This studio shoot with Pretti and Renay was one of the first times I really mastered my one-light setup and camera exposure using the softbox modifier; the soft light it produced made Pretti’s pink outfit and pink backdrop pop; creating a bright and aesthetically pleasing look, while Renay’s white-and-black outfit provided a striking contrast against the blue backdrop. My camera settings were 1/200 shutter speed; f/11 aperture; and ISO 125. In post, I added a subtle color grade to give the shots a more editorial feel; it achieved exactly the mood I was going for; balancing softness with a polished, professional edge.

We actually finished the session early and had some time to experiment; I decided to try using a beauty dish in the studio for the first time. Testing a new light modifier in a controlled environment was such a cool opportunity; it gave me a fresh perspective on how different lighting setups can completely transform the mood and dimension of a shot.