Celebrating Dads

Dad is proud of his family (and his car)

Capturing the Timeless Role of Fathers on Father's Day: A Celebration of Love and Legacy

Father's Day is a momentous occasion that allows us to express our heartfelt appreciation for the extraordinary role that fathers play in our lives. A dad is more than just a parent; he is a pillar of strength and a constant source of guidance, love and support. 

At Lucille Khornak Studio, we understand the significance of capturing the essence of this special day and preserving the memories of the cherished bond between fathers and their families. My role as a family portrait photographer is not just to create timeless memories of the whole family, but also to capture the profound impact of each member of the family. Today, we celebrate fathers and we honor the love, strength, and legacy that they bring to their families.

The Fountain of Love and Affection: Capturing Emotion

Fathers embody the spirit of unconditional love. From the moment a father holds his newborn in his arms, a unique bond is formed that grows deeper with each passing day. Through smiles, laughter, and even tears, a dad's love remains steadfast, reminding us that we are always loved and valued.

At Lucille Khornak Studio, we specialize in capturing the depth of emotion shared within families, emphasizing the unique connection between fathers and their children. Through my expert lens and artistic vision, we freeze in time the tender moments of a father's embrace, the genuine laughter, and the overwhelming love reflected in his eyes. Our luxury family portraits serve as enduring reminders of the love that fathers have for their families, ensuring these memories are treasured for generations to come.

The Guardian of Dreams: Celebrating Fatherly Protection

Fathers are there to shield us from harm, both physical and emotional, and they have an innate ability to be the guardians of their children's dreams. Whether it's teaching us to ride a bike, offering a helping hand, or lending a listening ear, a dad is always there, ready to support us through life’s joys and trials alike. Through my many years as a luxury family portrait photographer, I have had the privilege of seeing this first hand and I understand the significance of capturing the sense of security and comfort that fathers provide . That is why it is so important to me that I can use my skills to portray the strength that fathers demonstrate through their steadfast lead, to immortalize the playful moments of adventure as well as the everyday life lessons that fathers impart to their children. With seasoned craft and care, we create a visual narrative that reflects a father’s constant protection and devotion to their families.

The Mentor and Role Model: Preserving Legacy

Fathers are not only mentors but also role models, guiding their children through the complexities of life's journey and imparting their hard-learned wisdom. They teach us important lessons, instill core values, and inspire us to become the best versions of ourselves. A dad's lessons stay with us, shaping our character and influencing our decisions long after childhood.

We know very well, at Lucille Khornak Studio, the importance of capturing the interactions that shape a child's character and believe that family photography is an opportunity to preserve the lasting impact of a father's teachings. From shared adventures to quiet conversations, our luxury family portraits serve as a visual testament to the life lessons fathers pass down, allowing families to honor and keep their legacy alive.

The Foundation of Strength: Celebrating Fathers' Enduring Resilience

Fathers stand as examples of fortitude, providing encouragement and strength in times of adversity. That is why I always aim to use my skills as a family portrait photographer to capture the resilience and courage fathers demonstrate throughout life and preserve their presence for future generations. 

Fathers serve as a guiding hand during difficult moments and as quiet reassurance during turbulent times. Often, they are providers, working tirelessly to ensure the well-being and happiness of their families. Sometimes, they are emotional providers rather than material, but the fact still remains that fathers sacrifice their time, energy, and personal aspirations to create a nurturing and stable environment. Whether it's providing for our physical needs or cheering on our hopes and dreams, a dad's selflessness and dedication leave an indelible mark on our lives. Our fathers teach us the importance of perseverance, and accountability, preparing us for the road that lies ahead, with all its twists and turns. 

Acknowledging the Influence of Grandfathers and Father Figures

In addition to celebrating fathers, we must also acknowledge the profound impact of grandfathers and father figures in our lives. They play a pivotal role in shaping our identities, offering unique perspectives and unconditional love.

Grandfathers, with their wisdom and life experiences, offer valuable insights and guidance. They provide a link to our family's history and heritage, passing down stories that connect us to our roots. Through their presence, they impart a sense of stability and a deep understanding of the world.

