About My Story
Welcome to Lux Magica Photography! I'm thrilled to have you here and to share a little bit about myself and my journey in the world of photography.
Ever since I was a teenager, I knew that photography and graphic design were my passions. I was drawn to the captivating world of studios and darkrooms, fascinated by the creative energy and visual storytelling they made possible.
My path led me to New York City, where I pursued my dreams of studying photography. Back then, the digital era was just beginning, so I dove into the art of shooting film and developing my own prints. It was an exhilarating experience, but life took its course, and I had to put my academic pursuits on hold.
Years later, I found myself in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where I reignited my passion for photography. After two decades of life's twists and turns, I finally completed my photography degree at Santa Monica College. One of the proudest moments of my journey was when my professor likened my graduating portfolio to the pages of Vanity Fair.
As a lover of fashion and art, I draw inspiration from legendary photographers such as Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, Irving Penn, and Annie Leibovitz. Their visionary work continues to shape and inspire my creative vision.
In my practice, I deeply resonate with Ansel Adams' profound belief that photography is more than just capturing images; it's about infusing each photograph with the depth of our experiences, emotions, and inspirations. It's about creating moments that resonate with authenticity and beauty.
"You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved. You don't take a photograph, you make it."
~Ansel Adams
At Lux Magica Photography, I strive to embody this philosophy in every photograph I create, bringing to each shoot not only technical mastery but a rich tapestry of lived experience. My work is shaped by years spent living and creating in cities like London, Florence, and New York, by a deep love for fashion and design, and by ongoing inspiration from fine art, modern art, poetry, and literature.
Each image is crafted as a visual narrative—layered, intentional, and emotionally resonant—designed to capture not just how a moment looks, but how it feels.
For me, the most important element of any portrait is the expression in the eyes—the true mirror of one’s inner state and inner dialogue. Through gentle direction and imaginative guidance, I invite my clients into the emotional space or story they wish to inhabit. When that connection happens, the energy becomes visible in their gaze, and the photograph transforms into something magnetic—alive, evocative, and mesmerizing to behold.
Thank you for joining me on this journey of creativity, exploration, and expression. I look forward to creating magic together through the lens of Lux Magica Photography.
Warmest regards,
Theodora
My First Self-Portrait, New York, Late 90's
Shot on film in my studio, using a Pentax manual camera on a tripod and a corded shutter release held just out of frame. Reflected in a wall-to-wall mirror, this image captures an early chapter of my photographic journey while studying at CUNY—when everything was mechanical, intentional, and hands-on. From developing film to making prints in the darkroom, photography was a fully immersive, tactile experience that shaped my deep respect for the craft and the magic of image-making.