This shoot is a great example of what we aim for in my studio nearly every time we pick up a camera.
Camera: Canon R5 Mark II
Lens: Canon RF 24-105mm f/2.8 IS USM
ISO: 160, 1/50 sec, f/7.
Lights: 3x Profoto B10X Plus
Memory Card: Lexar Professional CFexpress Type B Card DIAMOND Series 512GB
We want to create something different, something special, something with a little spice. The concept began with the Pantone Color of the Year: “Mocha Mousse.” Once that foundation was set, we moved on to styling.
The wardrobe needed to complement the richness of Mocha Mousse without feeling too “matchy-matchy.” Every piece was carefully curated to support the tone of the concept while still standing on its own as a work of art.
Next came lighting.
Since this was for a magazine editorial, the clothing had to be lit in a way that showcased texture and detail clearly. But for the model’s face, I wanted a medium-hard light. If it were too soft, it would start to feel like a beauty shoot, which didn’t match the vibe of the edgy styling and those sharp neck spikes.
On the other hand, if the light were too harsh, the highlight on her face would dominate the frame and steal attention from the overall styling, something that just doesn’t work in fashion photography.
The perfect solution? A Profoto beauty dish with a grid for the face, paired with a large Profoto 5’ Octabox for the wardrobe.
We also knew we wanted to build depth and visual interest throughout the entire frame. Most portraits have two planes: the subject and the background. We wanted to add a third—a foreground element—to give the image a more dimensional, layered feel.
Enter the clear acrylic panel.
We placed it in front of our model, Victoria, but once we started shooting, we noticed the acrylic wasn’t catching enough light to be noticeable. So, we needed to enhance it. Water droplets came to mind immediately. We grabbed a spray bottle, filled it with water, and lightly misted the panel until the droplets added just the right amount of texture and intrigue.
Then came fine-tuning Victoria’s distance from the glass. Too far, and the droplets would fall out of focus. Too close, and her skin might touch the glass, a distraction we didn’t want. It had to be perfectly balanced.
The result? Exactly what we hoped for, an image that pulls your eye across the entire frame. It’s a portrait that’s hard to look away from… and that’s always the goal.
About
Roberto Valenzuela is a photographer based in Beverly Hills, CA. He has been honored by Canon USA to be one of the few chosen photographers to be part of their prestigious Canon Explorer of Light program.
Learn more about Roberto’s photography.