Father figures, who may not be biologically related but assume the role of a father, have a significant influence on our lives. They step in and provide for our needs, both emotional and material, embodying the qualities of a father even without the biological connection. Their presence and dedication demonstrate that fatherhood extends beyond blood ties, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships and the importance they have in our lives.

At Lucille Khornak Studio, we recognize and honor the influence of grandfathers and father figures as well as fathers in the traditional sense. No matter what your family looks like, our luxury family photography sessions capture the unique bond that father figures share with their children and grandchildren, preserving those precious moments for eternity. We understand that the legacy of love and guidance they leave behind is an essential part of a family's story, and we strive to capture it with authenticity and artistry.

On Father's Day, we come together to honor and celebrate the remarkable role of fathers. At Lucille Khornak Studio, we understand the influence fathers have on their families, and our family portraits serve as a testament to their abiding love. 

This Father's Day, why not give the gift of capturing these precious moments? Consider purchasing a gift card or photo session for your beloved father. With my skill, honed through years of experience, and attention to detail, together we can create a personalized and unforgettable experience, allowing your family to cherish these memories for years to come.

Let us honor the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures in our lives, capturing and preserving their priceless presence through the mastery of our lens. Happy Father's Day, a celebration of love and a tribute to the timeless role of fathers.

11 Reasons a Portrait Session With a Professional Photographer is the Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

Looking for a Mother's Day gift that's both unique and memorable? Consider gifting your mom a professional photo shoot with a luxury family portrait photographer. As a professional photographer with a passion for capturing beautiful family portraits, I can attest to the many benefits of gifting a photo shoot to your mom. 

Here are 11 reasons why a professional photo shoot is the perfect Mother's Day gift.

• It's a Luxury Experience

A professional photo shoot with a luxury family portrait photographer is a unique and luxurious experience that your mom will love. It's a chance to indulge and treat her to something special. At Lucille Khornak Studio, we offer a variety of services and customized experiences, from family portraits on the beach and other picturesque locations to wall design services and photo books. With a professional photographer, the photo shoot experience is sure to make your mom feel pampered and valued. 

• It’s fun and relaxing

One of the greatest advantages of a professional photo shoot is that it provides a fun and relaxing experience for your mom. As a luxury photographer, I make sure to create a warm and welcoming environment where your mom can feel comfortable and at ease. From selecting the perfect location to helping your mom choose the right outfit, I take care of every detail so that she can relax and enjoy the experience. 

If you live in a beach area, you can take the relaxation up a notch and plan the photo shoot on the beach. As a family portrait photographer who specializes in beach photography, I know how to capture stunning and memorable photos of your family. I love photographing on the beach, because it provides a beautiful backdrop and creates a relaxed and natural atmosphere for your family to enjoy. From the golden hour lighting to the soft sand and crystal clear water, I love family portraits on the beach because it provides the perfect setting for a fun and relaxing photo shoot for your mom. 

• Expertise and Professionalism

A professional photographer has the expertise and professionalism to capture beautiful and high-quality photos of your family. With their skill and experience, they can create photos that will be treasured for years to come. They understand how to use lighting, composition, and posing to create images that truly capture the essence of your family.

• A Gift That Lasts a Lifetime

A photo shoot is a gift that will last a lifetime. The photos will be cherished and treasured by your family for generations to come. Every time your mom looks at the photos, she’ll be reminded of the special bond shared by your family and the love you have for each other. 

• Memories for the Family

A photo shoot captures memories that your family will treasure forever. It's an opportunity to create new memories and reflect on the special bond shared by your family. From the laughter and smiles to the candid moments, a photo shoot provides an opportunity to capture your family in a way that’s authentic and meaningful. 

• Customizable Experience

A professional photo shoot is a customizable experience that can be tailored to your mom's preferences. You can choose the location, outfits, and style of the photos to make sure they reflect your mom's personality and tastes. Whether she prefers a casual beach look or a more formal portrait, a professional photographer can help you create the perfect photo shoot experience.

