08/26/2026
Hey everyone!
I thought it was time for a little introduction. I’m Lorna - the owner and lead photographer behind Arcana Photo. I’m also the editor, scheduler, etc- it’s a one woman show over here!
A little about me:
I’ve been interested in photography since at least the age of 10 when I took a student ambassador trip to Canada. I bought my first DSLR around 2014 and had the good fortune to know some photographers who offered some solid advice and tips over the years. I shot only on a 50mm lens for years and refused to shoot in anything but manual mode in natural light because I wanted to really make everything harder for myself. Jk- but I did want to really learn my camera well and challenge myself and I accomplished that.
I lived in the Cleveland area for several years and my first job there was as a school photographer. It was such an interesting job and strangely fun. It gave me a solid understanding of studio lighting fundamentals, posing, and other equipment.
I went back to school and got my Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Masters of Public Health. Professionally I’ve done a little of everything and I’m not joking. Insurance, tattoo shop receptionist, water treatment lab work, preclinical med device quality assurance, and case management, to name a few. Through all my various pursuits, I’m drawn like a moth to the flame to photography.
I was scared to open myself up to new clients and people but took the leap and opened Arcana because, well, what’s the worst that can happen? I didn’t accumulate all those very different jobs by being closed off to possibilities.
A little about Arcana Photo:
As everything stands right now, I’m not quitting my “day job”. I work full time and this business is my baby- new to the world, doesn’t know ABC’s, can’t stand on its own. You get the idea.
I edit in my free time on weekends and after working hours. I may not be the speediest photographer around due to this. Of course, if you let me know of a specific deadline you’re working against I can certainly be flexible and we can work it out. My focus at this time is ensuring I take on a proper amount of work so that none of my clients are waiting too long on me and I can maintain my sanity.
I know everyone is anxious for their photos back! I would love to expand my capacity in the future but that’s just not my reality right now and I like to be honest and up front about that.
Arcana Photo is proudly inclusive of people from all walks of life which includes POC, the LGBTQ+ community, all ages, all sizes, all body types, and all ability levels. I won’t ever comment on politics to my clients during a session or in relation to their session, but since I am fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment, I do reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who goes out of their way to make mean comments or make any of my other clients uncomfortable based on their identity. I tolerate pretty much everything EXCEPT hate and exclusion. Oh and gluten, I don’t tolerate that 😆. So if you have any unkind thoughts I encourage you to keep them to yourself!
I’m at home in many lighting scenarios, and pride myself on “making it work”. I do have a portable/limited studio backdrop setup and some lights but most of the time you’ll see me using natural light. I do not have a physical studio but if that is desired, we can always look at renting some time at local studio spaces.
I am willing to accept barters for the following kinds of items/services:
- Massages
- Pedicures
- Yoga Classes
- Photography equipment. I shoot Canon with an EF mount so heavy on lenses but I would also be interested in film cameras, stands, and various lighting equipment.
- Home cleaning and organizing
Maybe some other things but of course, subject to mutual agreement. Barters don’t apply to weddings or event photography.
If you’re still reading this, I applaud you and your stamina 👏🏻.
📸 credit: Jose Garcia
