Our process is not about time in the traditional sense. It is built on the premise of slowing down and taking in the experience rather than emphasising the endgame. However, the shoot atmosphere is tailored to your desire, if it is heart-pounding excitement you want, it is high energy we will create. Hence we do not stipulate hourly timeframes per shoot, nor do we rush the delivery at the expense of quality. The way we work is based on a minimum number of daily sessions that can be extended on a per-session basis. Prelim sessions are a minimum of two hours long, the practice shoot and final shoot minimum duration is 4 hours, if it takes longer it is on us, within the limits of the day. It is up to you, and only when you are comfortable and ready do we do the final shoot. If we (Līlā) are not satisfied with the shots for any reason after the shoot, we will reshoot at no additional expense to you. The same applies for editing.
You are not simply buying photos, you are procuring the use of our eyes and artistic interpretation as well as our penchant for personal growth. It is important for us that you walk away with memories of an experience that you will look back on fondly and that would have positively influenced the way you feel about yourself if that is one of the aspects that you wish to attain from this experience.
There are some key artistic choices that we seldom waiver:
-
We aim for as little corrective post-processing as possible.
-
We get the atmosphere and quality of the scene right in camera, in the room using appropriate lighting and technical photographic techniques.
-
We responsibly retouch to flatter but aim not to drastically change or falsify your appearance, skin texture or skin tone. Hence each image is individually, manually edited.
-
We use tactile props and backdrops or shoot in the environment for as natural a feel as possible. The subject should never look like they were pasted onto a backdrop in Photoshop. The image must bring attention to the subject, but be a cohesive scene.
-
We do not use a green screen or add elements to images in post. We may remove elements that are found to distract from the subject.
-
Quality over quantity - Who remembers ALL the images from their wedding album or birthday parties? Not me, I remember those one or two significant special moments. Like the painting of my parents from their wedding day, that hangs in their home, less is more. One image that took days to create, possesses far more value and is appreciated for life.
THE LILA SIGNATURE PROCESS
01
Become acquainted
Upon initiation of our journey together we meet in person (if possible) and determine if our values align in a way that will result in an enjoyable experience and synergy throughout. A small nominal fee will be charged for this meeting. It is necessary so that all parties are equally invested at this time. Non-disclosure and other protective documents will need to be signed before we continue.
03
Build your story
Here we design the theme, aesthetic, mood, poses and set for the shoot. We approach photography with an artistic view. We study colour palletes, colour grading and lighting from film and classical art as well as the world around us. Based on your personality, and desired story, we plan your shoot. Everything from the mood we wish to ellicit to the consideration of colours that compliment skin tone are assembled.
05
Practice shoot
In our penultimate session, we essentially have a practice shoot sans aesthetic preparation. We setup the lighting, practice the poses and dispel any nerves that you may have in front of the lens. It is really meant to be an enjoyable experience, which we have found is most often intimidating the first time one is in front of the camera. We speak from experience!
02
Get to know each other
For us to grow together and culminate the process with an enjoyable and memorable shoot, we need to know who each other is. We mean who you trully are, what makes you happy, brings you joy and portrays you.
04
Build confidence and comfort
This is where our process differs from typical planned photo shoots. We have a passion for mental health, personality psychology, mentorship and well being. Built into this is a desire to understand people, how their stories have shaped their perception of reality and how one can embrace their inherent introversion or extroversion. It is by this point that the type of shoot is finalised being it thematic portraiture or boudoir, your level of comfort will determine the direction of the shoot.
06
Final shoot & editing
Having built the confidence and comfort, we schedule and execute the final shoot. We then do the editing, and we discuss the edits after first revision. When we are happy, the edits are finalised.
I (Neo) need to stress my approach to post processing. I do not believe in gross misrepresentation of reality. Lighting and editing techniques are used to produce flattering images that remain representative of you, but must portray your uniqueness. It is known as responsible editing. Like a tattoo artist is entrusted for their individual artistic contribution, so do I approach photography.