the who and the why
about ana luísa pinto and the luminous
My name is Ana Luísa and my pronouns are she/her. In 2008, when I decided to make photography my way of living, I started Luminous Photography — which has now transitioned to The Luminous.
I’m a creature of many passions: I’m a foodie who will travel to the end of the world for a good plate of food, I love a good romaria (a small town festival, super popular in Portugal) and I’m obsessed with crafts (at this moment, knitting is my biggest addiction). I’m a nerd who’s happy when singing in choir. I was born in Porto, where I still live with my wife (who makes the most amazing wedding videos) and our two cats, Alice and Alba.
I don’t like cabbage, flying or heights, but I adore train and car rides. I love having the ocean nearby. I’m an extrovert with a soft spot for dad jokes and I’m a super fast talker (don’t be scared of telling me to slow down)! I get easily excited, which makes me your best cheerleader!
the way here
Art was always the destination.
In high school, while focusing on an area we called ‘technological design’, I had incredible teachers who taught me to search for inspiration in the great artists of yore and to bring it to the present — something I still enjoy doing with photography. In university, where I studied conservation and restoration of art, I cemented some of my artistic crushes — Caravaggio and Frida Kahlo —, I learned to analyse and look more deeply at technique, and to relish the iconography of everyday life.
That’s where self-portraiture came from, over fourteen years ago: from the need to express myself with the tools I had at hand: my camera and my own body and image.
I continued my education with post-grad degrees in Portuguese art history, art management and a professional degree in photography, which made me what I am today: a photographer in love with light and shadows and with the full spectrum of human emotion; curious about the people I photograph, crazy about details and the secrets they tell us about each and every person.
Queer inclusivity and representation
As a queer woman, married to another woman, inclusivity and representation are paramount values at The Luminous.
I strive to create an environment that feels safe, joyous and which celebrates all people — but I’m especially considerate of my LGBTQIA+ siblings, who I know face the hardest challenges at seeing their love represented and seen.
All of this to say: you’re safe with The Luminous. You’ll always be celebrated, here.
about my artistic work —
are you curious to know more about my self-portraiture? you can take a look at my flickr account, where you can see the photos all the way back to the beginning, along with their context, or you can just scroll a few examples below!
[photos and context] →