• Takes the Photo Planning off Her Plate

Planning a photo shoot can be stressful and time-consuming. These photos can be used year round for displaying in the home or for Christmas cards later in the year. So, making sure to schedule them yearly is important and puts one more thing on your mom’s plate. By gifting your mom a professional photo shoot, you're taking the planning off her plate and allowing her to enjoy the experience without worrying about the details. From scouting the location to coordinating with the photographer, a professional photo shoot eliminates the stress of making sure to get those yearly family photos done. 

• Boosts Confidence

A professional photo shoot can boost your mom's confidence and make her feel like a superstar. Seeing herself captured in stunning photos will remind her of how beautiful she is and boost her self-esteem. A professional photographer can help her feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, resulting in photos that truly capture her personality and beauty. 

• A Perfect Family Gift

A professional photo shoot is a perfect gift for the whole family. It's an opportunity to capture the love and bond shared among family members, creating cherished memories that will be treasured for years to come. A family portrait photographer can capture candid moments and create stunning portraits of your family that truly reflect the special bond you share. 

• A Unique and Personalized Gift

A professional photo shoot is a unique and personalized gift that shows you put thought and effort into finding a gift that's truly special. Unlike generic gifts that can be easily forgotten or misplaced, a professional photo shoot captures memories that will last a lifetime, and it’s a thoughtful gesture that your mom will appreciate.

• An Investment in Quality Photography

By gifting your mom a professional photo shoot with a luxury family portrait photographer, you're investing in quality photography that will be cherished for years to come. It's an opportunity to create timeless photos that will be passed down through generations. After the shoot, a professional photographer can help turn your family portraits into stunning art pieces that can be displayed in your home or your mom’s office. With their skill and expertise, a family portrait photographer can help you choose the right size and style of prints to match your mom’s decor and personal style so that your family portraits become timeless pieces of art that can be enjoyed for years to come. 

Gifting your mom a professional photo shoot with a luxury family portrait photographer makes a unique and meaningful gift for Mother's Day. From beautiful locations to the expertise and professionalism of the photographer, it's a luxurious and customizable experience that creates lasting memories and beautiful photos for your family to enjoy. A professional photo shoot provides a memorable and personalized experience that captures the special bond shared by your family. Plus, with the option to turn your family portraits into stunning art pieces, this gift is truly one that will keep on giving. So why not surprise your mom with the gift of beautiful memories this Mother’s Day and book a professional photo shoot with me?

9 Ways to Reset Your Life This Spring

…Come Spring, for now from all the dripping eaves
The spear of ice has wept itself away.
And hour by hour unfolding woodbine leaves
O'er his uncertain shadow droops the day.
She comes!…

Alfred Lord Tennyson

Around this time, most people are ready for warmer days ahead. When we walk outside into the crisp, cold air, we long for the sun to come out and shine a light on everything that has been in the dark all winter long.

Spring is a time of renewal, of bringing forth new energy and releasing the old. You might already be planning to clean out your home this spring, but spring is a great time to clean out your entire life. As motivation wanes from our ambitious New Year’s resolutions, give yourself a reboot with these 9 ways to reset your life this Spring.

1 - Declutter and Deep Clean Your Home

A thorough cleaning requires effort

We naturally accumulate a lot of things in our spaces and as that clutter builds up, it can have a negative impact on our mental space just as much as our physical space. Decluttering and keeping everything clean can feel like a constant battle, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Start small or break it up into small projects. Have you been procrastinating going through your wardrobe to find items to donate? Are your personal and important documents a mess?

Tackle one task at a time and soon you will have made a huge dent in your to-do list. Your space is your sanctuary and you deserve a peaceful, organized home.

Here are a few small ideas to spruce up your space:

• clean out the fridge and pantry of any expired items

• change out seasonal clothing items and put winter clothes in storage

• move large appliances and clean behind them

• pay attention to spaces that don’t often get cleaned, like the walls and baseboards

• steam clean the microwave with a bowl of water and lemon

• re-organize junk drawers and other miscellaneous storage spots

When all is organized and clean, bring in new energy and breathe life into your freshly and tidy home with some flowers or scented candles.

