The Luminous Project

Emily Cummings Photography | The Luminous Project

Preparing for Your
Luminous Shoot

You are joining an exclusive group of remarkable women whose stories will inspire and empower others. This guide will help you prepare for your transformative portrait experience.

Luminous portrait
Luminous participant
The Journey

More than a
photoshoot

Congratulations on being part of this extraordinary celebration of women's strength, resilience, and beauty.


Your session is a celebration of your story and the impact you've made. We'll create stunning portraits that capture both your outer beauty and your inner light, portraits that belong on your wall and will inspire the women who come after you.

Your Path Forward

Three steps to
your session

01

Story Collection and Initial Planning

Share your journey and what you'd like to highlight. We'll discuss how you'd like your story to inspire others and start planning your session.

02

Session Planning (2 to 3 Weeks Before)

Connect with our styling partners to plan treatments and looks. We'll 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. Relax, let our team guide you, and let your story unfold in front of the lens.

Exclusive Discounts

Our
partners

We've partnered with exceptional local Naperville businesses to ensure you feel confident and camera-ready. Mention The Luminous Project at each to receive your exclusive 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, and portraits that look stunning as wall art in their home. We'll 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.

Your Investment

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 doesn't 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 experience the full impact 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 experience firsthand the power of seeing 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