Stepping into your power is a transformative experience. It’s about embracing the energy that fuels your journey, allowing yourself to rise beyond limitations, and fully stepping into who you are meant to be. This was the theme of my latest portrait photoshoot with Vicky — Ascension.
The Vision
From the very beginning, the goal was to create imagery that embodied strength, elegance, and transcendence. We wanted to visualize the process of growth, of reaching for something greater, of illuminating one’s own path. With Vicky’s background in dance, this concept flowed effortlessly into movement, giving each frame a sense of weightlessness and intention.
The Portrait Photoshoot Process
The shoot was done at HGAB Studios in Miami. To bring this vision to life, we used a Phillips hue portable light to create the striking spotlight and light beam effects seen throughout the shoot. The interplay of color and contrast helped shape the ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere we were aiming for. Shades of blue, green, and violet illuminated Vicky, making it feel as though she were pulling light from the universe itself.
Our photography lighting setup included softbox lights, color gels, and a key light to highlight Vicky’s movements while maintaining a dreamy, cinematic look. Experimenting with low-light photography techniques allowed us to emphasize the luminous energy surrounding her, enhancing the feeling of ascension.
Every pose channeled a different facet of portrait photography storytelling—whether it was reaching out with determination, balancing on pointe as if defying gravity, or embracing the glow as if holding her own power. Vicky’s grace and control over movement made capturing these moments seamless, her dance experience shining through in every shot.
The Energy
What made this shoot truly special was the energy Vicky brought to the set. There was a quiet power in her gaze, a confidence in the way she carried herself, and a story being told in every extension of her limbs. The imagery became more than just aesthetic—it became a visual representation of what it means to claim your space, your light, your power.
The Result
The final images are striking, surreal, and deeply evocative, perfect for anyone interested in creative portrait photography, conceptual shoots, and fine art photography. They capture a journey of transformation—one that speaks to anyone who has ever dared to reach beyond their limits. Through light manipulation, dramatic shadows, and expressive poses, Ascension became more than just a concept; it became an experience, a moment frozen in time that radiates power and intention.
This shoot was a reminder that stepping into your power is not just about confidence; it’s about allowing yourself to be seen, to embrace your strength, and to let your light shine unapologetically. And Vicky? She embodied that completely.
For photographers looking to create similar cinematic lighting effects, experimenting with colored light sources, contrast ratios, and long exposure photography can lead to some truly mesmerizing results. Whether you're working in studio portrait photography or exploring moody, atmospheric lighting, the key is to balance light and shadow to create depth and emotion.
When using colored lighting, consider how different hues interact with skin tones and textures. Soft blues and purples add a cool, ethereal quality, while warmer tones like reds and oranges can create a sense of intensity and emotion. Utilizing a key light with adjustable intensity allows for greater control over highlights and shadows, giving the subject a more sculpted and dramatic look.
Another technique to enhance the cinematic feel is backlighting or rim lighting, which helps separate the subject from the background and adds a dreamlike glow. This works especially well in low-light settings, where the interplay of ambient and artificial light sources can generate stunning, high-contrast compositions.
Ultimately, the key to creating cinematic, surreal portrait photography is to experiment, trust your creative instincts, and embrace the magic of light. Every shoot is an opportunity to explore new techniques, push creative boundaries, and craft images that resonate with emotion and storytelling.
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