Hi, I am Ute (pronounced Oo-ta) a creative photographer, educator, and passionate explorer of light. My journey with photography has always been one of curiosity, experimentation, and community.
I was born and raised in Germany, but my adventurous spirit led me across the world—from South Korea to Brazil, Michigan to San Francisco—before finally settling in Los Angeles in 2015. Along the way, I built a German-speaking family in America, cultivated my love for nature and whimsical details, and developed a deep appreciation for artistic expression.
The Birth of Develop with Light
My love for photography isn’t just about capturing moments—it’s about storytelling, emotion, and pushing creative boundaries. That’s why I created Develop with Light, my bestselling workshop designed to help photographers break free from technical constraints and embrace creative exploration.
But something beautiful happened: the workshop didn’t just inspire individuals; it sparked a thriving community of like-minded photographers. Today, the Develop with Light community is a place where we learn, experiment, and grow together—supporting each other through challenges, sharing inspiration, and celebrating our creative breakthroughs.
My Passion for Lensbaby
One of my greatest joys in photography is using Lensbaby’s innovative, unconventional lenses. As one of only 25 Lensbaby Trailblazers, I own and use every single Lensbaby lens on the market.
These lenses, like the Composer Pro with its unique tilting mechanism, open up a world of creative possibilities. Teaching others how to use these artistic tools is something I truly love, and if you’ve never seen what a Lensbaby can do, I highly recommend checking it out [insert link here].
Creativity, Community & Connection
For me, photography is more than an art form—it’s a way of connecting with the world and with each other. I love experimenting, but I love sharing my knowledge just as much. Whether through my workshops, my Develop with Lightcommunity, or one-on-one mentoring, my goal is to inspire others to see the world differently and express themselves more freely.
Let’s create something magical together!
Why Californialover?
My love for photography started early—at age 10, when I got my first point-and-shoot camera. I kept exploring, but it was the invention of Instagram that sparked my curiosity and my drive to learn and grow as a photographer. Over time, Lensbaby played a huge role in shaping my creative voice, pushing me to develop my own unique style.
When I first joined Instagram, I chose the name Californialover simply because I was (and still am!) in love with the landscapes, the lifestyle, and the creative spirit of this place. Somehow, having roots in California just feels right—it’s part of what fuels my artistic journey. What started as a simple username has grown into my brand, a reflection of my passion for photography and the way I see the world.