WOODBURY — LGA Photography and LA Detailing are what Nonnewaug senior Lucas Almeida is known for.

Almeida’s inspiration stemmed from his family.

“Detailing started because I needed another stream of income and I had some knowledge of it because my mom does something similar,” he said.

But just because one side hustle is more profitable doesn’t mean it’s his favorite.

“Detailing makes me more money, but photography is more enjoyable because of the sports,” he stated. 

Almeida loves capturing sports.

“Basketball because it’s fast-paced and full of action,” Almeida said.

It’s evident that Almeida thrives in capturing the dynamic energy of sports. His photography business goes by LGA Photography. 

Almeida journey into detailing wasn’t through conventional training but rather through his own research.

“I taught myself through YouTube and things like that,” he said.

Almeida plans of using both in his future.

“I plan to continue detailing and expand it into a bigger business by hiring employees,” Almeida said.

A employee and friend of Almeida, Nonnewaug senior Reece Davis, thinks highly of him.  

“Lucas is very hardworking and determined to grow and expand his business,” Davis said. “I’m grateful to work with him.”

“Reece and I share the same vision for our business, so it’s great having him as a partner,” Almeida said.

In addition, Almeida has dreams of continuing his photography journey, envisioning a future capturing moments for athletes and perhaps even colleges. Almeida plans on majoring in a business-related field in college, thinking it can benefit both LGA Photography and LA Detailing.

The most difficult part of his business’s growth is being a high school senior. But Almeida’s strategy includes reinvestment of profits into advertising through his website, clothing, and social media.

“I think the business is in a good position right now,” Almeida said.