Eric Luther Studios

In my opinion, opening people up to things they are uncomfortable with in intriguing. This instance was regretfully rushed and over ambitious because of my lack of so-called "therapy" lately. I wanted to shoot so bad that I somewhat forced these moments to happen because we were racing against the sun and other variables that cut our warm-up time to nearly 10 minutes. Those who have worked with me before, warm-ups can range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours...so needless to say our professional acquaintance was very much condensed.

Kaylee could not have been more of a champ in the time that we had. Granted there is much still to learn on both ends of the camera, I feel like we each experienced an 'Oh shoot!, pop-quiz!' type of photoshoot. I mean we literally were somewhat caught off guard about how to approach things, and I know for myself that I had a very difficult time explaining what I was looking for. And for someone in Kaylee's position (someone with zero experience), I'm sure I either frightened or amused her. You can always get the full feeling and closure of the experience when you see the final images — then you can play connect-the-dots in your mind with the way you felt during the shoot. The primary hinderance in the end was the fact Kaylee just experienced a senior shoot for high school. Understanding the difference and acting upon that understanding is two very different things, and is something I need to get better at pulling out of newbies.

Overall I had a pleasurable short shoot with her. I hope there is more interest and I hope I didn't frighten her away! Regardless, enjoy!

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Tell me what you think, good or bad. I'd love to talk with you if you are interested in having a session with me. Go here to message me.

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I guess one could say that I have been very fortunate to meet subjects with a developed awareness of self that works with the right amount of direction from my side of the camera...and that person would be correct.

Maybe subconsciously I feel a person's potential and once we work together everything falls into place. I say this because I am just amazed at the moments I end up capturing sometimes and it truly draws the line for the model I am working with. 

Marsena had modeled for me before (w/ Flux Inertia series), but in many ways this was a new start for us both. As I have discussed some before in other posts the MOST difficult thing is to find that sweet spot with the model where they can start tapping into their genuine self. We all act different in front of the camera...and if you can imagine for a second with me — there is a camera in front of you. Your mind starts racing...let go of all the thoughts running around in your mind. React and interact with your surroundings as you would naturally. NATURAL is the key. All you can think about is that little screen on the back of the camera and what the image looks like that I just captured as you were mindlessly looking off the bridge.

It's VERY difficult. I try to learn new techniques every single chance I get to shoot someone new how to get to that sweet spot for the model. Primarily working with untrained friends, at times it can be a pain. And sometimes the process is longer than others. It's somewhat magical when it hits — we both just slide into a lingering blissful moment...click, click, click...click. Then I'm done. 

This is why I am so excited for our upcoming 2nd shoot together. We will cut the time in half that it takes to get to that climax and just loafer in it for a few hours. So I hope you enjoy this time I had with the beautiful Marsena Edwards! And be on the look out for our next shoot!

(Apologies about the unintentional sexual innuendos/ analogies, I didn't even realize until I wrote 'climax' at the end!) 

You can follow her on Instagram here: @_noprimadonna

And while you're at it jump over to my Instagram page if you haven't already — @ericlutherstudios

PLEASE SHARE & COMMENT! I'd love to chat with you! 

Adam Alexandersen & Danielle Barbosa

So a little over a year ago I had the pleasure to shoot video for a good friend & model of mine, Danielle Barbosa. How we even met and got to know each other was clearly a subtle act of God. I have felt SO indebted to her because of her true kindness and passion. And that's not why I wanted to do this for her, per-say...but she and her brother, Milx, worked terribly hard to bring my dreams and artistic endeavors into fruition. Both very tender, sweet, and kind people.

We have collaborated on numerous projects since we have met and have shot in some pretty incredible locations. Below is my piece "Twelve Angels" in which Dani and Milx are performing "acroyoga" in an upstairs loft of an art gallery in Atlanta, GA:

This was the first project, and it only became more ridiculous and seemingly impossible to achieve my outlandish visions. But they did. I know this blog post is about her wedding, but I just have to preface by saying these things. As a fine artist, my head is always going a million miles an hour, trying to get to the next whatever...working diligently and sometimes being too overwhelmed with life that I become negligent to recognize the people on the other side of the lens properly.

Many, many friends of mine that helped me get started are equally as deserving of any success I receive - past, present, and future. And Dani has been such a patient, understanding, hard-working co-creator to many works of mine. Even though these friends that helped my create may feel ill-treated or overlooked, I hope that my long term actions show you my gratitude for everything you do or have done to help me. It will not go unfulfilled or for granted.

There are few times in a photographer's career that one has 'clients' like Justin & Sue. Dear friends of mine for many years now approached me about photographing their engagement & wedding pictures. With complete confidence & faith in my ability to perform without having to see any proof that I could do it, they trusted me completely to be their photographer.

