Meet Lisa M. Pane of L.M. Pane Photography in Decatur

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa M. Pane.

Lisa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was first introduced to photography as a youngster, watching my grandmother who would make and develop her own images, and then hand-tint them. Her refrigerator was stocked full of various chemicals and she made it all happen in a pantry-turned-darkroom! She unknowingly planted the seed!

But I got my first real introduction and education in photography while attending Northeastern University, pursuing a journalism degree. As part of the program, I was able to take a photography course where we took and made our own prints. At my first journalism job, at a tiny paper in Vermont, we had no staff photographers, so we all made our own photos to accompany our stories.

I let those photography skills lapse for quite a few years. Yeah, I still took photos, especially when I went hiking in northern New England _ hey, you can’t lose out on a good image if you’re in the Presidential range and seeing those mountains in all sorts of weather! _ but I didn’t really devote myself to the craft until moving to Atlanta in 2008.

It was then that the joy of photography took hold and I turned this passion into a second career. There is absolutely nothing like getting a new human in front of my camera and hearing their inspiring stories of their own passions they’re pursuing, obstacles they’ve overcome and then seeing their faces light up when they see themselves in my photography.

While I used to focus on landscape photography _ and still appreciate capturing a fabulous sunrise or sunset _ I’m now focused on portraiture: from headshots for corporate executives and actors to “Vanity Fair” style portraits.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It is extremely rare that anything truly worthwhile goes smoothly without a few bumps along the way. The same is true for my photography. That said, all of the challenges have been satisfying ones because it has forced me to test myself and learn and grow.

The struggles are the occasional self-doubts that creep in. But then you hear from clients for whom your work has made them smile or has boosted their ego, and you realize the power of photography and its fulfillment.

I wouldn’t trade the occasional struggles at all. They’ve made me a better photographer and a better human.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
My photography studio is primarily devoted to headshots and portraits. The genres are related but different. And each has its place.

Headshots are, as the name implies, composed tightly _ generally from just below a necktie (or neckline) to the top of the head. I compose even tighter than most: many of my headshots are cropped in tight from the side with lots of empty space on the opposing side, and a small part of the top of the head is usually cropped in. It’s an unconventional cropping but intended to really draw attention to the person’s face. My crop is in a “landscape” horizontal format versus the traditional “portrait” or vertical composition.

Part of my skill is identifying ways to position my clients and get them to exude “confidence and approachability,” the recipe for a headshot that will get you the attention you need and deserve. The keys are eyes that show confidence, the tiniest of smiles that makes one approachable and lighting that is flattering.

My sessions are filled with laughter and fun. So many people hate being in front of a camera and if you come to my studio, I want you to have fun and for the scary mysteries of a photo shoot to disappear.

For portraits, I play with lighting, handpainted canvasses and occasional props to exude a vintage, Vanity Fair style quality. The shots are composed either 3/4 body or full body — depending on the vibe we’re trying to exude.

Most recently, I’ve started to branch out into engagement and wedding photography!

What were you like growing up?
I grew up in New England, a mix of being a total nerd and a bit of a tomboy jock. It was a carefree time when we kids had the roam of the neighborhood and spent hours just playing outdoors. In school, I gravitated toward studying foreign languages but didn’t do much studying for subjects that didn’t hold my interest.

I remain an introvert at heart who nevertheless likes to get out and socialize.

Pricing:

• Corporate Headshots: Rates starting at $250
• Actor Headshots/Portraits: Rates starting at $350
• Vanity Fair/GQ style Portrait Sessions: Rates starting at $450
• Weddings: Rates starting at $2,000

Contact Info:

• Address: 743 East College Avenue, Decatur, Georgia 30030
• Website: www.lmpanephotography.com
• Phone: 404-219-6437
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @lmpanephotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lmpanephotography/
• Twitter: @lm_pane
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/l-m-pane-photography-decatur
• Other: http://www.lisamarieweddingphotography.com/

Image Credit:
L.M. Pane

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.