"A photograph is usually looked at- Seldom looked into"


Featured in this blog will be a familiar face, my friend and associate Lillian- owner and photographer of Lillian Jean Photography. You might recognize her from a previous blog or from my Instagram page, and we post each other quite a bit and have become good friends. We recently decided to do quarterly headshot swaps, and I wanted to share our most recent one as well a some tips and tricks for choosing & using studios.


The studio we chose to use is The High Modern, which is located in downtown Mount Vernon. It is a lovely studio that boasts high ceilings, blank walls(oh the potential!), a variety of solid colored backgrounds, funky and modern furniture as well as big windows that allow in soft beautiful natural light. We chose this because we wanted to try a different style of headshots and I personally wanted an editorial, think vogue, vibe. Booking was simple and straightforward and our interaction with Sara(Owner of The High Modern & Sara Welch Photography) was wonderful. Sara created The High Modern with the idea of offering a space to fellow photographers that was unique, easy to use, with a Mid Century Modern vibe. I would consider this one of the nicest and more affordable studio in my area.


Ok so now onto my tips for looking for a studio, or what you would want in a studio!

~Lighting. If you are someone who uses professional lighting, then any studio might suit you if you are able to bring your equipment along. I personally use video light & flash, but when looking for a studio I like to make sure it has big windows that allow a lot of light in and doesn't have overbearing fluorescent lighting. If I can turn off overhead lighting and use natural light, then I am in heaven!

~Space. I want to know going in I am going to have lots of space to move around, and this goes hand in hand with the lighting/windows. A big open space that has natural light lighting it up means I can shoot different angles and at different lengths. It also means I can work with or without furniture because I have space to move it out of the way.

~Furniture. I specifically look for studios that have a variety of furniture, and that the studio is ok with safely moving it around as needed. If the studio has furniture that suits specific needs for sessions like boudoir or a family lifestyle session, I may lean more towards one studio over another based on the furniture they supply.

~Time. Extra time before or after a session is SO important. Studios that offer a set up or break down time with the hours you've rented it for are amazing because getting ready time will not cut into shooting time. Pus you want time to put the studio back to its original state before you leave.


Now onto few tricks to making sure you get the most out of your studio time:

~Set a timer. On your phone or watch set up an alarm, and break it into two increments. So for example you start shooting at 11am and have the studio until 12:15pm. Set an alarm to go off at 11:30am and one for Noon. This will help you keep track of time and make sure if you have things like outfit changes or hair adjustments, you will get it all done with enough time.

~Bring all of the things. Unsure if you need bobby pins, hairspray, specific props? Bring them! I recommend packing a bag with anything you worry you might need and bring it with you. Better to have something you won't need then need something and have to lose time shooting to run out to your car or go without a specific shot because you didn't bring it.

~Be confident! Ok this one is specifically for clients. When you hire a photographer and have your photos taken outdoors we have little wiggle room to make sure you guys feel comfortable and get THE shot. But in a studio we are racing against a clock. So don't be shy! Have fun, play, dance. Keep yourself loose and don't worry about how you look, your photographer has gotchu!


I had a great time at The High Modern and am obsessed with both of our photos. Keep scrolling to see the photos I took of Lillian(the ones of her in her great aunts vintage dress have me in a chokehold) and the ones she took of me(I look so dang cool!). I edited all of these, and can't wait to see how Lillian edits them for her page! If you are interested in working with me at a studio, reach out and let's make magic!


Thanks for stopping by!

Cheers,

Kymber

A black and white portrait of a joyful figure in a striped dress against a dark background, showing genuine emotion.
Person in dark sweater and glasses sits casually on vintage rattan chair against white wall, showing tattoos.
Dancer in vibrant colorful dress performs expressive pose against red backdrop with dramatic lighting.
Person in olive green jumpsuit stands on vintage chair holding dumbbells during home workout session.
A person in a pink dress and white shirt sits gracefully on a tall stool near green plants against a white wall.
Photographer with short dark hair wearing glasses, black tank top and jeans sits casually while holding camera.
Artistic minimalist portrait in black attire lounging sideways in wooden chair against light wall with dramatic shadows.
Black and white artistic portrait of a dancer in vintage dress striking an expressive pose against a dark background.
Figure leaning against a wooden chair in dark clothing with dramatic side lighting creating angular shadows on the wall.
Photographer in pink corduroy jumper and white cardigan holds professional camera against neutral background.
Artistic portrait in black outfit sitting beside vintage cane back bench against white wall with dramatic shadows.
Black and white artistic photograph of a ballet dancer leaping gracefully in a flowing dress against a simple gradient background.
A person in a vibrant orange and pink patterned dress sits on a black floor with flowers beside them.
Through reflective window, someone in a black vest sits on white stool using phone near potted plant on cloudy day.
A person poses in a colorful striped maxi dress with warm tones against a dramatic red-lit dark background.