I recently hosted an editorial portrait session in Southend Charlotte. The photowalk styled shoot included two other participants, Whitney B, a local model, and Elise Design Company, a local jewelry designer.
A styled shoot is a collective effort by a team of creatives to create a conceptual photo shoot. Styled shoots like this Southend CLT editorial portrait session are a fantastic way to connect with other industry professionals and create beautiful, valuable marketing material for every brand involved.
My vision for this editorial portrait session was made up of three key components:
1) I wanted to shoot in and around parking garages, which provide a very neutral backdrop and interesting light. I particularly wanted to utilize a glass-walled staircase attached to one of the two garages we used.
2) I wanted my model in an outfit made of analogous colors -colors that are neighbors on the color wheel.
3) I wanted to pair bold posing and dramatic light.
This is the first time I had the pleasure of working with this model, Whitney B. We’ve been acquainted for a couple years, and I’d been planning to bring her into a creative project eventually -I was just waiting for the right idea to strike! Once my inspiration for this shoot hit, I knew she would be the right model for my vision.
The jewelry for this shoot was provided by local jewelry company Elise Design Company. Christa, the owner of EDC, designs and produces a wide variety of wood and acrylic jewelry. This is the second creative project we have partnered on! EDC pieces photograph really well, and some of her spring designs the styling just right.
We started the shoot in some choice spots around the Atherton Mill parking garage. I was very inspired by the bold streak of light across the big coral wall pictured below. Whitney warmed up quickly and struck some bold poses to match the feel!
Next, we walked a few minutes to an alley way that features white subway tile, which was drenched in sunlight at the time. The Elise Design Company pieces lit up beautifully in the strong light!
Our last location for the first outfit is this gray staircase that I adore using! The stairs provide a neutral backdrop for strong outfits, as well as an opportunity for organic seated poses.
After a quick outfit change, we drove to the parking garage on Doggett Street. This garage has two beautiful glass-walled stairwells that are filled with light all day long.
We wandered to the top of the parking deck and were greeted with another photogenic space! I love the strong lines and blue windows.
Lastly, we used the little breezeway that leads to the apartment building next door. I like the leading lines in this spot!
This shoot was a success! We accomplished so much in 2 hours; I practiced shooting in tougher light and stretched my creative muscles while creating some valuable content for all the styled shoot participants!
Editorial Portrait Session Credits
photography/concept/styling: Elizabeth A Images LLC
model/MUA: Whitney Blaine (IG: @thewhitneyblaine)
jewelry: Elise Design Company
blazer: Ponybox
To learn more about booking a styled portrait session for yourself, click here: https://elizabethaimages.com/fine-art-portrait
-Elizabeth A