EP 110 - AI, Lighting, and Composition: With WEDDING Photographer Lukas Piatek
This week I’m sitting down with Lucas Piatek, a destination wedding photographer from Germany who blends creativity, curiosity, and a whole lot of innovation. We got into everything from AI tools to photography fundamentals to the mindset it actually takes to grow as an artist in 2025.
Meet Lukas:
Lukas Piatek is a destination wedding and elopement photographer known for his cinematic, emotive imagery and work across more than 30 countries. Based in Germany, and splitting his time between Europe and beyond, Lukas captures weddings with a raw, storytelling approach that blends editorial elegance with genuine emotion. Lukas is also the creator behind Meridian Presets, used by thousands of photographers worldwide to achieve natural, film-inspired tones. Alongside his photography work, Lukas mentors creatives in SEO and brand strategy, helping photographers elevate their online presence and grow sustainable businesses.
AI + Creativity: What’s Actually Useful
AI is everywhere right now, and instead of avoiding it, Lucas has leaned all the way in. We talked through some of the tools he’s genuinely using in his workflow - not as shortcuts, but as extensions of creativity.
Tools we mentioned:
Midjourney: Honestly still the best for image generation.
Suno: A surprisingly fun tool for making AI music.
Voto: A quick fix for photographer annoyances like glare on glasses.
Whether you’re full-time or just playing around, these are the kinds of tools that can save time, spark ideas, and help you create with way less friction.
Finding Your Style + Growing as an Artist
One thing Lucas said that stuck with me: you can’t build your career on trends. We talked a lot about returning to the basics - light, composition, intention - and letting those guide your creativity.
A few takeaways:
Pay attention to light first. It’s truly everything.
Push yourself away from what “everyone else is doing.” That’s how you find your voice.
Believe in your ideas sooner. Don’t wait for permission or comparison.
His reminder to trust your own vision more - especially earlier on - felt like something every creative needs to hear.
Workshops, Retreats & Creative Community
We also chatted about the power of getting around other photographers. Workshops and retreats have been huge for Lucas’s growth, and honestly, I agree - there’s nothing like being in person, creating side-by-side.
Speaking of…
Summer Camp returns May 11–15, 2026 in Hood River, Oregon.
It’s intimate, film-forward, wildly creative, and one of my favorite things I host.
A Final Note from Lucas
If he could go back, he’d simply trust himself more. Not chase trends, not compare, not wait for the “right time” - just start moving toward the work he actually wanted to make.
You can follow more of Lucas’s work and thoughts over on Instagram - his storytelling is insane.
And as always, I’m so glad you’re here. I hope this episode leaves you inspired, refreshed, and a little more confident in your own creative path.
Connect with Lukas:
Website: www.lukaspiatek.com
Instagram: @lukaspiatekphotography
Patreon: www.patreon.com/c/lukaspiatek
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