Through Her Lens: Lorena Gheorghe’s Story of Becoming

Lorena Gheorghe first began photographing women in her basement in Romania—but her very first subject was herself. Turning the camera inward became a tool for exploration, self-expression, and documenting her ever-changing body. It was also the first step in shedding the layers of shame she carried simply for being a woman and existing.

Growing up as a teenage girl in Romania during the 1990s and early 2000s was difficult. “Men had a lot of entitlement,” she recalls. Photography became her way to reclaim power and release the tension built up through years of bullying. “Through photography, I got to watch myself. It was like looking into a mirror.”

Her camera became both witness and companion as she navigated adolescence. She documented her own shifting body, interests, desires, and curiosities. In the process, she discovered strength in embracing her evolving female form. This self-study heightened her awareness of the women around her—women who carried the same feelings, longings, and vulnerabilities. They became mirrors too, reflecting her insecurities but also her resilience.

Lorena didn’t want to remain a passive observer of their experiences—experiences she knew intimately. Though she often felt blocked from telling women directly how beautiful they were, she had found a new language through her lens. Photography became her way of giving back, her means of empowerment.

“With portraits, I get to look into your eyes. Through one-on-one conversations, I hear your insecurities and hold space for them—because I know how it feels.”

Her work became a form of shadow work—for her and for her subjects. Time in her studio invited women to process, to see themselves differently. Many had been bullied, disliked their bodies, or never imagined stepping in front of a camera. They didn’t fit glossy magazine ideals or campaign norms, but in Lorena’s portraits, they began to witness their own beauty.

Part of her ability to hold this space comes from the rituals she creates around her work. Before photographing, Lorena grounds herself in movement—walking, stretching, breathing deeply. She cleanses her space with sage, then pauses for prayer and gratitude. “I like to empty myself,” she says, “so I can truly be present.”

That presence extends to the way she engages her subjects. The first meeting is gentle: she follows their energy, sometimes entering their homes, creating an atmosphere of comfort and trust. By the second shoot, she steps forward as guide. “As the creative, I need to take the lead and show you another side of yourself. Each photoshoot is different, a balance of yin and yang, give and take.”

Today, Lorena continues to use her photography to celebrate diversity and redefine beauty—to empower minorities and shine a spotlight on the unseen. Her upcoming inaugural global portrait series, Muses, features women from Romania, Hawaii, Japan, and Sri Lanka. The exhibition invites audiences to sit with difference.

“Once you enter the show, you realize these are not just pictures in frames. They’re portals—windows into body shapes, beauty standards, cultures, customs, and belief systems. Differences make us uncomfortable. My hope is that people will see in each other their humanity, their identity, and however the heart wants to sing.”

For Lorena, the show also marks another round of self-discovery. “I’m going through my own breakthroughs. Again doing shadow work. It’s almost as if I lived every portrait and story.” She knows the emotions leading up to the exhibition will be powerful. “My heart will be exploding with gratitude. I’ve poured so much effort and love into this. When it’s time, I’ll be fully present, knowing the work is done and ready to be celebrated.

Afterward, I’ll leave looking ahead. This show is testing me, but it’s also a blueprint for something greater—and I’m ready.”

And if she could choose a superpower? Her answer comes with a smile: “To fly. To see the world from above, from different angles. And perhaps, to make a quick trip to Romania and back.”

Exhibition details: Muses will debut at Ars Café, an intimate Honolulu space known for hosting artists and musicians. “There will be a lot of red—red carpet, red veil, red alcohol (vișinată, a traditional Romanian sour cherry liqueur). So wear red!”