Now I will say now after the fact that I did underestimate the undertaking of both sessions...and I had heard many horror stories of weddings and the immense pressure they put on a photographer. Nonetheless, I was eager to add this to my portfolio. Not necessarily to pick up more wedding gigs, more so to just have the experience.

Now that it is all said and done, I couldn't have asked for a better interaction with a 'client.' I feel great about the outcome and I think they do too. Not only did I compliment them for this unforgettable and monumental time in their lives, they worked extra hard to be as blank of a canvas as any model could be to fuel my creativity. Even on their wedding day, all dressed up, inevitably tired and hot, they were more than champs in trying to make sure I got the shots that I wanted. They trusted my eye more than they trusted their vision of what the pictures would be in the end. If anything, THAT is the biggest compliment an artist can receive.

So I am so terribly proud of these guys and I wish you both the very best together. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting me do this with your complete trust. I hope 50 years from now when you look back at these glimpses of time that I captured spark your memory back to that very time and place.

P.S. Sue, the bride, has already posted the majority of the pictures, so if you want to see them all, follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/sue.a.chandler/media_set?set=a.10153906736274677&type=3&pnref=story.unseen-section

Here is my condensed version.

And I'll end it with two shots from the engagement photoshoot.

CONGRATULATIONS JUSTIN & SUE!!!

For booking email me at:

[email protected] OR use the message section on the about page through this site.

Follow me on Instagram @ericlutherstudios

Many times when working with a new model the first session we have, as I have discussed in previous posts, usually ends up being a bit rocky as we are learning each other and how we work. Being the person behind the lens, this doesn't scare me...it inspires and invigorates me. Most of the time the one on the other end of the lens doesn't feel very successful at times, and I'm sure feels very clumsy and awkward. For Bailey, that wasn't the case at all. Her inexperience was something that gave me a clean canvas to paint on, which can only develop as we hope into a grand work of art. The alternative doesn't exist to me, partially because regardless to if she wants to get better or not, it is impossible for her to control how I see her through my lens. What makes working with a rookie so great — the fact that they aren't aware of how I see them until I finish and post the round of pictures. Conversely, If the model does decide on trying to visualize what I see through the lens during the session, the "sky's the limit," as they say. And this is when the magic happens. That magic is what I want everyone I shoot with to strive after. Bailey is well on her way.

I tried some different things in post-production this time to experiment with a "grittier," maybe more "grudge" feel by bringing up the contrast and carefully saturating the image.

Here is our photoshoot shot in and around downtown Gadsden, Alabama. I feel that it went as smooth as it could go, with the unique circumstances. So please comment or like or share or SOMETHING! I need to know you people are out there...

Yes! You CAN subscribe! Thanks for asking! Although you are probably "subscribed" to more websites and apps than all the materialistic things you own, signing up to view my photos can be a glorious break from people trying to sell you things. It makes sense. Beautiful. Glorious. Sense.

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In pursuit of diversifying my fashion portfolio through various ethnicity, I present the very talented & hard working Cintya Gurerro. 

In no relation to recent social issues plaguing the country, I wanted to 1.) work with someone new, no matter how inexperienced and 2.) learn how to better communicate aesthetics and general movement from one pose to the next according to the theme of the shoot. Generally I have been pushing myself to better understand the relationship between me and the subject in the moment — moving very fast to solve the equation of lighting, posing, and vibe of the shoot.

Miss Gurerro had no problem easing back into her zone. For those of you who are in the same boat as me, you'll see very quickly that experience in a model is very evident from the onset of the shoot. You can tell whether or not that person has thoroughly considered themselves from "outside of the body" (so to speak) and if they are making rapid conscious decisions between each shot, the position of the camera and the placement of their form all flowing forcefully or naturally out of the model. I say that to say it was a delight to share that chemistry with Cintya during our shoot. Although she had been out of the game for awhile, you could tell she was being "real with the camera." Obviously this is what all photographers aim to replicate, no matter the talent level of the subject...yet Cintya clearly has this in her soul...deep down. This is why she is meant for greater things.

Very much looking forward to our next encounter. For now enjoy these select shots from our session.

The enchanting atmosphere for our shoot (seen above) provided by Erica Skidmore. Thank you!

If you are interested in shooting with me, feel free to email me at [email protected] — Although my primary subject matter is female, I'm growing my male portfolio so check back here or find me on Instagram to see more male shoots.

I'M BACK YA'LL

I will be posting a recap to bridge the gap between my last post and now. But as I am writing that post, enjoy this unmitigated little shoot with one of my muses' Rainee Gregg. I've shot with her more than anyone and you can see just how far she's come in terms of subject matter. This was shot at Crow Mountain Orchard close to Skyline, AL. The orchard was in full bloom...and despite everything keeping us from getting up there that day, we had an hour of sunlight. And we killed it. Just magnificent, gorgeous, breathtaking light.

