This studio shoot with Quan was the first time I experimented with the “threshold” effect in editing; it gave the images a very edgy and eerie black-and-white look. Editing this shoot specifically helped me explore how much inspiration I can draw from music while working; I remember listening to Knew Better by JID featuring Lil Yachty; the first beat drop really helped me emphasize that dramatic energy in the first set of shots.

Aside from this creative step, the actual shoot was done with a two-light setup; I used a 7-foot umbrella as my key light and a strip box as my rim light. Quan was one of the first people I worked with who helped me understand how to shoot for guys; men tend to have a more simplified approach when it comes to being in front of the camera. Even when I take photos of myself, I find that I focus more on making my outfit and jewelry pop than on poses; this experience helped me see that approach in action with someone else.

My camera settings were 1/250 shutter speed; f/5.6 aperture; and ISO 250; with my light power set at 1/32. The shoot ended up being a valuable experiment; combining lighting, music-driven editing, and a new understanding of posing for male subjects; it taught me how subtle creative choices can completely transform the mood of a set.