The Luminous Project

Emily Cummings Photography | The Luminous Project

Preparing for Your
Luminous Shoot

You said yes... and I could not be more excited! You are officially one of this year's Luminous women. This little guide walks you through everything between now and your session, so all you have to do is show up and be you.

Luminous portrait
Luminous participant
The Journey

More than a
photoshoot

Congratulations again! You are part of something I am so proud of, a celebration of women's strength, resilience, and yes, beauty.


Your session is a celebration of your story and everything you have built. We will make portraits that look like you on your very best day... the kind that belong on a wall, and that just might give the next woman the nerve to step into her own light.

Your Path Forward

Three steps to
your session

01

Story Collection and Initial Planning

Tell me your story and what you want to celebrate. We will talk through how you want it to land, and start shaping your session around it.

02

Session Planning (2 to 3 Weeks Before)

Connect with our styling partners to plan treatments and looks. We will confirm hair and makeup with our beauty team and book any partner appointments.

03

Your Session Day

Arrive 5 minutes early at Studio 25 Naperville. Then relax, let us take the lead, and let your story unfold in front of the camera.

Exclusive Discounts

Our
partners

I have teamed up with some of my favorite Naperville businesses so you walk in feeling completely camera-ready. Just mention the Luminous Project at each one for your discount.

Beauty and Med Spa

Radiant Med Spa

Book your Diamond Glow Facial 3 to 4 days before your shoot for glowing, camera-ready skin.

$75 off Diamond Glow Facial Visit Radiant Med Spa
Nails and Beauty

Lena Rose

Treat yourself to a relaxing manicure and pedicure with Jenny. Mention the Luminous Project for your special rate.

Special Discount for Participants Visit Lena Rose
Massage

The Now (Naperville)

Unwind before your session with a 50 or 80 minute massage to feel centered and confident.

Use code LUMINOUS15 for 15% off Book at The Now
Jewelry

Kendra Scott Boutique

The perfect finishing touch. Located in downtown Naperville, offering participant discounts on jewelry.

10% off for Participants Visit Kendra Scott
Wardrobe

Regenerate Boutique

Find your perfect session outfit in downtown Naperville. Mention the Luminous Project for an exclusive discount.

Exclusive Participant Discount Visit Regenerate
Wardrobe Guide

What to
wear

Your session is fully customized to you. Some women come in with one signature look and leave with their favorite portrait ever. Others bring several outfits and walk away with an entire collection, plus portraits that make gorgeous wall art in their home. We will talk through your vision on your consultation call and design a session around what you want to take home and display.

  • Choose pieces that make you feel powerful, authentic, and beautiful
  • Mix timeless professional pieces with something that makes you sparkle
  • Consider a show-stopping dress or sequined piece that celebrates your story
  • Include your brand colors if they align with your style
  • You're welcome to bring a friend, mom, sister, or daughter (additional $250 for hair and makeup)
  • Bring your family at the end for a casual studio portrait; we can plan this ahead of your session
Style and Select Tool (code: TLBSTYLE)
Luminous style

"You've always been this powerful.
Now the world gets to see it."

Countdown Checklist

The week leading
to your shoot

2 to 3Weeks Before
  • Plan your looks and pull your wardrobe
  • Shop for anything you still need
  • Book any beauty treatments
  • Consider jewelry and accessories
1Week Before
  • Book a massage to feel centered and relaxed
  • Get a manicure and pedicure
  • Gather any meaningful props or items
  • Review your session details and timing
3 to 4Days Before
  • Book a facial for glowing skin
  • Lay out and press all outfits
  • Confirm your session details
DayBefore and Of
  • Get a good night's rest
  • Drink lots of water, avoid alcohol
  • Arrive 5 minutes early
  • Relax. Our team will guide you.
Real Women. Real Stories.

Luminous
participants

Each woman who steps in front of the lens brings her own story of strength, resilience, and beauty. These are their moments.

What's Included

What your
session includes

Professional Makeover

Full hair and makeup by our expert beauty team on session day.

Celebrity Style Studio Session

A full portrait experience at Studio 25 Naperville in downtown.

Printed 16x20 Portrait

One printed 16x20 image of your favorite plus the matching high-resolution digital JPEG.

Gallery Showcase Ticket

One ticket to the Portrait Gallery Showcase event at the end of the project.

Style and Select Access

Access to our Style and Select tool for wardrobe planning. Code: TLBstyle

Image Selection Session

View your portraits during our reveal and ordering session. Select your favorites for personal, professional, or project use.

The Grand Finale

The Portrait Gallery
Showcase Event

Your journey does not end at the session. Every Luminous participant is celebrated at our Portrait Gallery Showcase, an elegant evening where your portraits are displayed, your story is honored, and you get to feel the full weight of this project alongside the other remarkable women who were part of it.

Luminous Showcase Event
Luminous Showcase Event
Luminous Showcase Event
Luminous Showcase Event
Luminous Showcase Event
Luminous Showcase Event

Your portrait on the wall.
Your story in the room.

Each participant receives one ticket to the showcase. Your printed 16x20 portrait will be displayed alongside the other Luminous women, and you'll feel firsthand what it is like to see your story celebrated in a room full of people who know exactly how extraordinary you are.

Important Information

Session
Policies

Scheduling and Cancellations

  • Reschedule requests must be made in advance (see contract for details)
  • All fees are non-refundable
  • Contract signature required via email
  • No-shows forfeit session fee

Questions?

Find Us

25 W. Jefferson Ave
2nd Floor, Naperville IL

Our studio is in historic downtown Naperville. Parking is available nearby to make your experience even more seamless.

Studio 25 Naperville
Emily Cummings Photography Studio