We recently connected with Luciane Marcus and have shared our conversation below.

Luciane , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I have been a photographer for quite a while and have conducted many headshots and high school senior photoshoots. Seniors are easy – they know what to do, how to pose, and how to use the right angles to flatter themselves… especially the girls! In 2019 I was contacted by a Lake Brantley mom inquiring about a Senior Session for her daughter, Abigail. As always, I was excited but at the same time a little anxious anticipating my session with Abigail since she was not the average senior. Abigail was born with Down Syndrome, and I did not know what to expect; however, aside for her unbelievable candor and special warmth, she was no different from any other senior I photographed. She immediately put me at ease when she declared, “I am a typical teenage girl except I have an extra chromosome”. Throughout the whole photoshoot, Abigail was just a smiling happy teenager. Although she had a head cold at the time, she was always pleasant and cheerful. I couldn’t believe her attitude, her determination and positivity made her a joy to work with. Every picture revealed a different side of her personality. Sometimes she was a teenager having fun, sometimes she was a woman, sometimes she was a young girl with an inspiring sense of confidence. I hope she felt like a SUPERSTAR, because that is how she looked … just smiling and being herself.

Photographing Abigail has helped me to realize that everyone has a beautiful spirit no matter perceived limitations or personal challenges. We all have something to offer, and it is so rewarding as a photographer to witness this during my sessions. People somehow always open up in front of a camera, and somehow reveal their essence in surprising ways. I learned from Abigail and have since witnessed her achievements, everything from the Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Parade to the Pro Bowl halftime show with Jordan Fisher, to meeting politicians in Washington D.C. and TV commercials… Abigail knows no limits! I learned so much with her. In the end, she was just like any other high school senior, except she was more confident and outgoing. I was honored to display her personality — to show that Down Syndrome is only a detail and a challenge that can be overcome with determination. I am proud I could be part of her incredible story! As a photographer, it was such a blessing to work with Abigail and her family!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Born in Brazil, I moved to the USA 23 years ago. I met my husband, got married and had my first child in Brazil. After finishing my Master Degree (Zoology/Ictiology), we decided it was time for a change and we move to my husband’s homeland, the USA. It was a challenge with a small child and not speaking the language… but soon I found myself working at NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), where I was able to work as a biologist with some incredible scientists researching Yellow Tail Snapper populations at Key West. After few years we moved to Orlando, my relationship with NOAA ended, but my sense of adventure and love of the arts and people led me to photography. As a long-time amateur, I embarked on a new adventure by taking photography classes. I was always passionate about photography but I never considered it as a career path. Was I good enough to make this my profession?

After much thought, consideration and conversations with my photography professors, I felt I was ready to take my photography to the next level. I always believed that if I worked hard I could achieve anything in this world! My confidence grew, and I passionately pursued what was once a hobby into a career. I lived for photography, and spent endless nights watching tutorials to improve my craft and I NEVER looked back.

My goal as a photographer is to empower clients to look and feel their best. My goal is to direct clients into the perfect pose by making them feel comfortable in a situation that is not the most comfortable. From photographing corporate professionals, executives and high school seniors, I always try to capture the true essence of the person behind the camera – A portrait is much more than just snapping beautiful pictures, a portrait helps me to tell a history and build relationships along the way.

If you ask me what sets me apart from others I would say is my ability to talk to anyone in a crowd… I can warm up pretty quickly to someone I just met, which is very important when you have only 2 minutes to coach and produce a good headshot for a busy client. A good photo involves taking a picture, but I discovered a great photograph requires capturing someone’s spirit, their essence.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My particular goal is to never stop learning and growing; we always have room for improvement.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist or creative, in my case, is the ability to capture stories and moments. Photography in my view is much more than taking beautiful pictures, it’s about seeing the world in a different/unique way. For example, when I take headshots for a company, like Coca Cola, I am not just fulfilling a corporate marketing need, I’m showcasing their culture, team work and the essence of their corporate mission. Photography for me is not only my business, it’s something I genuinely LOVE!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.LMPhotos.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lmphotography_lumarcus/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LucianeMarcusPhotography
• Linkedin: Luciane Marcus I LM Photography