From Events to Portraits: Shifting My Focus Behind the Lens

A Change in Pace, A Change in Vision

For years, I worked as an event photographer—capturing fast, unpredictable moments as they happened. It was all about anticipation and reacting quickly. But when I stepped into the world of portraiture, everything changed.

This shift demanded a different mindset. Event work is about motion and timing. Portraiture is about control, intention, and collaboration. It’s a slower, more deliberate process, and at first, it felt unfamiliar. I’ve been honest about that discomfort—the mental rewiring, the self-doubt, and the growing pains. But it’s also been exciting. Studio photography is teaching me to be more thoughtful in how I see and shape an image, and that change is making me a better artist.

One of the First: The Session with Jada

One of my first intentional studio portrait sessions was with Jada. She may have been the very first model I photographed in a studio setting. Going into the shoot, my plan was ambitious. I wanted to cover a lot of ground—different backgrounds, outfit changes, varied lighting setups—cycling through new looks every 15 to 20 minutes. I treated the session like a workout. The goal was simple: build reps, build confidence.

We started safe with straightforward headshots. From there, we moved into beauty crops, then tried looks with a slightly editorial feel. There wasn’t a strong through-line connecting each setup. It was more of an exploration than a concept-driven shoot. Looking back, I can see how much I was trying to do all at once. It showed in the lighting, the pacing, and the final images.

Lessons in Lighting and Simplicity

Technically, this session taught me a lot—especially about lighting. At the time, I was using a four-light setup: two LEDs behind Jada for edge and hair light, and two up front—a key and a fill. I was still learning how to balance the ratios, and it showed. The catchlights in her eyes looked crowded. There was too much going on.

Since then, I’ve simplified. Some of my favorite portraits now come from using just one light and a reflector. Clean, soft, intentional. Reducing the gear has helped me focus more on the mood, the expression, and the story.

This was a clear case of learning by doing. And while some of those early results didn’t hit the mark, they helped me understand how to prepare better—how to define the look before stepping into the studio, how to plan lighting setups with purpose, and how to build a more focused portfolio.

Collaboration and Growth

One thing that stood out during this shoot was how collaborative it felt. Jada brought great energy and was fully on board with the experimental vibe. I was transparent with her about where I was in my journey and encouraged her to share feedback throughout the session. That openness made a big difference. She was generous with her input and helped guide the process in real time.

Just a week after our shoot, Jada got signed. A few of the images we created were part of her submission. Even with all the technical missteps I noticed later, the results still had impact—and that matters. It reminded me that the work doesn't need to be perfect to be valuable.

Looking Forward: More Intention, Less Guessing

Since that session, I’ve refined my process. I now spend more time planning before the shoot even begins. That includes defining the purpose, thinking through how the session fits into my larger body of work, and communicating the creative direction clearly with the model. It’s about setting expectations and creating a space where everyone knows what we’re building together.

I’m also studying the work of photographers I admire—those working in high fashion, commercial campaigns, and editorials. I’m paying attention to how they use light, how they construct their sets, and how they convey style through minimal choices. That research is shaping how I approach my own work.

This transition from event coverage to studio portraiture is still unfolding. It’s a process of constant adjustment, but each session brings new clarity. The more I simplify, the more I see. And the more I understand what kind of images I want to create.

Thanks for being part of the journey.

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