Last Friday, I had the opportunity to test my chops in a true in-studio fashion setup, thanks to the Camera Meet Up group (@camerameetup). The occasion? The launch of ANØINT, a new fashion brand by Pao Saenz (@paosaenzart / @anoint_bypaosaenz).
Even though my schedule was tight that evening, I made it a point to arrive earlier than the official call time. That decision paid off. Getting there ahead of the runway portion gave me breathing room to observe the space, study the lighting, and shoot a few frames before the energy shifted into full event mode.
The shoot was held inside an art gallery/studio downtown—an intimate space with clean white walls and just enough room for a small photography setup. A handful of photographers showed up, each bringing their own style and lighting preferences.
Reading the Room (and the Light)
If you’ve followed my work, you know I prefer walking into a shoot with a lighting plan already mapped out. This time, I didn’t have that luxury. So I packed strategically: my GVM 60W COB video light as my main source, plus a smaller portable light as backup. I kept the second light in reserve until I could properly assess the space.
The set was tighter than expected. I initially paired the OM-SYSTEM OM-3 with my Sigma 30mm f/1.4, but after a few test shots, it was clear the focal length felt restrictive. I swapped to a 12-40mm f/2.8 zoom, which gave me the flexibility to recompose quickly as I navigated around other photographers and the models.
Several photographers were working with on-camera flash. I tested my own Godox flash briefly, but the look didn’t resonate with me. The light felt a bit too direct and flat for the mood I wanted. That’s exactly why I brought constant lighting. I set up my GVM COB in a corner between rotations, dialed in a few test frames—and once I saw the results, I knew I had found my lane for the evening.
Clean Backdrop, Strong Presence
The backdrop was plain white. No texture. No environmental context. Just the model and the garment.
Instead of fighting it, I leaned into it.
I envisioned clean, portrait-driven images—frames that focused on personality and presence. I directed the models to emphasize posture, attitude, and subtle gestures that matched the bold identity of the ANØINT brand. Without distractions in the background, every expression and fold of fabric mattered.
As the session progressed, I started finding my rhythm. The confidence grew. I experimented with angles, varied my compositions, and pushed for more dynamic poses. There’s a moment in every shoot when technical thinking gives way to instinct—and that’s when it becomes fun.
The Black & White Decision
In post-production, a bit of cleanup was needed—as expected in a shared studio environment. But the real transformation happened when I began desaturating the images.
Black and white made them sing.
Stripping away color emphasized contrast, structure, and expression. The clothing felt more graphic. The attitude felt sharper. The minimal white backdrop suddenly worked in my favor, creating a timeless, almost editorial aesthetic.
When I shared the final images with the models and Pao, the response was overwhelmingly positive. That’s always the best part—seeing the work resonate with the people who brought it to life.
All in all, not bad for a couple of hours shooting—and a few more refining the images afterward.
Sometimes walking into a setup without a full plan forces you to trust your eye. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
The Gear
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