The Luminous Project 2026
50 extraordinary women. 50 stories. One powerful gallery showcase. Half our 2026 spots are already filled. This is your invitation to claim yours.
Book a Call with EmilyA portion of all proceeds benefits Beautifully EmpowHERed
The Mission
Every day, media celebrates a narrow version of what women are supposed to look like and what their stories are supposed to sound like.
The Luminous Project exists to change that. We are bringing together 50 real women, accomplished, complex, and worth celebrating, to be photographed and featured in a gallery showcase at Studio 25 Naperville.
Each woman receives a portrait and shares her story. Together, those stories become something much bigger than any one of us.
Through our partnership with Beautifully EmpowHERed, a portion of every participant's investment goes directly toward career counseling, mental health services, and development workshops for women and teen girls in our community.
When you join the Luminous Project, you are not just claiming your own light. You are helping pass it on.
Book a Call with EmilyIs This Calling You?
You have been putting yourself last.You are the one taking photos of everyone else. You are ready to be in them.
You are in a new chapter.A transition, a milestone, a new version of yourself. You want to mark it.
You want photos that look like you.Not stiff. Not performative. Real, warm, and completely yourself.
You want to be part of something bigger.Your story has the power to inspire the next woman to step forward.
You are ready to be seen.Fully. Beautifully. On your own terms.
What Is Included
Before your session we work together to plan your vision, outfits, story, and how you want to show up. Nothing is left to chance.
Our onsite makeup artist will have you feeling camera-ready from the moment you arrive. Glam or natural, the choice is yours.
A fully guided shoot with direction throughout. You will never wonder what to do with your hands. We take care of all of it.
You review your images in person and select your favorites. Your portrait is printed at museum quality for the gallery.
Your portrait and story will be featured in the Luminous Project gallery at Studio 25 Naperville. You are invited to the celebration event honoring all 50 women.
As a participant you receive special offers from some of Naperville's finest businesses including The Now Massage, Kendra Scott, Lena Rose Clean Beauty, Radiant Med Spa, and more.
Their Words
Every woman has a story. These are some of theirs.
A Luminous Woman
The Luminous Project is for every woman who has ever felt overlooked, invisible, or like her best years for being seen have passed.
They have not. Your story is not finished. And you have never been more worth celebrating than you are right now.
Jeanne. Luminous Project participant.
Book a Call with EmilyYour Investment
The Luminous Project 2026
Regular value $1,250
Additional individual images are available at $250 each. Image collections start at $1,500. You only purchase what you love.
Book a Call with Emily
Meet Your Photographer
For over 15 years I have been photographing women. And for a long time I noticed the same thing. So many of the most extraordinary women I met had almost no photos of themselves. They were busy showing up for everyone else.
The Luminous Project started as an idea I held onto for years. I wanted to create something that went beyond a beautiful portrait. A space where women felt truly seen, and where their stories could inspire someone else.
I know how to help you feel comfortable in front of the camera. I know how to find the light that makes you look like yourself on your best day. But more than that, I know how to make the experience feel like something you were meant to do.
I hope you will join us.
Book a Call with EmilyWhat Women Are Saying
My experience with Emily was amazing from the minute I walked in. This is not my comfort zone, so to be on the other side of the lens is always a little nerve-wracking. But the minute I walked in I was super comfortable. Everyone made me feel good and it was a wonderful experience.
Patti Minglin
I loved how comfortable I felt. I do not ordinarily like taking photos but somehow Emily manages to calm me down and make me feel confident and comfortable. It is always a fun experience and that is just something I have never had any other time, including my wedding day.
Clarissa Shah
Emily made my experience comfortable, fun, and memorable. She delivered a portfolio of shots I am proud to showcase on LinkedIn, social feeds, and projects still being dreamed up. YES, you need this. And YES, you should call Emily.
Anne Leroux
A Luminous Evening
December 18th, 2025 — Wentz Concert Hall & Fine Arts Center
Our Community Partners
Luminous Project participants receive exclusive offers from these businesses
Get In Touch
Click below and Emily will be in touch within 24 hours to set up a quick call.
Connect with EmilyOnly 25 Spots Remain
Your portrait deserves to be seen. And the next generation of women in this community deserves to know that women like you exist.
Book a Call with Emily