Our company's by-line is “Originators of Self-Image Photography”.
This is a concept that has evolved to become the core of the Lumina philosophy.
Most portrait sessions at other studios are done this way: “Come in,
sit down, tilt your head, say ‘money', click” – and the photographer has begun capturing images of what he or she thinks you should look like.
But, our method is very different.
The Lumina photographer does not start taking photos until we have spent a period of time initially just “getting to know” our subject. We want to find out the client's objectives and ideas for the images they want and what they hope to have as the final result.
We always like to meet with our photo subjects in advance of their photo session. We get to know them, talk about their dreams and objectives. We often ask our clients to bring in a photo or a
magazine ad that they have seen that they would like to duplicate.
When we meet for the photo session -- we go through these “tear-sheets” and discuss what they like about the pictures they have selected – such as the pose, the facial expression, the setting, the attitude, the “style”. During the photo session, we attempt to
duplicate several of the selected poses.
This is an important element of letting the customer have major
input into the final product – thus – “self-imaging.”
3. How do you use interactive posing to get better shots?
Another element of our “self-imaging” process is the interactive method we use for shooting during our photo session. Ninety percent of our clients have never done any modeling before. They generally have little or no idea about how to “pose.” So, we teach them!
Since all of our sessions are shot digitally, we have the capability to immediately project each shot onto a monitor so that the model and the photographer can see the results of each photo.
We can show what happens when the model adds certain posing elements: twist from the waist, bend the arm, point the toe, tilt the head, part the lips slightly – instantly a better photo!
As they learn what they can do to make the photos better – the
subject and the photographer interactively create a photo session
that produces extraordinary results.
4. How does a Lumina photo shoot build self-esteem?
One of the unexpected by-products of our photo session method has been the increased self-esteem and confidence that it gives to our subjects.
They see themselves improving and creating beautiful photos. Even teens who have felt awkward and “unattractive” have finished the session with comments like “wow, I can really be pretty” or “I had no idea that I could do something like this.” We are very proud to have
this be a consistent added benefit of our business.
This style, methodology and photo shoot system is what we call
“Self-image Photography.” It is fun. It is extremely well received by
our clients. And, it produces extraordinary results.
5. Why should I visit the Lumina studio?
The major difference between our "photo shoot" method and the
more traditional portrait studio session is the number of shots
and the personal approach that we take with each client .
The traditional studio will spend 20 to 30 minutes to set-up lights, backgrounds and a set pose or two – and then shoot 15 to 40
shots or "poses."
Generally much detail is spent making sure the hands and head and smile are "just right" and very posed. Nothing could be more boring or tiring.
In our sessions, we usually shoot 70 to 100 shots per hour! We spend the time to make the session fun and active. We invite clients to bring and play their favorite CD Favorite music - from Bach to Beck - helps set the mood and helps us get extraordinary results.
We shoot 4 or 5 images, change the pose, shoot, outfits – then shoot again, change lights, shoot, change the location, shoot, change clothes again, etc. It is an exhausting, exhilarating session, but it creates the types of images our clients love.