If many of you are interested, I am thinking about making a Kickstarter page to fund putting a book together of my "Personal Editorial" series — which can be found on my BeHance profile page. Due to sensitive material, I have to censor this genre of art but if you'd like to view please email or PM me. I'd love to shoot with you!

Comment below to let me know what you think! I would also love to hear from you.

I do not consider myself a "senior portrait photographer," but when I am asked to shoot a senior I embrace the opportunity as fully as I would any other project. Essentially I stick to the ideology that I do when I shoot fashion to capture that person maybe in a way they never have before. The chemistry between I and the person being shot can be strained at different points during the shoot; therefore, the moments we spend together can ultimately result in catastrophe or genuine emotion. Which is why I try to not even think about the fact we're shooting merely in commemoration of their accomplishment, but to treat them like I would a professional model as to bring out that feeling inside that they can really like being a subject for a camera.

It may all seem like a bunch of nonsense, but I've had success with this technique. So without further a do, here are some shots from two different sets. One with Alexa Baldwin, and the other with Mason Barber. Enjoy!

ALEXA GRACE BALDWIN

"Essentially I stick to the ideology that I do when I shoot fashion [and that is] to capture that person maybe in a way they never have before."

MASON BARBER

Truly unique individuals! Congratulations on your success and I wish you even more in the future! 

If you'd like your beautiful face upon this superlative wall of beautiful people, please email me at — [email protected] OR find me on any major social network

You can also subscribe to this blog on my "WORK" page. I think...

I do not consider myself a "senior portrait photographer," but when I am asked to shoot a senior I embrace the opportunity as fully as I would any other project. Essentially I stick to the ideology that I do when I shoot fashion to capture that person maybe in a way they never have before. The chemistry between I and the person being shot can be strained at different points during the shoot; therefore, the moments we spend together can ultimately result in catastrophe or genuine emotion. Which is why I try to not even think about the fact we're shooting merely in commemoration of their accomplishment, but to treat them like I would a professional model as to bring out that feeling inside that they can really like being a subject for a camera.

It may all seem like a bunch of nonsense, but I've had success with this technique. So without further a do, here are some shots from two different sets. One with Alexa Baldwin, and the other with Mason Barber. Enjoy!

ALEXA GRACE BALDWIN

"Essentially I stick to the ideology that I do when I shoot fashion [and that is] to capture that person maybe in a way they never have before."

MASON BARBER

Truly unique individuals! Congratulations on your success and I wish you even more in the future! 

If you'd like your beautiful face upon this superlative wall of beautiful people, please email me at — [email protected] OR find me on any major social network

You can also subscribe to this blog on my "WORK" page. I think...

I'M BACK YA'LL

I will be posting a recap to bridge the gap between my last post and now. But as I am writing that post, enjoy this unmitigated little shoot with one of my muses' Rainee Gregg. I've shot with her more than anyone and you can see just how far she's come in terms of subject matter. This was shot at Crow Mountain Orchard close to Skyline, AL. The orchard was in full bloom...and despite everything keeping us from getting up there that day, we had an hour of sunlight. And we killed it. Just magnificent, gorgeous, breathtaking light.

If many of you are interested, I am thinking about making a Kickstarter page to fund putting a book together of my "Personal Editorial" series — which can be found on my BeHance profile page. Due to sensitive material, I have to censor this genre of art but if you'd like to view please email or PM me. I'd love to shoot with you!

Comment below to let me know what you think! I would also love to hear from you.

I'M BACK YA'LL

I will be posting a recap to bridge the gap between my last post and now. But as I am writing that post, enjoy this unmitigated little shoot with one of my muses' Rainee Gregg. I've shot with her more than anyone and you can see just how far she's come in terms of subject matter. This was shot at Crow Mountain Orchard close to Skyline, AL. The orchard was in full bloom...and despite everything keeping us from getting up there that day, we had an hour of sunlight. And we killed it. Just magnificent, gorgeous, breathtaking light.

If many of you are interested, I am thinking about making a Kickstarter page to fund putting a book together of my "Personal Editorial" series — which can be found on my BeHance profile page. Due to sensitive material, I have to censor this genre of art but if you'd like to view please email or PM me. I'd love to shoot with you!

It seems as though Jacksonville State University has decided to come alive in almost every way possible since I finished my undergraduate studies this past spring semester. The JSU Gamecocks, led by coach John Grass, has been gradually working for this kind of success since he became Offensive Coordinator in 2013 and then moved to head coach in 2014 season. Grass has demanded excellence, both on and off the field, leading to record breaking stats for JSU.

For the semi-finals game against Sam Houston, the Gamecocks couldn't have played any better, said Grass.

"JSU built a 31-0 lead before SHSU managed to score midway through the second quarter, but it almost turned into another turnover. The Kats fumbled into the end zone and managed to fall on it before the Gamecocks."

