LÚTH: Student Experience in the Fashion Magazine

What it was like to be part of LÚTH (formerly GROOVE) magazine, its launch, shoots, team experiences and the people involved.

Finding My Place in LÚTH: More Than a Magazine

When I first got involved with LÚTH Magazine, I expected to gain some experience in modelling and maybe even help out behind the scenes at a few shoots. What I didn't expect was to find a creative community that would become one of the most enjoyable and welcoming experiences I've ever been part of.

Looking back, LÚTH was never just about making a new magazine, but rather about bringing people together, celebrating creativity, and creating a space where everyone felt valued. As both a model and a brand ambassador I had the privilege of seeing LÚTH from different perspectives. Some days I was in front of the camera, stepping into a concept that had been carefully planned by the creative team. Other days I was helping wherever I could by supporting shoots, making people feel comfortable, lending a hand with organisation, and simply being part of the energy that helped make productions run smoothly. Somehow, it never felt like work. Every shoot was something to look forward to and every person involved shared the same enthusiasm and passion.

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One of the things that immediately stood out to me about LÚTH was how inclusive it was. There was never a feeling that you had to fit a certain mould or come with years of experience. Whether someone was a professional photographer, an aspiring model attending their first shoot, or a volunteer simply wanting to be involved, everyone was welcomed with the same warmth and encouragement. That is the type of atmosphere that makes all the difference. It gives people the confidence to express themselves creatively without the fear of judgement, and I think that's one of the reasons the magazine became so special.

Creative Director Allen Kim captured that spirit perfectly when reflecting on his experience leading the team:

“I genuinely loved how I was able to get so many talented people together to create something so creative and special to everyone involved. I truly loved the friendships and connections it built and loved celebrating the diversity of Edinburgh as well as such talented minds that were scattered throughout Edinburgh and that LÚTH gave a really good chance for everyone to come together to unleash their creative sides”

I think this quote perfectly encapsulates what I experienced firsthand, LÚTH wasn't simply assembling a team to produce content; it was building friendships, encouraging collaboration, and celebrating the incredible creative talent that exists across Edinburgh. Every shoot brought together people from different backgrounds, disciplines, and experiences, all united by the same excitement to create something truly meaningful.

Some of my favourite memories come from the shoots themselves, even before the cameras even started clicking. Ideas were shared openly, people bounced creative concepts off one another, and there was a genuine sense that everyone's opinion mattered. Whether we were shooting in a studio, exploring new locations around the city, or experimenting with different styles, every project felt fresh and exciting.

One of the greatest privileges was getting to know so many talented photographers. Each and every one of them brought their own creative vision and unique way of seeing the world, and watching them work was truly inspiring. They weren't just taking photographs; they were telling stories through every frame. Their passion pushed everyone else to do their best, and it was amazing to see how much trust existed between photographers, models, stylists, and the wider team.

The same can be said for the models I met throughout my time with LÚTH. Everyone brought something different, whether it was confidence, humour, creativity, or quiet determination. Rather than feeling competitive, the environment encouraged us to support one another. It was common to see people helping each other prepare, offering encouragement during shoots, or celebrating each other's successes afterwards. Those moments of genuine kindness made the experience so much more rewarding than simply building a portfolio.

Being a brand ambassador allowed me to contribute beyond modelling. I learned that I love helping out during shoots, welcoming new faces, and making sure everyone feels included. Sometimes it's the small things like offering reassurance before someone's first shoot or helping keep everything organised, now THAT makes a lasting impact. Seeing people grow in confidence throughout the day was incredibly rewarding, and it reinforced what LÚTH was all about: creating opportunities for people to discover and embrace their creativity.

Beyond the finished photos and magazine issues, what I'll remember most are the people. The conversations between takes, the laughter when something didn't quite go to plan, the excitement of seeing everyone's work come together, and the friendships that naturally developed through spending time with such passionate individuals. Those are the moments that made LÚTH feel like a family rather than just a creative project. What impressed me most was how the magazine continually celebrated diversity in every sense. Different creative styles, backgrounds, perspectives, and stories were all welcomed and showcased. It wasn't about fitting into one particular aesthetic, it was about giving people a platform to express who they were. That openness made LÚTH feel authentic and gave everyone involved the confidence to contribute something unique.

Although my time with LÚTH has given me memories I'll always treasure, I don't see it as the end of the story. If anything, it feels like the beginning of something much bigger. Now that what once was GROOVE has evolved into something new, fun and fresh — LÚTH. The passion, creativity, and sense of belonging that Allen and the team have cultivated provide such a strong foundation for the future and that is something I hope continues with LÚTH. I genuinely can't wait to see the magazine continue to grow, reach even more people, and create opportunities for the next generation of photographers, models, and creatives. Although the name has changed, I hope that the feeling stays the same. If its future is anything like the experience I've been lucky enough to be part of, then the best chapters of LÚTH are still to come.

Written by Lucia Price.

Edited by Abby Johnston-Jones.