Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Lucas.
Robert, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey started in the year 1997, Saugatuck, Michigan. I was a female impersonator, paving a path for the mainstream female impersonators of today; my persona relied on my brand.
Using a computer and my natural drive, I schooled myself in the art of digital manipulation. I quickly excelled at creating stunning visuals to enhance my brand, and in turn became a source of creation for the other impersonators. I worked on flyers, promos, and even portraits using Digital shot cameras. I was the go-to source for “looking fierce.”
Fast forward, I had relocated to San Diego in May of 2008. My female impersonation career was impactful, however, only lasted ten years and already over. I was working as a marketing director for a holistic education company. Creating digital audio and video products was at the forefront of my tasks. Branding once again, coincidentally without me even really labeling it.
In a moment of clarity, and with the help of my now husband; I left the company to pursue my passions. I knew I was an artist. The medium always being dynamic whether it was makeup or digital arts. Unbeknownst to me to soon be behind a camera. A friend asked me if I wanted to pose as a model for him so he could acquire studio time. He was a new photographer with a local photography company, I said, “sure, why not.”
Walking in the studio, I had a feeling of empowerment and strength. Bold. Beautiful. I was transformed. It didn’t matter there was this absolutely foreign and strange hunk of metal, rubber, and glass in my hands. All I knew is I wanted to make people feel empowered. Bold and beautiful once again.
From that moment, my thirst for knowledge never quenched, self-taught, hour after hour, day after day, night after night, Photoshop, Lightroom, YouTube, Udemy, Various photography, and retoucher educational courses. An investment into my brand, combining the technical knowledge of studio photography, ISO, aperture, and shutter speed along with digital photo manipulation to produce bold and beautiful imagery, my brand.
My roots are still the blueprint for my brand. Passion. Education. Evolution. Always bold. Always beautiful. Always chic. Always modern. In the fall of 2009, Modern Aperture Photography was born. It continues to evolve through education and illumination, bold and beautiful until the end.
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?
Is the road ever smooth for anyone. Life happens when you’re making plans for everything else. When I was young, I used to struggle. Now that I have a bit of experience under my belt, I know how to control stress rather than let stress control me.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My company is Modern Aperture Photography. I am known for creating bold and beautiful headshots and lifestyle imagery. As a creative, I enjoy working with other creatives. The flow of energy is unlike anything else. I am most proud of my ability to create art while conducting business.
A lot of artists cannot separate those two, and it’s where they fail. I’m a water sign. I flow. I do so with my clients. They flow right along with me, and before we know it, the experience is over, and the results are stellar.
What were you like growing up?
I was an outgoing little boy. My mother encouraged my art. Whatever it was at the moment until the bullying became I quieted myself, then when the need for self-expression came, I got loud. Outgoing.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2323 Broadway, Suite 105
- Website: modernaperture.com
- Phone: 6193020545
- Email: rob@modernaperture.com
- Instagram: modernaperture
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernAperturePhotography/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/modern-aperture-photography-san-diego
Getting in touch: SDVoyager 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.
