People often ask me how I come up with new, fun, and unique ideas- even after all these years in the field of professional photography. Truth be told, I simply like to try new things. That’s why whenever I’m working, I try to...
Are You Living?
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...
What About The Children?
Reopening Studio 54? Will it really happen?
Is Studio 54 going to reopen again? Can that tantalizing time be repeated?
Mark Fleischman does it again.
This autumn, Mark made his authorial debut with the release of his new book, Inside Studio 54. A book filled with some of the most incredible memories in the 80’s New York party scene, it serves as the perfect ode to a time of sex drugs and rock and roll. It was a time when anyone who was someone could be found at Studio 54. “Calvin Klein, Bianca Jagger, Andy Warhol, and Halston,” are just a few names you could expect to come across on any of those glorious nights at studio.
Lucille Khornak stops for a photo with Mark Fleischman, author of Inside Studio 54.
Mark outdid himself in celebrating the debut of Inside Studio 54! It felt just like the good old days, walking into Dream on West 18th. Of course, you had to have your name on the ever exclusive list in order to get past the bouncer and get in line for the elevator that took you to the top floor(unlike Mark on that serendipitous night in 1977). A flashback to the old days of Studio 54: a line to get inside, growing as the minutes went by.
Getting off the elevator I could see the floor was packed. It was a mix of the older crowd, a school reunion from the Studio 54 days, and the new young generation, yearning to experience the vibe of those days.
The music was blaring. Erotic girls were dancing. The terrace was filled with everyone taking photos with their iPhones, selfies and ‘ussies’ -a true sign of the times,- the glistening city as their backdrop for the night. As the place got more and more crowded, the dancing started; it was the upbeat sound of the 80's that electrified the crowd.
My first book, Fashion: 2001, held its opening night party at Studio 54. It was definitely a night to be remembered. If it had been the days of Instagram and Snapchat, the behind the scenes would not have been so secretive; what happened at Studio 54 will remain a whisper.
Mark Fleischman with his wife, Mimi Fleischman celebrating the debut of their book, Inside Studio 54.
Lost in the sweet memory of what may go down in history as one of the most iconic clubs of NYC, I can’t help but wonder if the days of Studio 54 could ever be recreated. Certainly with the instant nature of today’s technology, protecting the otherworldly experience that used to be would prove quite a challenge! Retro music, old friends, and new friends gathered to support Mark Fleischman, and the unique flavor of what once emanated from Studio during opening night.
When I last spoke with Mark, I asked him: “So, is this the beginning of a new Studio 54 all over again?" Mark simply replied, "I know I could do it, but I am not going to do it!"
Studio 54 will forever mark it’s place in history as the club where celebrities gathered with the fabulous people of everyday life to dance the night away. It engraved in stone the standard of the “sex, drugs and rock & roll” experience. Think you can truly handle being Inside Studio 54?
Inside Studio 54 by Mark Fleischman with Denise Chatman and Mini Fleischman
LK SUMMER FEATURE
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.
Opening Night: EXPOSED by Eric DeMarchelier
Experience the new Eric DeMarchelier exhibit on view exclusively at the Lucille Khornak Gallery, Bridgehampton, New York.
Thursday, July 27th to Thursday, August 10th.
St Barth Hamptons Gala 2017 Hosted by Christie Brinkley
ERIC DEMARCHELIER
Eric came from an artistic and musical family and was one of 5 brothers. His father owned movie theaters while his mother was a classical dancer. His mother’s best friend at the time was Serge Lifar. His mother was an avid museum goer and Eric's eye was surrounded with art by the masters. Eric’s mother was --
Fashion: 2001
It was just a year ago that I sat down to an interview with Ponyboy Magazine, and I am so grateful that they saw fit to showcase the work from my first book, Fashion: 2001. I am still amazed and humbled when I see that this project continues to inspire today's youth, as well as seasoned industry professionals! Can't wait for the next chapter...
Take a look at some of Ponyboy Mag's favorite looks from the book, and read my interview with them here: https://ponyboymagazine.com/fashion2001-lucille-khornak/
Fashion: 2001, by Lucille Khornak ℗1982 Penguin Group
Thank you Ponyboy!
Love,
LK
My Mother's Day Story by New York City and Hamptons photographer, Lucille Khornak
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After working as a model in New York City, I became a fashion and beauty photographer in the commercial advertising field.My dream was to be a successful photographer.
The first book of my photographs and text enjoyed tremendous success.Excerpts from the book and reviews of it appeared in both national and international newspapers and magazines, and I was interviewed on 80 radio and television talk shows.
