Photography by LL Photography | Bloomingdale Illinois

There was a time in my life when I felt completely lost and broken. I was in a toxic, abusive relationship that drained me of my confidence and self-worth. I didn’t feel good enough or strong enough to escape, but deep down, I knew I had to make a change—for myself and for my baby.

Then something extraordinary happened. There was a woman—a stranger at the time—who saw my unfortunate situation and stepped in. She wasn’t my friend, my neighbor, or anyone I knew personally, but she looked at me with compassion and said words that changed my life: “I have to help you, like a mother to a mother.” She gave me the strength and support I needed to leave my bad situation. Her kindness, her willingness to help someone she barely knew, completely changed the course of my life.

That moment taught me something profound: one person can have a life-changing impact. And that person doesn’t have to be a close friend or neighbor—they can be someone who crosses your path at just the right time. Maybe it’s you, maybe it’s your friend, or maybe it’s someone you least expect. Sometimes, it’s even the person who photographs you and helps you see your own worth, strength, confidence, and beauty.

With her help, I made the terrifying decision to leave, packing what little I could and moving to a new state to start over. I didn’t speak English, I didn’t have a safety net, but I had a fierce determination to create a better life for us.

Starting over wasn’t easy. I worked hard to rebuild myself from the ground up—learning a new language, raising my child, and finding my footing in a completely new world. Along the way, I discovered something extraordinary: my passion for photography and beauty. Looking back, I’ve always loved photography—my very first boudoir photo was taken when I was just 17. But I never thought I could actually become a photographer.

In those early days of starting over, I began to dream about what life could look like if I followed that passion. I enrolled in courses at Harper College, where I studied photography and graphic design, and earned my makeup artist certification. These skills became more than just a career path—they were tools to reclaim my confidence and build something meaningful, not just for myself, but for others too.

As I put my life back together, I realized I was becoming someone I could be proud of. I lost some friends along the way, but I gained new ones who truly understood and supported the person I was becoming. I connected with other incredible photographers, talented artists, and inspiring coaches who pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined. Each of them played a role in helping me shape the person I am today.

I worked tirelessly to build my brand and create the life I had always dreamed of. Now, I’m living that life with a wonderful man by my side—someone who allows me to be my true self and helps me shine. I’m a proud mom of two beautiful girls and three dogs, and I learn something new every single day.

Someone once told me that people don’t change—they just get smarter. Whether or not that’s true, I know this: I’ve grown, I’ve learned, and I’ve fought to become the person I am today.

I do this for the mom who feels like she’s lost her sense of self, for the woman who’s overcome challenges and needs to be reminded of her power, and for anyone ready to embrace their story and see their true beauty. The impact I aim to bring is more than just stunning photos—it’s the gift of self-recognition and confidence.

Every session is a celebration of life, growth, and everything that makes us unique. I want every woman who steps in front of my camera to walk away feeling strong, beautiful, and worthy—no matter where they’ve come from or what they’ve been through.

My journey has taught me that anything is possible when you believe in yourself, even when it feels like the odds are stacked against you. And now, I get to help others see that too, one photograph at a time.

If you’re searching for boudoir photography near you or a Chicago boudoir photographer, you’re in the right place! At Lenka Lipcenko Photography based in Bloomingdale, I specialize in creating elegant, timeless, and empowering boudoir portraits that highlight your beauty and confidence.