 (via http://www.wsfa.com/story/30793506/top-seeded-jsu-punches-ticket-to-fcs-national-championship-game).

The Gamecocks triumphed over Sam Houston for a ticket to the FCS Finals in Frisco, TX to face No. 3-seeded North Dakota State on January 9, 2016.

I have known Justin & Sue for some time now and they are one of those couples that share a quiet, strong bond  — which is evident to everyone they interact with.

As honored as I was to be asked to shoot their engagement photographs, I was just as thankful that they wanted me for their wedding as well. I grew up in a very small town, one that the phrase "everyone knows everyone" doesn't quite cover it. I say this because when I became friends with Justin years ago, I was also exposed to his kind-hearted and loving family. Henry & Kathy Brown are two of the most generous and wise people I know. So understanding Justin's outward dynamic to his parents, I wanted to encapsulate that sort of compassion I see between him and Sue. Their relationship is one that holds true to virtue and trust — a sort of connect between people that many never experience. 

CELEBRATING THE ENGAGEMENT OF JUSTIN BROWN & SUE CHANDLER

I have known Justin & Sue for some time now and they are one of those couples that share a quiet, strong bond  — which is evident to everyone they interact with.

As honored as I was to be asked to shoot their engagement photographs, I was just as thankful that they wanted me for their wedding as well. I grew up in a very small town, one that the phrase "everyone knows everyone" doesn't quite cover it. I say this because when I became friends with Justin years ago, I was also exposed to his kind-hearted and loving family. Henry & Kathy Brown are two of the most generous and wise people I know. So understanding Justin's outward dynamic to his parents, I wanted to encapsulate that sort of compassion I see between him and Sue. Their relationship is one that holds true to virtue and trust — a sort of connect between people that many never experience. 

CELEBRATING THE ENGAGEMENT OF JUSTIN BROWN & SUE CHANDLER

I have known Justin & Sue for some time now and they are one of those couples that share a quiet, strong bond  — which is evident to everyone they interact with.

As honored as I was to be asked to shoot their engagement photographs, I was just as thankful that they wanted me for their wedding as well. I grew up in a very small town, one that the phrase "everyone knows everyone" doesn't quite cover it. I say this because when I became friends with Justin years ago, I was also exposed to his kind-hearted and loving family. Henry & Kathy Brown are two of the most generous and wise people I know. So understanding Justin's outward dynamic to his parents, I wanted to encapsulate that sort of compassion I see between him and Sue. Their relationship is one that holds true to virtue and trust — a sort of connect between people that many never experience. 

CELEBRATING THE ENGAGEMENT OF JUSTIN BROWN & SUE CHANDLER

For those of you who don't know, I was once a part of the Marching Southerners Front Ensemble - a.k.a. the Cockpit (unofficial). During my first 4 years at Jacksonville State University, I had the unique opportunity to play music to hundreds, maybe thousands, of people every football season. At a school like JSU people came to watch the band and this phenomena gave all of us a ride to remember and cherish for the rest of our lives. 

THE 'COCKPIT' GAVE US ALL A WAY TO TRUELY KNOW ONE ANOTHER BECAUSE WE WERE ALWAYS HAVING TO PUSH (LITERALLY AND MENTALLY) UP & DOWN DIFFICULT TERRAIN, SEPARATED ENTIRELY FROM THE BAND. WE WERE OUR OWN VESSEL AND MACHINE.

My last year to march was in 2013, which seems so long ago...but only a moment away especially when I attended JSU's homecoming this year. People really have no clue what dedication and passion is put into any marching band show, no matter what band it is. I can say for myself that I have been fortunate to have done it as long as I did and do not regret a single minute of it. Blowing off friends to practice, devoting multiple weekends to travel and play several shows for various high school competitions (those were the best ones), and even pushing myself to take my experience to the next level with Drum & Bugle Corps...I can't begin to explain the friendships and memories I made. But as little as I talk about it and even 'hate on it,' I loved it. I loved all of it. The 'COCKPIT' gave us all a way to truly know one another because we were always having to push (literally and mentally) up and down difficult terrain, separated entirely from the band. We were our own vessel and machine. 

Very rare does a photographer find a model that loves to shoot as much as he/she does. A few years ago I had the opportunity to shoot with Rainee Gregg (@lil_wainee) — a Scottsboro resident with a style that could be considered peculiar with her surrounding.

The first time we shot, maybe back in 2011 or 2012, we became friends and created some great work together. Now, both of us are a bit more grown up and I have learned a bit more in photography techniques (not to mention a better camera), truly creating some gorgeous imagery. With my ambition to shoot fashion — in whatever capacity you take that — and her nonchalant talent, we have had some degree of success as we search for locations to encompass her style and physique. I adore shooting her and we have only just begun! Enjoy some of the moments and be on the look out for more.