Our Story
Lumino Studios was founded in 2010 by seasoned photographers, Amelia Hayes and Marcus Bell, with a shared vision: to create a collaborative space where photographers of all levels could access state-of-the-art equipment and inspiring environments. Recognizing the challenges faced by freelance photographers and small creative agencies in Chicago, Amelia and Marcus sought to provide a solution that combined affordability, flexibility, and a supportive community.
Initially starting with a single studio space in the West Loop, Lumino Studios quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional service and dedication to the craft. Word of mouth spread, and soon, the demand for studio rentals grew beyond the capacity of the original location. This led to the expansion into three distinct studio environments: The Loft Studio, The Modern Studio, and The Urban Studio, each catering to different photographic styles and needs.
Over the years, Lumino Studios has become more than just a rental space; it's a hub for creative professionals. We've hosted countless workshops, exhibitions, and networking events, fostering a vibrant community of photographers, videographers, and other visual artists. Our commitment to innovation has driven us to continuously upgrade our equipment and adapt to the evolving needs of the industry. We take pride in providing a platform for emerging talent and supporting the growth of established professionals alike.
Today, Lumino Studios remains committed to its original mission: empowering photographers to capture their vision. We are proud to be a part of Chicago's vibrant creative scene and look forward to continuing to serve the community for many years to come.
Meet Our Team
Amelia Hayes
Co-Founder & Studio Director
Amelia brings over 15 years of experience in professional photography to Lumino Studios. Her expertise lies in studio management, equipment maintenance, and client relations. Amelia is passionate about creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all our clients.
Marcus Bell
Co-Founder & Technical Director
Marcus is the technical backbone of Lumino Studios, ensuring all equipment is in optimal working condition. With a background in electrical engineering and a keen eye for detail, Marcus keeps our studios running smoothly and is always on hand to assist with technical inquiries.
Serena Jones
Studio Manager
Serena is the friendly face of Lumino Studios, managing bookings, coordinating schedules, and ensuring a seamless experience for our clients. Her organizational skills and customer-centric approach make her an invaluable asset to the team.
Carlos Rivera
Lighting Technician
Carlos is our in-house lighting expert, adept at creating the perfect illumination for any photoshoot. He has a deep understanding of various lighting techniques and is always willing to share his knowledge with our clients.
Laura Kim
Customer Support Specialist
Laura provides exceptional customer support, assisting clients with bookings, inquiries, and technical assistance. She is dedicated to ensuring every client has a positive and productive experience at Lumino Studios.
David Lee
Equipment Manager
David is responsible for the maintenance and organization of our extensive equipment inventory. He ensures that all cameras, lenses, and accessories are in top condition and readily available for our clients.
Our Mission
At Lumino Studios, our mission is to empower visual storytellers by providing accessible, state-of-the-art studio spaces and equipment. We are dedicated to fostering a collaborative community where creativity thrives, and artists can realize their full potential. We believe that access to quality resources and a supportive environment are essential for producing impactful work, and we are committed to being a catalyst for artistic expression in Chicago and beyond.
Our Commitment to Accessibility
We strive to provide a website that is accessible to everyone. We follow the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure that our website is usable by people with disabilities.
Please visit our accessibility page for more information.