A little about Lucia and Portraits by Lucia….

Hi, my name is Lucia and I’ve been photographing professionally for over 25 years. In that time I have done a little bit of everything (and a LOT of some things) such as high-school senior yearbook pictures, class groups, sports and cheer teams, party candids, graduations, proms, day-care babies, executive portraits, families, weddings, 5K races, snow ski action shots, and food photography. I’ve also had “hands on” and managerial experience running darkrooms and overseeing the flow of heavy production orders. The good thing about doing a little bit of everything is that, in addition to honing your skills it gives you a chance to figure out what you enjoy most and where your talents really lie.


When the “digital revolution” first came along, I was one of the first to come on board. I immediately saw the creative potential of what you could now do and the possibilities were mind blowing. I made it my business to learn (and still do) everything I could about PhotoShop. (The first rumor I’d like to put to rest is that you can “do anything” with just one click….NOT) These new techniques have been a real shot in the arm and have renewed my enthusiasm for photography all over again. I launched my own business about five years ago. I photograph using both film and digital cameras and often get asked which is better. I honestly see them as just tools that are used to capture light and end up using whichever one is more suitable for the job at the time. I learned a long time ago that it is the “mechanic and not the tool” that makes the difference.

My style of photography today is more contemporary and playful. I like to work in a relaxed manner and concentrate on close ups of the face, rather than on a prop or particular outfit. Natural lighting is my first choice because it is soft and flattering. I photograph in the client’s home, on location, or in my studio. Surprisingly, some of my best work has occurred when I was photographing outside in the client's own garage. The quality of a huge “window” that shines in is absolutely gorgeous in this situation. And in looking at it later, for example, you’d never know the client had been squatting down between an old bucket or crouched on the ground near an old set of golf clubs!

A few years ago, on a fluke, I amused myself by creating a few sample collages just for fun. To my surprise they got such a positive response and I began to receive referrals from people who wanted the same idea, only different. Then people wanted to know if it would be possible to have a collage made out of their own pictures. Thus, a new niche was born! My work now has evolved from merely photographing portraits and selling prints (which you can get anywhere) to specializing in photo illustrations, collages and custom design projects. In the beginning, although I loved working on them, (and was grateful for the referrals), I didn’t really “get” what the fuss was all about. Then I met someone who had been a recipient of one of my Heirloom Collages (a compilation of old photographs) and she was moved to tears. She reminded me of the miracle of photography and how it freezes a tiny slice of your life forever. I had forgotten how a photograph does have that power to immortalize. I had not understood the allure of giving a collage as a gift until then.

As a result of the interest shown for these custom photo projects, the need for new subgroups has emerged on its own. Scrapbook page layouts, party theme decoration, (such as Signing Boards, photo candy wraps, invitations, etc,), Themed Collages (landmark birthdays, golden anniversaries, vacation retrospectives), and upscale Photo Bags, custom Note Cards and Slideshows. So if you’ve got a milestone coming up, and you need to schedule a photo session ,OR if you already have your own pictures and need your idea developed, please call me so we can discuss it.
 

CREDENTIALS:
BA, Photography, Stephens College
BFA, Illustration
Maine Photographic Workshop
Member of Professional Photographers of America
Member Tennessee Professional Photographers of America
Memphis Professional Photographic Guild, past Treasurer
Member NAPP, National Association of Photoshop Professionals