ll bring it all up to my home office, go through my emails, and write out my goals for the day. I’m a big believer that when you put your goals on paper, you’re way more likely to make them happen. It helps me set priorities, stay focused, and start the day feeling grounded and intentional.
And that’s my first 90 minutes, give or take!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m the founder, photographer, and creative heart behind my Kaplun Kaptures business. My work is all about capturing stories that feel real, artful, and deeply personal. I’m drawn to emotion that you can feel when you look at a photo and I’ve built my brand around translating those beautiful moments into timeless imagery. A photo should be something that you can look back on at any point of life and remember that feeling that you had when you first took it.
My love for photography started when I was a young teenager. My dad actually gifted me my very first camera, and I instantly fell in love. What started as a simple hobby quickly became a passion. I’m completely self-taught, driven by genuine interest and an endless desire to learn and grow creatively each and every day.
One thing that truly defines my approach is how I connect with my clients. A great session doesn’t come from stiff poses or awkward interactions but it comes from comfort and trust. I take the time to get to know the people I photograph, to make them feel seen and at ease. When someone feels comfortable, that’s when the magic happens, when their real personality and emotion shine through the lens.
What makes my brand unique is its heart. It’s about authenticity, intention, and connection. Every session is more than a photoshoot; it’s a collaboration and an experience. Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow and refine that. I’m creating imagery and a brand experience that celebrate storytelling, honesty, and the beauty of being yourself in front of the camera!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Growing up, I was taught very specific values about work and success. I was told the “right” path was having a stable job and a steady paycheck. I was told that owning a business was risky, unpredictable, and simply not the safest choice. So, I followed that advice for a while. I took the salary path, became a steady employee, and did everything I thought I was supposed to do.
But deep down, it never truly felt right, you know? Every morning, getting out of bed felt like a battle, not because I didn’t want to work hard, but because the work didn’t make me feel anything. It didn’t bring me joy, fulfillment, or creativity. I knew I wanted more. I wanted something that made me excited to wake up every day.
One day, I decided to stop ignoring that voice, that childhood belief, inside me. I broke those old beliefs that told me entrepreneurship was “too risky.” I realized that playing it safe wasn’t really safe at all but instead it was keeping me from growing into who I was meant to be. So, I took the leap, built something of my own, and never looked back.
Now, years later, I’m proud to say I’m a successful entrepreneur who’s still learning, still growing, and grateful that I trusted my instincts. I’ve learned that sometimes, the beliefs we’re taught as children don’t fit the person we become as adults. It’s okay to rewrite those stories. Listen to your heart, stay smart, make a plan, and most importantly, don’t let fear or “what you were taught” hold you back from building the life you actually want.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely! There have been many times when I’ve felt like giving up. Like I mentioned before, those childhood beliefs about “how hard it is” to run a business? They weren’t wrong. Starting something from nothing is never easy. There are rough patches, self-doubt, and moments where it feels like you’re pushing a boulder uphill.
But every time I got close to quitting, I reminded myself why I started. I’d picture the future I’m building, the freedom, the creativity, the impact, and it always felt so much bigger and better than the struggle I was facing in that moment. That vision really became my anchor.
Progress isn’t always a straight line. Sometimes there are detours, slow weeks, or even seasons of standing still. But that doesn’t mean you turn back. It means you pause, re-evaluate, and keep moving forward. Even when the doubt creeps in, I always find a way to pull myself back to my bigger goal. And every time I do, I come out stronger and more committed than before.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
Honestly, first and foremost my clients. That one’s a no brainer for me. They’re the heart of what I do and the reason my business exists, so their ideas and feedback are incredibly valuable. I always say it’s important to really know your audience, and that means listening to them. The best insight often comes directly from the people you’re creating for.
I also rely on the guidance of my amazing coach. She has a way of giving me perspective when I’m stuck and sometimes offering the kind of advice I didn’t even know I needed. Having someone who can challenge your thinking and push you to grow is such a gift. If you, yes you the reader, would like a recommendation I would happily refer you over!
Beyond that, I’m surrounded by a strong support system: family, friends, mentors, and clients. Each of them have their own unique perspective. I don’t shy away from advice; I actually embrace it. I believe that collaboration and openness to new ideas are key to evolving, both as a person and as an entrepreneur.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
For me, peace comes when I’m fully in my element: camera in hand, completely lost in the moment. Whether it’s during a photoshoot or hours later when I’m editing, that’s when my mind quiets and everything just feels right. Photography isn’t just my job; it’s where I find balance and calm. There’s something so grounding about creating and watching it all come together beautifully.
Even the quiet moments afterward bring me peace. Sitting at my desk with a cup of tea, some cut up fruit, Lightroom open, and soft music or a comforting show in the background, now that’s my kind of serenity. It’s my version of meditation.
Plus outside of work, travel gives me that same sense of peace. Experiencing new places, seeing how people live around the world, and carrying my camera to document it all. It’s a true reminder of how big and beautiful life really is. Those moments make me feel calm, inspired, and completely present.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kaplunkaptures.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaplunkaptures
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kaplunkaptures
Image Credits
Lina Kaplun
