My name is Lera Grant
I`m a Portrait Photographer.
Each photo session is like a fascinating journey. It is a collective process framed by your persona and my skills and creativity.
I work in my home studio and on location using different lights, decorations and accessories specially created for each story. These sessions work well to celebrate a memorable moment in your life or to mark an anniversary. In all cases, this is a purely bespoke experience tailored to create something unique and exceptional for you.
I was born and bred in Tajikistan in the beautiful landscape of the Pamir mountains. Graduated from The Institute of Contemporary Arts in Moscow, lived in India and studied at the College of Holly Arts “Kalakshetra” in Chennai. Since 2010 based in bonny wee Scotland, where I primarily work from my home studio in Cupar Fife.
I have been working as a photographer since 2005. Despite my love for different genres of photography, I especially highlight the genre of portraiture. It is a fascinating process of capturing and reviling the essence or spirit of each person, couple or family. As a Fine art photographer, aesthetic pleasure is to create a specific icon image for each person, revealing the character in a new way.
My Skills
FINE-ART
Artistic portraits are created for imaginative and aesthetic qualities.
LIFESTYLE
A story, a series of real-life moments captured in a natural environment.
STUDIO
Working in the photo studio gives complete control over the environment.
BRANDING
Creating persistent visual brand story of you and your business.
Fine Art Portraiture
“Fine art portraits are images created merely for their imaginative and aesthetic quality”. In my approach to Fine Art Photography, the model's personality is just as important as the creative vision. You and your story will be ( are) a source of inspiration. I will take it further as your photographer to create an artistic image.
Lifestyle Portraiture
Your lifestyle photoshoot is like a story, a series of real-life moments captured in a natural environment. In many ways, lifestyle photography is about revealing your personality, emotions and relationships. It is a privilege to be trusted as your photographer, and I will do my best to create an uplifting event. All you have to do is to enjoy a moment being with your favourite people and have fun. I will help to choose the light, create a comfortable atmosphere and keep my camera ready to catch the best moments.
Studio Portraiture
My photo studio is set in the comfort of my home. It is located at South Bridge Cupar Fife, a few minutes from the train station. Over the past years, I have collected a few backdrops, props and outfits, all of which could be helpful in our creative process. In my studio, I design organic decorations for each Fine Art story. I like to shoot light and airy portraits as well as moody and dramatic ones, the studio will be set up accordingly.
Branding Portraiture
Corporate headshots and professional branding photographs are the first images your potential client sees. Creating the right impression of you and your business is essential to deliver a persistent visual brand story. As your photographer, I will provide you with quality professional portraits that you can use on your website, social platforms and magazines.
Creative process.
PRE-SESSION CHAT
Preliminary conversation with my clients is an integral part of the creative process. Knowing each other will help you and me better prepare for the photo shoot according to the chosen style. I need to know a little more about you to feel your story. Getting to know me will help you relax before the big day. We can discuss your outfit and choose a perfect location for your photo session. We can do it in person or via Zoom. Feel free to ask me any questions or look at the FAQ here.
FINE-ART IDEAS
Fine art portrait shoots require some creativity and forethought. I must know more about your story and interests to create an art image for you. Think about what will reflect your personality best, your favourite books and stories, your favourite paintings and movies, and superheroes who impress you. Priore the day of the photoshoot, we can create and discuss a mood board, putting together words, illustrations or photographs. Every single element of your portrait has to be planned and prepared.
STUDIO SHOOT
Lightning is an essential tool for creating dramatic portraiture. The ability to shape and direct the light creates a certain mood. I prefer to use natural light wherever possible, but often studio lighting gives more room for experimentation and conveys a mood. Auxiliary elements such as various studio backdrops, props and outfits help to build the atmosphere corresponding to the main idea. Plus, it is always a comfortable place where we are not at the mercy of the weather.
LOCATION SHOOT
Here in Scotland, we are blessed with unique locations if you prefer an outdoor photoshoot. Heals, beaches, forests, gardens, farms and outstanding stone architecture create a fantastic atmosphere for any story. Open sky, different kinds of trees, rustic buildings, barns, and shabby old doors make picturesque backgrounds. There are a lot of stunning locations right on my doorstep, and I have plenty of suggestions; some are favourite spots for my clients. If you have a unique place that means something to you, I am happy to travel around Central Scotland.
But keep in mind that location is not always
an outdoor environment. If you prefer your portraits to be taken in your house or another place you have in mind, we can organise a photo session there as soon as there is plenty of natural light. It all depends on the task at hand. If the weather is not favourable, the photo shoot can be rescheduled.
But keep in mind that location is not always
an outdoor environment. If you prefer your portraits to be taken in your house or another place you have in mind, we can organise a photo session there as soon as there is plenty of natural light. It all depends on the task at hand. If the weather is not favourable, the photo shoot can be rescheduled.
PERFECT OUTFIT
Your outfit choice will depend on the type of chosen photo session.
For а Fine-Art photography, it is essential to keep the style. Classic or vintage clothing will create a unique, timeless look. Together with you, we will think over and agree on additional accessories for your image. I design tailored-made adornments for each photo session using seasonal flowers and organic materials.
Wear contemporary or modern clothing if you prefer a Beauty or Fashion photoshoot. Remember to add an accent with accessories such as hats, scarves, and jewellery to your image. In my studio wardrobe, I have a collection of different fabrics, clothes and accessories which can be used to create a specific portrait.
As for Lifestyle photography, the main task is to capture the essence of your everyday living, thas the choice of clothing is primarily up to you. Consider how your clothes will work in the chosen location and how colours harmonise with the year's belt.
Keeping to a certain colour palate is essential for Group Photography. You may go for the same colours, monochrome or analogue colours. Be careful with big logos and printed or patterned clothes. A delicate combination of block colours and patterns can work well. If the bright colours represent your characters, go for it. Choose a complimentarily colour combination for more harmonious portraits. Remember about your shoes. It has to go well with the rest of your outfit.
During our pre-session conversation, we will discuss all these moments. It is important you feel good and natural in what you are wearing. At the same time, we want to create lifelong treasures for you to admire.
For а Fine-Art photography, it is essential to keep the style. Classic or vintage clothing will create a unique, timeless look. Together with you, we will think over and agree on additional accessories for your image. I design tailored-made adornments for each photo session using seasonal flowers and organic materials.
Wear contemporary or modern clothing if you prefer a Beauty or Fashion photoshoot. Remember to add an accent with accessories such as hats, scarves, and jewellery to your image. In my studio wardrobe, I have a collection of different fabrics, clothes and accessories which can be used to create a specific portrait.
As for Lifestyle photography, the main task is to capture the essence of your everyday living, thas the choice of clothing is primarily up to you. Consider how your clothes will work in the chosen location and how colours harmonise with the year's belt.
Keeping to a certain colour palate is essential for Group Photography. You may go for the same colours, monochrome or analogue colours. Be careful with big logos and printed or patterned clothes. A delicate combination of block colours and patterns can work well. If the bright colours represent your characters, go for it. Choose a complimentarily colour combination for more harmonious portraits. Remember about your shoes. It has to go well with the rest of your outfit.
During our pre-session conversation, we will discuss all these moments. It is important you feel good and natural in what you are wearing. At the same time, we want to create lifelong treasures for you to admire.
VIEWING & ORDERING
The process of editing your photographs will take from two to three weeks. After that, I will offer you to see and choose your photographs in person or on the private gallery of my website. Your decision on which Collection to buy can be made after the viewing session. You will decide which photographs you would like to have in high resolution and which of them you want to print. There is no pressure if you decide not to buy any photographs.