The Energy of Spring offers us an opportunity to clean things up in our lives. I’ve taken this time to part with
Energy of Spring
Ahh the energy of Spring! It’s that time of year when NYC has finally started to see a noticeable increase in daylight hours, and a (near) total relief from winter weather. Soon the flowers and trees will be in full bloom, and we’ll start to see an array of bright colors filling our city streets as people leave their...
Getting the Time Just Right
How does timing affect our success and the potential to reach our goals?
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Lucille Khornak Gallery presents: “Portraits of Iconic Designers,” an exhibit by Lucille Khornak. Photo by Lucille Khornak.
Often times, when talking about the power of luck, people tend to reflect on moments they found themselves in the right place, with the right people, and at just the right time. They connect theories of chance with purpose or intent, and share how the perfect remedy of events led to some of the most important and impactful experiences of their lives. For me, getting the time just right is simply being as prepared as possible when you are taking steps toward your goals. Your goals may be big or small, continually changing or steadfast, but the more focused you are on those goals, the greater your chances of achieving them can become.
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Lucille Khornak Gallery Presents: “Reconstructed Abstracts,” an exhibit by Elliot Gordon. Photo by Lucille Khornak.
What does it look like to stay focused on your goals? Toria Sheffield at Bustle shared an interesting take on it-- staying motivated.
“...knowing how to stay motivated is so incredibly important when it comes to getting what we want in the long term. And in a world with more distractions than ever before — from non-stop web access to constant texting — it can be all the harder to stay focused and not just give in to what's easier in the moment.”
You’ve got to know what you’re going for, and stay the course. Motivation and persistence will get you to the right time for the right thing to happen, however, having the right skills will also play into the equation. How do I infer that? It’s simple. When we sharpen the skills needed to achieve our goals, we prepare ourselves for the moment we have the opportunity to put those skills to use in the best of ways.
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Lucille Khornak Gallery presents “Human Minds, Furry Faces,” an exhibit by Bruna Valls. Photo by Lucille Khornak.
Think of it this way- an artist can only reach the completion of their work by staying focused through the process, and remaining fully dedicated to their goal. When an artist sets out to create a painting, they must be familiar with the type of paint they want to use, and they must also know how to work the right colors into the painting. Sometimes it might be hard, there may be distractions along the way, and it might take longer than expected, but when the opportunity comes to present their work at an art gallery, they’ll only be ready if they stayed the course, kept their motivation, and trusted the process.
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Photo by Lucille Khornak.
Maybe you have a goal that seems difficult or even impossible to reach. You must keep going. I know that at times it can be difficult and sometimes discouraging, and you think maybe you should change directions, however, you must continue to move forward and keep that focused end result in your mind. Making small steps towards your goal on a daily basis can keep you accountable to yourself or if you are lucky enough to share your goal with a friend or a partner, that can also help keep you accountable and on track. With that said, you must also stay relaxed and positive when thinking about your end result. Know in your heart that it will happen at the right time. Be prepared. The right time will happen and if you are prepared with your skills the final step will be to take action when it appears.
Love, LK
Being in the Right Place
Where are you today, and how did you get there? Everyone is on their own journey, and it’s important to appreciate each moment as a lesson for whatever is to come. Being in the right place has contributed to several highlights in my life. Today, my memory takes me back to my adventure in Dubai, where I...
Framing the Power of The Family Unit
NYFW + You
Love Yourself
What's Best For Humanity?
Ignite the Creativity Within
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!