Keeping fit with the boys.

2 - Focus on physical health

Day-to-day life gets stressful, between managing your household, work, appointments, and other life obligations. It can be easy to forget how important it is to give love and appreciation to your body. Take a moment to recognize all it does for you and identify small changes you can make to take care of yourself. That might be working on developing a better exercise routine, or getting more sleep, or cutting back on caffeine and alcohol. You don’t have to make sweeping changes overnight. Take a new fitness class that you’ve been interested in trying. Schedule a facial to hydrate your skin after the dryness of winter. Take a 30-45 minute walk with no destination. Doing one small thing for your physical health today can go a long way in changing your mindset.

Cleaning off the old energy!

3 - Mentally recharge

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home. Decluttering can be a powerful process that we can apply to our mental space as well. Winter can be hard on the senses. Now that spring is here, the darkness is lifting and a freshness is in the air. What have you been lacking this winter?

A good start is to straighten out your priorities. Reflect on your habits and goals and find the WHY behind what you hope to achieve in the next season of your life.

Next, create a to-do list to organize your priorities. Organize your goals into short-term and long term. If you want to take this a step further, you can list out smaller steps to achieve the more long term goals and set deadlines for each step.

After you have your to-do list, it’s important to recharge to create the right mental conditions for future growth. You can’t take care of your goals or anything else if you aren’t properly taking care of yourself.

Here are some effective ways of recharging your mental space:

• take a digital detox

• find a therapist, if you are not already attending therapy

• establish a meditation practice

• allow yourself to rest without feeling guilty

• try a new hobby just for fun and don’t pressure yourself to be good at it

• make time each day to move, even if that’s just taking a leisurely walk in the park

Relationships reflected

4 - Reflect on your relationships

Spring cleaning is about re-aligning every aspect of your life. Often, we get so busy that we forget to pay attention to the things that impact our mental health the most, and this definitely applies to our relationships.

Spring cleaning your relationships doesn’t just mean letting go of relationships that no longer serve you. It also means re-evaluating the relationships that you want to continue to grow and develop. This could mean making an effort to reconnect with old friends that you haven’t seen in a while or setting aside time each week for quality family bonding. This is also a great opportunity to have a heart-to-heart with your partner about what has been going well and what might need some work.

Re-evaluating your relationship with yourself is important as well, since it is the most significant relationship you will ever have. No matter how other relationships in your life grow or fade, always make sure to pay attention to your own needs and give yourself some love.

5 - Spend time in nature

If you live in New York City, you know that the winter months are long and brutal. By now, most of us are craving some time outdoors. This is a great opportunity to connect to nature. Make it a family activity and get out together. Appreciate the vibrant colors of spring and breathe new life into your family connections as Spring breathes new life into the world.

Set a day aside on the weekend when everyone in the family has some free time and plan an activity. It could be a trip to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens to soak in the vibrant colors of springtime, or a weekend rental in the Catskills, or even just a picnic in your neighborhood park.

Schedule a professional photo session in Central Park or family portraits on the beach in the Hamptons. Photo sessions are a fantastic way to document family togetherness and with the beautiful spring weather, the possibilities are so much more open than in the dead of winter or the sweaty days of summer.

Drop the heavy coats and get outside!

6 - Plan for the rest of the year

Certain things just take advanced planning. If you have been putting off booking your summer vacations or scheduling your annual doctors appointments, spring is a great time to get everything on the books.

