The garden colors are vivid and bright. Intensify these colors. This is your fantasy garden, the finest you have ever seen. Soak in the reds, blues, greens, yellows, pinks, turquoises, and lavenders. See yourself receiving the energy of these vibrant hues.
I am an artist. I command the power of photography to document authenticity of who we are at any given moment. I have an expert eye for detail, thanks to my years of work in advertising where I truly learned to appreciate the significance of detail in a photograph. I bring this experience to my clients. Iconic figures photographed by me include Andy Warhol, Joan Rivers, Karl Lagerfeld.
I love the month of February, because it is a time where we make a little extra space to show just how much we appreciate the ones we love most. Whether it be with a special meal, a date, or with diamonds, this time of year is known as the best opportunity to go beyond the usual and remind our closest loved ones exactly…
What is the look of power? Historically, it was something you would expect to see in kings and queens, or presidents even. There was a time where a certain nationality or culture would be held in higher esteem as one that is inherently more powerful than the other, however, we now understand that power comes in all different shapes and sizes. A few weeks ago, we…
The year was 1979 when I first started taking photography more seriously. It was on a trip home to visit my parents. The family would always stop by and these were my nieces and nephew. Capturing this real authentic moment - this photograph later went on to become a poster. It was sold around the world and today I still…
Do you remember growing up in your family home with walls full of family portraits, albums and books filled with positive memories of the love and joy shared between family and friends? Do you remember how it made you feel to know that whether near or far, your loved ones could always be with you? Love has a way making us…
As a professional photographer, it is my responsibility to capture the moments my clients will cherish for a lifetime. To do this, I need to make sure they are filled with the energy it takes to create those special moments. This past summer, I was honored as the featured photographer for KDHamptons, and I was asked about how I get children to photograph well. Now of course, there’s a secret recipe I use to help my subjects #getlucilled, but the truth is...
The only thing I love more than enjoying a beautiful summer day, is being able to keep the memories with the gift of photography. This August, my team and I are happy to have received recognition from Kelli Delaney of KDHamptons, as the Featured Photographer. Take a moment to read her article below!
Brady Hopkins
Compacting three decades of history into one paragraph simply isn’t possible, but one look at Lucille Khornak’s photographs says it all. There’s a reason she is known as “The Portrait Specialist” of the East End. Lucille shares, “I aim to capture priceless moments, displaying each client in their own unique soulful, energetic, and whimsical nature.” With credit to her years of experience as a fashion and beauty photographer, and her love of the Hamptons, Lucille has curated a following of families and friends who rely on her to encapsulate memories in a photograph. KDHamptons spent an afternoon with Lucille photographing my nephew, Brady Hopkins. We love the photos and the whole process was fun & easy.
KDHamptons: What do you love most about being a photographer?
Lucille Khornak: I love being able to capture life, and genuine moments that can be remembered in the future because we have it documented on our tables, our desks, and the walls of our homes. I love the interaction with the children – they fill my heart with their energy, their smiles and laughter. Every shoot is different, and I never know what I’m going to get from each subject, but I shoot until I feel I have what I want to capture. Our sessions are simple however our results are rich.
KDHamptons: What does a typical photo shoot entail? time, location, how many changes?
Lucille Khornak: There are SO many elements attached to any given shoot, but it all comes together to create some really powerful images in the end! Once we arrive on site whether it is a client’s home, location or the beach, we set up any necessary equipment based on where we are, and the shoot can last anywhere between an hour and an hour and a half. I often assist with wardrobe suggestions if the client wants to change. Personally, I feel it is a good idea as kids react differently in different clothing. Some moms prefer to have their hair and makeup done for the session. When all this comes together, the shoot is my favorite part of the process. We have fun, we laugh, we create the very memories I am there to document, and I am honored to be a part of the client’s experience.
KDHamptons: Do you prefer to shoot children or adults?
Lucille Khornak: I love shooting children because they are pure, natural, and real. Their movements and actions are all so transparent. Capturing those real moments is what makes my heart sing. When I am photographing an adult, I use my experience as a model, as well as a fashion and beauty photographer to make my subject look/feel beautiful. We all have beauty inside of us and I work to pull it out of them.
KDHamptons: What is your magic trick to get kids to focus and take great photos?
Lucille Khornak: Well, I once heard that a good magician never tells her secrets, lol! On the photo shoot you will see how I pull the rabbit out of the hat. Seriously though, I like to get them involved in the moment, and then when they forget they are being photographed, I find I am able to capture the best possible moments. We like to have fun on our photoshoots!
KDHamptons: Where is your favorite location to shoot and why?
Lucille Khornak: The beach in the Hamptons is always wonderful because the light is so different depending on the time of day and the season. I love it because it’s very easy to have fun, and clients tend to feel more relaxed and comfortable when surrounded by the white sand, blue waters, a gentle breeze and glowing sunlight.
KDHamptons: What is an approximate overview on pricing?
Lucille Khornak: As you can imagine, a lot of visitors are looking for a quote the moment we connect, but what I love about our process is that our services are truly customized to meet the appropriate needs of each client. We offer a variety of services. Our packages start at $3500. We do offer fully customizable options for our clients.
KDHamptons: Where do you live in the Hamptons and what do you love most about life on the East End?
Lucille Khornak: In the past, I’ve lived in Southampton and East Hampton however for me Bridgehampton is the most central. I have the Lucille Khornak Photography and Art Gallery there for almost ten years. Life on the East End has it’s own treats as well. I love long walks on the beach, visiting with friends, going to dinner parties and some charity events where I get to dance. What I love most about life on the East End -as simple as it may seem- is a trip to the vegetable stand, where I pick out my favorite fresh veggies and fresh fish for dinner.
If you haven't had a chance to see the beautiful Holiday House in Water Mill this year, here’s a look at what you're missing! There are so many gorgeous and amazing rooms on display. These photos from my recent visit are only a glimpse into what the Holiday House Hamptons has to offer.
The Holiday House is a designer showhouse dedicated to providing funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, a worthy cause. The design spaces are each themed around a special moment in life or a holiday that inspires the designer.
I encourage you to spend an afternoon exploring the rooms. I’m sure you will take away some great design ideas for your interiors.
I recommend checking out the garage by Barbara Ostrom, and upstairs take a look at the room by Melanie Roy! A fun surprise is the tennis court on the roof - a concept that I found very unique and original!
If you're a proud pet owner, you know that your favorite furry friends are without a doubt an important part of the family. Pets seem to tie the whole family together, providing us with laughter, happiness and comfort during the good times and the bad. Their unconditional love and loyalty are truly remarkable, which explains why so many pet owners wish to celebrate their beloved little companions every chance they get. This tradition is especially popular in the Hamptons, where you see families with their dogs year round, taking walks together around town on sunny days. It really is a heart-warming sight.
Some of the best family portraits are those that feature the entire extended family – including the family pet! Including your dog in the photoshoot can offer some of the best candid shots and countless opportunities for great photos. Pets add something special to the photo session – a certain element of warmth and humor. They bring a playful energy and add an extra element of fun to the experience. The kids will love posing with their favorite animal and looking back on these photographs when they are older.
We love our pets and want to remember them forever, just as we do with our friends and family. Next time you are planning a shoot for the family or looking to create beautiful seasonal holiday cards, remember to include your family pet. For an extra special treat, have some pictures taken of just your pets. I am great with animals and I know exactly how to incorporate them into your photographs. These prints can be hung as artwork in the home to create a warm, loving atmosphere or featured on special greeting cards to send to all your family members and friends. Remember - Your pet is a family member.