I went on to photograph and write two more books, which were also issued by major New York City publishers.I continued to enjoy photographing beautiful models wearing beautiful clothes.
While I was teaching a week of photography classes at the Palm Beach Photographic Workshops in Florida, I received a telephone call that would change the course of my career, if not my life.My mother had suffered a stroke.For months I flew back and forth to Buffalo, New York, each trip lasting four or five days.There were times when I spent hours in hospitals.It was a very depressing time for me and my family.Experiencing the reality of the hospital and then returning to New York City to photograph beautiful people was just not sitting right with me. The fashion world is glamorous, fun, and exciting, and yet, as we all know, there is a fake component to it, an expression of an elegant existence limited to a lucky few.Retouching further transforms the reality and asks us to wonder, what is real?
I started to photograph more and more subject matter aside from fashion.Scenery, still life, people, especially children—I explored.Soon it was the children that really kept me interested as they are the ones who are so candid and real. At that point, the direction of my career changed.From photographing fashion and beauty for prestigious magazines I went on to photograph children for such clients as Cheerios and Johnson and Johnson.The portfolio I submitted for prospective jobs was completely revised: it became a collection of photographs of children, on their own and with their siblings and parents.My background as a model turned photographer gave me an advantage in my work.I have a strong eye for detail, whether it is someone’s face or the way clothing is fitting.I used this knowledge when I turned my focus to my new subjects.Soon afterwards, friends would ask me to photograph their children.Before long, I started to build my private clientele, shooting families and their children.As an extra bonus, I now had more control over my time.
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I love kids, and have always wanted to have at least one of my own.Along with my dream of being a successful photographer, I felt so strongly about having a baby however my husband at the time did not share my yearning.My desire was intense, so much so that my intention was that I would make it happen one way or another.
At this point in time, I was no longer married, but I was determined to go ahead on my own. After several miscarriages, one loss at five months, I finally decided to give up trying. The scary part was that I was a freelancer, and how much money I would need to raise a child was also a strong consideration.I considered adopting and I also thought about finding a surrogate mother.Doing the research on the alternatives took time and constantly engaged my thoughts.
As time went on I made peace with myself about not having children, and it became more and more important for me to work with them.They filled that gap.I could enjoy them on a photo shoot.Soulful, whimsical, and energetic are the qualities that come through in my work.
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My soulmate came into my life, and he also became my assistant on weekend photo sessions. To say the least, children love and adore him. If he doesn’t accompany me on a shoot, the kids want to know “Where is Michael?” He has a special connection with children; he, too, feels that working with them makes up for our not having our very own. We get to enjoy them and have our “child fix.” At the end of the day, we get to go home, tired but fulfilled.
I have a lot of patience—a must when working with children.They can love the camera or be shy initially and refuse to be photographed.Unless they know me as their “annual” photographer, they might just need some time to figure out who I am.I have also worked with many special needs children who require a different kind of patience.Another point I’d like to make is how rewarding it is to see the children that we photograph every year grow up and, before we know it, become teens!I have been told that the love I have for children comes through in my work.That makes me happy.When someone asks me on a photograph session if I have any children, I’m proud to reply: “These are all my children!”
I salute moms for the job that they do in raising their children, as they make many sacrifices to give their children all they possibly can.Moms keep everything together in the family.They show love and affection, deal with the problems and the moods of children.They raise their children to the best of their abilities.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, grandmothers, surrogates, and caretakers of children.You most certainly deserve your special day.
Gift Certificates are available as your special gift to express your appreciation and admiration of MOM, whoever that may be.
To purchase a gift certificate call (212) 593-0933 or send an email to studio@lucillekhornak.com
Visit our website at http://www.lucillekhornak.com
Love,
LK
What is Your Headshot Saying About You?
Does your headshot promote you as the successful professional you are?
First impressions are very important, and let’s face it- for as much as we tell each other not to judge a book by its cover, we still find ourselves drawing conclusions from the surface. Consider the following photos of Noel Thomas Patton, Founder and CEO of TA Sciences at www.tasciences.com.
Notice, while all three photos are of the same man, they each tell a different story. The first one portrays him as a business man who is confident and serious, prepared to get the work done. The second is very lighthearted. Here, Mr. Patton is wearing business casual attire while having a good time (and a good laugh!). This photograph conveys a space in which he is completely comfortable to have fun and be himself. The third photo shows him again in a different light. As Noel stands gleefully beside his beautiful car, we can safely assume that he is a positive, successful, and affluent man who enjoys having nice things.
