Every photo shoot has its challenges, and this one was no different. Working with red light can be tricky – it’s intense and can easily overpower the subject if not handled carefully. We had to experiment with different angles and light sources to get it just right. I struggled to break out of my generic modeling shell. StanFlo challenged me to try something new, and it was nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time. But those challenges are what make the final results so rewarding. It’s about pushing boundaries and finding new ways to express creativity. I truly learned a lot and had a great time.

My Red Light Experience: Behind the Scenes

The idea for the red light experience came from StanFlo's desire to capture raw, unfiltered moments while playing with light. He wanted to explore the power of light and color in creating an emotional atmosphere and showed me a few examples he had in mind on Pinterest to get the ball rolling. Red, for me, symbolizes passion, strength, and authenticity. It's a bold color that demands attention and evokes deep feelings. This shoot was all about embracing those elements and letting them shine through in the photos. Makeup was subtle and the wardrobe was deliberately chosen as neutral to offset the lighting and maximize contrast. At the time, StanFlo had just acquired his new photography studio in Apopka. Everything was fresh, the sets brand new, and everyone was eager to get started.

The Process

The day of the shoot was all about capturing real moments. It was that day that I met up with my assistant, Nam Tran, for the first time. It was important to me that I capture all moments when the camera started rolling. As I continue to work as a creative, I'm seeing an increase in the value of truth, and it’s important to me that those moments feel genuine. We worked with minimal setup, using natural light and simple backdrops to keep the focus on the magic we could create with lighting. It was a collaborative effort, with everyone bringing their own energy and ideas to the table. StanFlo did not disappoint. He was full of vibrant energy and came in with a purpose and vision in mind.

The Final Photos

In all honesty, I am happy with how the photos turned out. They capture the essence of what I was aiming for – raw, emotional, and authentic. I believe my modeling could have been more relaxed, allowing room for natural moments of laughter and conversation to be caught on camera. You can see the entire behind-the-scenes process in my YouTube video red light experience: a behind the scenes look. Not only do the images tell a story, but the behind-the-scenes video also better reflects the passion and effort that went into creating them. I hope they resonate with you as much as they do with me.

red light experience: a behind the scenes look

The Inspiration