While you are planning, consider booking a photography session with a professional family photographer early for beautiful portraits ready-made to add to holiday cards later on in the year. As the year gets busier and busier, tasks like planning and scheduling will become stressful the more you put it off. Getting a professional family portrait session scheduled now will make future-you grateful and take the stress out of any last minute holiday cards. As summer approaches children are either off to camp or doing an overseas internship and their schedule gets busier. Book your session in June, before the busier times come along. Set the rest of the year up for success early by booking a family portrait session with me to get those yearly and holiday photos done early. Photos also make great presents for the in-laws who have everything and adore their grandchildren. If you book your professional photography session early, you know you are covered with documenting the growth of your children and the family unit. Later on in the year, when things get hectic, you will be glad that you did. You are taking off one more stress from your mind knowing this is done.

7 - Embrace alternative medicine and healing

My first passion is photography, but I am also a huge advocate of alternative healing. I have studied alternative medicine for over 30 years and loved what it had to offer. During that time, I also became a dowser. Dowsing is traditionally an ancient form of locating water with willow branches, but has since been used for healing and energy alignment.

Personally, I use a combination of traditional and alternative medicine. Through dowsing, I can check to see if my physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual body is out of alignment and work towards finding the reason. After I dowse, I feel I can tackle the world again.

Spring cleaning is all about releasing old energy and bringing in the new. Consider embracing alternative medicine, if you feel stagnation in your life. Some forms of CAM, or complementary alternative medicine, such as acupuncture have even been scientifically proven to yield significant results.

Here are some other types of alternative healing, if you are looking to try something new:

• yoga

• reflexology

• tai chi

• meditation

• Ayurveda

• Reiki

• electromagnetic therapy

• Qigong

• sound cleansing

The last item on this list is another one of my favorites. In order to wake up the energy in my home and make it easier to clean and organize, I will often use a bell and shake it in my closet, doorways, or any other areas in my home that may feel stagnant. Like many indigenous communities use smoke to cleanse their bodies and homes, I find sound is an equally powerful energy cleanser

The possibilities are endless in the world of alternative medicine. It is a wonderful way of connecting to the self and the natural energy within. If this is something you are interested in learning more about, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I love teaching others. If there is enough interest, I may send out information on getting started with dowsing to those who would like to learn more.

8 - Prioritize joy

How many of us grow up and forget what it is like to play? Over my many years of working as a luxury family photographer, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with children. Seeing the ease with which children experience joy and playfulness has been a constant reminder to keep my own youthful mindset alive. You are never too old to have fun. Embrace your playful side and prioritize activities that make you feel young. Turn on some music in your living room and dance like no one is watching. Revisit a hobby from your childhood. Try a new hobby. Sing in the shower. Laugh often and don’t take yourself too seriously. What would happen if you gave yourself permission to do what makes you happy, even if you feel silly?

9 - Wear sunscreen

This should go for every season, but especially the season of bare arms and shorts weather. It may seem obvious, but so many people forget how important sunscreen is. Remember to apply sunscreen every day to your face, neck and arms, so you can soak up the sun without soaking up any skin damage.

All of these spring cleaning tasks take time and energy, but they will each go a long way in upgrading your life, bit by bit. Focus on one at a time and don’t overwhelm yourself trying to change everything at once.

Declutter your home and your life and your phone one step at a time.

Happy cleaning!

A Step-by-step Guide to Creating an Elegant Display of Family Photography in your Home

Photographs displayed in the main foyer and up the staircase wall in a stately home make and statement about the value of family.

I love a good photo wall, not just because I love photography, but also because displaying your family photos on a prominent wall in your home is such a great way to celebrate your family bond. After all, part of the reason I got into the business of family photography is that I wanted to help families come together to create something meaningful. What is more meaningful than showing off your beautiful family where everyone can see day after day how much you mean to each other? Displaying your family photographs is a great way to create a constant reminder of the timeless memories that we pass down to future generations. The best part is, you don’t need very much space to make it work.

Displaying a gallery wall in your home takes creativity and may be daunting. I have spoken to many of my clients who want to add this kind of personal touch to their home, but don’t know where to start. With this step-by-step guide, you can create a beautiful testament to the love you and your family share.

Large plexart photographs on the wall above the piano, fill this wall, and tell the visitor where these two young men belong.

