When she reached out, it wasn’t just “I need a photoshoot.” It was more like, “I want to update my portfolio, but I don’t really know what I need.”

That’s more common than you’d think. So we had a proper call — not just to plan the shoot, but to figure out what would actually move the needle for her. I asked questions: What kind of work do you want to attract? What’s missing from your current portfolio? What kind of energy do you want the images to carry?

From that, we built a game plan. Clean digitals. A soft glam look. Two activewear sets. And something commercial, close to what you’d see on ASOS or Zalando. Everything was intentional — every look was there for a reason.

How We Brought It to Life

She received a shoot prep guide in advance: how to prep her skin, outfits to bring, grooming tips, and even how to mentally show up for a shoot. It helped her feel ready — and that confidence showed on the day.

We shot with three Godox SK400 IIs, using a three-light setup and two V-flats for bounce and light control. The goal was clean, flattering light — nothing overdramatic, just commercial polish.

I tethered directly into Evoto, while also backing up on the memory card — so files were being saved in two places. It made reviewing shots quick and collaborative, while also giving me peace of mind.

She wasn’t a full-time model — but that didn’t matter. My job is to guide, not just click. I directed her through subtle shifts: chin up here, soften your hands, a bit more energy in the eyes. And shot by shot, she relaxed into it.

Why This Matters

There was no stylist. No assistant. No elaborate set. Just trust, preparation, and a shared goal.

This wasn’t just about taking pretty pictures — it was about creating work that could open doors for her. And I think we did just that.