So again I ask, what is your headshot saying about you? Are you coming across as friendly and approachable, or is the photo so forcibly posed that it looks like you’re being held against your will? Is your personality shining, or do you look uncomfortable in your own skin? Is it an accurate reflection of who you are currently, or does it look like who you were a decade ago? Take a look at these beautiful photographs of accomplished author and nutritionist, Elisa Zied of http://www.elisazied.com
This photo (left) is the perfect display of a confident professional with expertise in her field, yet it also conveys that she is a strong, kind, and intelligent woman.
This photograph (right) shows Elisa in a relaxed state. The smile on her face as she lounges in her chair lets us know that she is comfortable in this setting, and it doesn't feel posed.
People always ask me how often they should be updating their headshot, and usually they expect me to give them an exact time frame. The answer really depends on how honest the depiction your current headshot is of you. Maybe you consistently update your headshot, and you maintain a recent profile picture on LinkedIn. Good for you! You are already a step ahead of most others. Some people are hanging onto headshots that are 20+ years old, and as a photographer I can understand the significance of preserving a good memory, however, that’s just what it is - a memory. Imagine how someone in business would feel if they met you and you looked nothing like the headshot they saw on your page. They would be disappointed. As we age, we all still want to feel younger, and that’s where I (The Portrait Specialist) put my expertise to work.
These days, when we think about looking younger in photos, our first thought is usually to apply retouching, however, this is where things can easily go very wrong. It is so obvious when people apply too much retouching to a photograph, and it makes me sad to see how the quality of the photo is so greatly diminished. This happens too often. When your photo looks like it’s been airbrushed a million times over, it makes it pretty hard to recognize the real you. At our studio, we help our clients put their best foot forward, and make sure their headshot is an honest reflection of who they currently are.
So, here we are again. What is your headshot really saying about you? Does it show someone who is positive, skilled, focused, determined? Does it convey an even measure of experience and youthful exuberance? Maybe it’s been a while since your most recent headshot was taken, and you’re worried that you’ve aged too much and don’t feel comfortable standing before the lens. As model-turned-professional photographer, I understand what it’s like to be on both sides of the camera. I also understand what it’s like to want to feel younger as I age -trust me, I feel the same way. So here at the Lucille Khornak Studio, we do our best to make sure you feel comfortable, beautiful, and confident. We soften lines and fix skin texture, however I promise we will make you look beautiful and real. When was the last time you updated your headshot?
Happy Valentine's Day!
Valentine’s Day is a special day. It’s a time that people come together, show their appreciation and express their love to one another. With a box of gourmet chocolates, dozens of red roses, a small box from Tiffany's or Cartier, and a romantic dinner it’s no secret that retailers and restaurants are in love. These are really the small things we do to show our love and admiration. The greatest gift we give each other on this day, as an expression of our love, is our time.
We celebrate, take special trips, write love letters- and especially take photographs. Taking photographs is truly an important part, as it’s the best way to document the amazing moments that take place between people who love one another.
In these times, the greatest thing we can do is spread love. It’s a powerful energy that each of us possess as individuals, and when we bring it together as couples, friends, families and communities, we make the world a better place. Let’s keep moving forward, making our world more picture perfect with the light of love today, tomorrow, and each and everyday that follows.
Here is to our heart and to our soul- Let photography tell the story of our love, and the moments we cherish together!
Happy Valentine's Day from the team at Lucille Khornak Photography!
Happy New Year, Happy Newborn
Reflecting on the Year 2016
It’s that time of year again, the time we all look back and reflect on our lives as we approach the new year. Some of us are thinking about our progress towards the resolutions/goals we made, while others take a moment to consider all the things they experienced through the passing of the year. As we take this time to reflect on the year, so many thoughts begin to come to mind. “What have I done well this year?”, “How has my life changed?”, “Did I take enough photographs of the kids? Most of them were on my phone — Did I remember to back them up?!” That last part really resonates with me, mostly because of my heart for child photography.
Although I don’t have any children of my own, I understand the significance of documenting the beauty of youth and childhood. My mother took me to a professional photographer once when I was a baby. I was about six months old, barely sitting up for a good shot. Besides that, I only have a few snapshots to remind me of what it was like growing up, and I wish I had much more. Avoid that mistake! Make sure you book a photo session for the family each year so you can savor precious moments for the years to come, compare photos now and then to see how much has changed, and update the walls of your home for a balanced mix of memories that represent the roots and branches of your beautiful family tree.