STEP 1: Choose your wall

My favorite spots for photo walls are spaces where the display can serve as a focal point where there would normally just be large open white walls. That’s why hallways are great places for gallery walls. Whether you choose a long hallway between bedrooms, between the kitchen and living room, or a wall along a staircase, these spaces are underused in most homes. Consider building an angular gallery design along the stairs to draw the eye upward and create the look of higher ceilings, or a sleek grid design on a family room wall to level up the vibe of your space.

Laying out xerox prints on a white board, helps you choose the photos that work together, as well as tell a story.

STEP 2: Choose your photos

This is the tricky part. You love all your family photographs, but not all of them can go on the wall. I like to combine posed photos with some real life moments. All formal family portraits can create a look of sterility, rather than warmth, which is why it is great to have a few more candid shots mixed in with the picture perfect moments.

Choosing a few larger photos as anchors and adding smaller frames around it is another great way to add some interest to your wall, so that it doesn’t look uniform.

Consider the look of your home when choosing your photos. Black and white photography can look sleek in an urban dwelling, while family photography on the beach displayed in full color might fit an oceanside home. Either way, I recommend choosing a few larger photos as anchors and adding smaller frames around them. This is a wonderful way to add some interest to your wall and make sure it does not look too uniform.

Using+old+frames+for+effect.jpeg

STEP 3: Decide what style of frame to use

Identifying your personal style is going to be important here. Do you live in the city? Combining modern neutrals, black and white, or silver with a thick mat gives your photos more depth and adds a luxurious, high-end feel. At a beach house, I love the look of warm touches, like brown, white, or other muted shades. Match your gallery wall to the aesthetic of your home, whether that means choosing vibrant colors for a beach house, or the rustic elegance of a plain wooden frame for your country abode.

Place paper copies of photographs to size on wall, before making the final investment

STEP 4: Layout your photos first

Don’t just get the hammer and start making holes in the wall just yet. Your fresh paint and wallpaper will thank you. I recommend first laying out your photos on the floor below the wall that you are planning to use. Take a step back to get a better perspective. Measure 2-3 inches between each frame to ensure your spacing isn’t clumsy. You may want to keep the layout on the floor overnight so that you can get a second look the next day, before you start hanging the photos on the wall.

If you struggle with this part, you can take advantage of my wall design services. At Lucille Khornak Studio, we can help you measure, pick photos, and arrange the layout. Then, we combine all these elements to create a virtual prototype of your wall, before you ever lift hammer to nail.

Family photos up the stairway wall. Natural light is good, as is an open space, just make sure there is no direct sun.

STEP 5: Hang

Now you can hammer away! This is the easy part. Hire someone to do this part or get a little arm workout. You can even call our studio to hang the photographs for you, if you’re not into hammering holes in your walls.

Once they have been hung up, step back and admire.

---

STEP 6: Change your wall as your family grows

Your family doesn’t stay the same as time goes by and your photo wall doesn’t have to either. Depending on the size of your home, pick 3-10 new photos for the wall each year.

Once your wall is filled, update your family wall by changing out a few of the photographs each year, while keeping the same frames and mats. Store the photos you’ve decided to take down in an archival box to pass your old photography on to your children as they get older. Someday, when they are adults with families and are ready to display their own photographs, they will love having photographs from their childhood to add to their own photo wall. 

Creating a gallery wall doesn’t have to be a headache. Remember, it is about letting your personal taste shine, but also about celebrating your bond with your loved ones. When you display your professional family photographs on your wall, you show your family unit and visitors alike that your house is not just a house, but a home.

This video shows four walls of my clients favorite friends photographs displayed in her guest bathroom. Every year her furry friends do a new theme, from “Breakfast at the table with their own signature dishes” or “Driving their fire truck” or “Watching their fav 101 Dalmatians”. They get so excited to see arrive with the cameras - “Oh no, it’s that time again” :-)

Mixing color photograph with black and white can be challenging however the results can be beautiful. The mix of different frames has to be taken into consideration to make your wall look like a professional photography wall.

My wall display from the Southampton Gallery.