Today I'm thrilled to introduce you to my friend and photographer, the very talented Autumn Luciano, who has a vintage inspired photography business called Decadence Dolls. I met Autumn through my blog, but luckily she also lived nearby and I was able to hire her for a couple fun photo shoots, resulting in my blog sidebar thumbnail with the vintage radio (left). And although I'm old enough to be her.....aunt, Autumn and I have established a fun friendship and I've grown to admire her talent immensely. You will too, trust me.
Here is the beautiful Autumn Luciano herself:
Autumn's imagination is amazing. She dreamed up a recent Marie Antionette-inspired photo shoot and acquired all the props and costumes for it. Here are the fantastic results:
The "Decadence Doll" here is Brenda K:
Don't you love the hat?
Autumn's mom, Anet McPherson, who has also become a friend of mine, often helps Autumn source her props and costumes, and Autumn's husband Kevin Laitala is a talented graphic artist. What a great family! And Autumn's late grandma was a huge influence on her life. I love a family that has close ties....
I wanted to interview Autumn so readers could really get inspired and learn from this post as well as enjoy the eye candy. Let's hear what Autumn has to say:
Q: At what age did you become interested in photography, and when did you know you wanted to make it a career?
A: I've always enjoyed photography but I leaned more towards film making. I fell into photography working at a studio then bought my own equipment and started dabbling on my own.
Q: What type of education did you pursue, and what would you recommend for others that are interested in becoming a photographer?
A: I went to film school, it didn't seem like a big jump from film to photography for me. Education is expensive, but there is a lot you can learn on your own from the library and the internet. Learn as much as you can on your own.
Q: Who do you admire in the photography world, or who inspires you artistically?
A: My favorite photographers are mostly other vintage photographers. I really love RetroAtelier and Dynamite Dames Photography.
Q: How did you become interested in vintage style photography and pin-up photography?
A: I've always loved pin ups, I was raised on big band music and old tv shows and movies. When I started in photography I quickly started taking pin up photos of my friends just for fun, but I never dreamed it would snow ball into what it is now. I couldn't imagine life with out pin up now.
Q: How do you get inspired when you are stuck? Any suggestions that might help others?
A: I watch old movies, or go antiquing or look at vintage clothes online. Sometimes when when I find a prop it can inspire a whole shoot based around it.
Q: You have a knack for making girls of all body types look beautiful. Tell us more about that.
A: They're already beautiful, I just make sure they are in flattering poses and give them pretty things to wear!
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I hope that someday I can open a legit studio, with a mini salon and vintage shop under the same roof.
Q: Do you have any recommendations for those of us that want to pursue our passion and turn it into a business?
A: Learn and study all you can about it, take it seriously and work tirelessly at it. Having people really enjoy what you're doing and telling you so is the best feeling in the world.
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Let's look at a few more of Autumn's photos, starting with one taken at Halloween. Wouldn't this be a cute way to remember your kids or grandkids at this time of year, instead of just posing in their Halloween costumes?
Speaking of kids, I love this Christmas image of the sweet little girl:
And this little girl in the kitchen is so adorable. Autumn makes the photos so authentic with all the vintage props:
Let's look at a few more adult photos. Here is one from a "Trailer Trash" photo shoot:
Isn't this fun?
Another on-location photo shoot, in a vintage theater:
Autumn has it all, even an old hair dryer!
Recently Autumn created "Chin-Up, Pin-Up", a program for teenagers to help boost self-esteem. Here is the flier:
Isn't that a great idea? And I think it's wonderful that at Autumn's relatively young age that she's already giving back to the community in her creative way.
To wind up this post, I'd like to show a special image. Of all the photos in Autumn's online portfolio I've seen, this is my favorite:
If you live in Michigan or will be visiting and want to book a photo shoot with Autumn, visit her website to get the particulars. You can also follow her on Facebook to keep updated on her upcoming themed photo shoots. She's always thinking of something interesting and unusual!
Mitzi