As I look back on the year that I’ve had, I am truly grateful. Like most people, I didn’t quite accomplish all that I had set out to do. I broke the rules of my diet a couple times, and even let go of some resolutions entirely, but still I am thankful for the many good things that have happened both to and for me in 2016. Photography is something I am very passionate about -and as an added benefit- I get to work with some of the best clients a photographer could ask for, the Lucille Khornak Gallery in the Hamptons is still partnering with groundbreaking artists (and accepting submissions from new artists as we prepare for an exciting season of art in 2017), and some really talented people have joined my team based in Long Island City - can’t wait to show you the video we made for the holidays! What are you grateful for? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
The end of this year, whether it be good or bad, only signifies the beginning of something new. New experiences to enjoy, times to laugh and times to cry, moments to share with new people in new places, and so much more! I look forward to making the best out of the year to come, and hope that you will too.
Here’s to the best of what 2017 has to offer…
Love,
-LK
Family As An Art Form
Family is arguably the most important thing we will ever have in our lives. Whether extended or immediate, traditional or modern, large or small, biological or chosen - our family are the people we hold closest to our hearts. It comes as no surprise then that humans have been documenting their loved ones in family portraits for nearly 200 years.
In the nineteenth century, people used portraits as a way to memorialize their family members and in most ways, we use them for the same thing today. Gathering everyone together for a little photoshoot, capturing the relationships and the love between people, documenting the unique character of each individual person - what better way to preserve the essence of family? And what better person to do it than a professional photographer? You need someone with the experience, who can successfully render your family in their most flattering and authentic light. I can do just that. A session with me results in genuine and beautiful photos of you and your family; photos that you will be proud to display. Accurately and gracefully representing you and your loved ones cannot truly be achieved simply by snapping a photo on your smart phone. In order to properly memorialize what’s most important to you, trust that I, as an artist, can and will bring out the very best in your family.
Is There Power in Being Grateful?
As life unfolds, it can be quite a beautiful thing. I like to think of it as a ride in the old Rolls Royce Silver Cloud - no matter where life takes us, it’s the uniqueness of the journey that makes it so precious for each one of us.
Some of us will encounter bumps early along the road, while others run into them later in life. You may even think at times that the bad has outweighed the good. It is easy to get into a funk about what is not working in your life. Sometimes things go wrong in relationships, maybe one of your favorite cars has broken down, or maybe last quarter’s business results just weren’t what you were expecting. No matter what you are facing in your life right now, remember that there is always something to be grateful for.
During Thanksgiving dinner, my family started a tradition where each person at the dinner table had to speak about what they were thankful for. Things like good health and good company were common subjects each year. This year, I took a moment to ask my staff what they are grateful for:
- “I’m grateful for all the new relationships I’ve made this year. There are so many good people that have come into my life!”
- “I have very close family and friends, and wouldn't trade that for anything in the world.”
- “My daughter – she's my everything. I'm grateful to have her everyday.”
- “My new house is amazing. I can't wait to have the family over for the holidays!”
You can even take this a step further and do it more often. I find it amazing, the way it starts to change your mindset. Look for small things that are working well in your life, and use these good thoughts to fuel your enthusiasm to do great things! We all want POSITIVE, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my life, it’s that being grateful attracts more positive energy into your life -always. I am thankful to have you as a reader. Even in the bad times, remember that things could be worse, and I hope you will remember to be grateful in all things and watch as things go from good, to better in your life!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
-Love, LK
Southampton Costume Parade
Every year Southampton hosts a halloween costume parade. I love it because watching all the children as they march the streets in pride -with each of their costumes just as unique as they are- well, it’s simply an amazing and heartwarming experience! These children have been thinking for some time about who/what they wanted to be, and the reveal of their looks at Sunday’s parade was absolutely beautiful.
Some are home made costumes and others are store-bought, but what makes them particularly special are the children in them. Pure in spirit, whimsical by nature, and energetic at heart, they don their costumes and fully become the characters they’ve set out to portray. Take a look below at the mummies, dinosaurs, witches and superheroes that stopped by to have their photo taken at the Lucille Khornak Gallery in Southampton this weekend.
Looking to Plan Your Next Photoshoot?
Lucille Khornak Gallery Featured in KDHamptons
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Lucille Khornak's Gallery was featured in a KDHamptons article for being the first to host Eric Demarchelier's work in the Hamptons.
Check out the full article here: Full KDHamptons Article
Thanks KDHamptons!
Holiday House in the Hamptons
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!
