About Al

From my beginnings in 1977, my creative journey has been a vibrant tapestry woven from the threads of photography, film watching, and music. In my personal work, I thrive on the thrill of innovation, constantly exploring new technologies that allow me to express my vision as a visual communicator. Embracing this spirit of discovery drives my passion for learning and experimenting, ensuring that my artistic endeavors remain fresh and dynamic. As a unit still photographer, I wear many hats—I am a photojournalist, portrait photographer, marketing & publicist photographer, poster photographer, props & wardrobe photographer, behind-the-scenes photographer, and part of the "Holy Trinity" (camera operator/dolly grip/boom operator). My diverse life experiences, disarming personality, and almost invisible onset persona, makes me a valuable team player as the unit still photographer.

- Alphonse Luis

Education/CV: Academic & Life Education

• Prairie State College: Photography (1985)

• University of Illinois: Liberal Arts/Graphic Design (1986)

• DePaul University: Bachelor of Arts – Communication/film (1990)

• Mentoring - Cinematography/Gary Wagner; ICG (International Cinematographers Guild), USC (University of Southern California,) Adjunct Associate Professor (1991)

• Mentoring - Cinematography/Richard C. Glouner; Emmy Award Winning ASC (American Society of Cinematographers)/AFI Fellow Cinematographer (1991)

• Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts - Certificate in Culinary - Chicago, IL (2012)

• Graphic Design - online education ~ Laura Keung (Envato Tuts+) (2023)

• Directing - online education ~ w/ Spike Lee (Masterclass) (2023)

• Web Design - online education ~ Adi Purdila (Envato Tuts+) (2023)

• Graphic Design - online education w/ David Carson (Masterclass) (2024)

• Directing - online education ~ w/ Ron Howard (Masterclass) (2024)

• Directing - online education ~ w/ James Cameron (Masterclass) (2024)

• Directing - online education ~ w/ Martin Scorsese (Masterclass) (2025)

• Photography - online education ~ w/ Annie Leibovitz (Masterclass) (2025)

Memorable moments and exposures to creative people:

Filmmaking - being cast & working on Chicago Fire Series "A Dark Day" episode with director Joe Chappelle and working with Spike Lee on "Chi-Raq" (2015)

Music - photographing live music in the 70's & 80's of Journey, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, and meeting Buddy Guy. Directing my Music Video “Imaginary Reality” 1993

Food - Le Cordon Bleu graduate, working with Curtis Stone at his event at McCormick Place/The Paris Club, staging at The Publican Restaurant/Paul Kahan and meeting Kat Cora.

Graphic Design - resonating with the work of David Carson.

Photographer