First BTS Post and Video
Pre-Super Bowl Shoot
Behind the Scenes: Parking Deck Portrait Session with Alex
On Super Bowl Sunday, I met up with Alex (@redishalex
) at an undisclosed parking deck in Atlanta—a location recommended by a fellow photographer. We’ve worked together multiple times, which allows for a seamless and efficient workflow compared to working with a new model. For this session, Alex brought three outfits, and the look featured in this behind-the-scenes (BTS) breakdown was the final one of the day.
I selected this particular BTS video because it offered the best angle and a concise look into my shooting process. In this post, I’ll walk through my thought process and lighting setup to provide insight into how I approached this session.
I’ll lay out the gear I used first:
Camera - Sony A7iv
Strobe - Godox AD600 Pro
Softbox - Glow EZ Lock 42” Beauty Dish
Stand - Impact heavy duty light stand
BTS Camera - Insta360 Go 3S
Gear Considerations: More Power, More Control
While gear often becomes a focal point of discussion, the truth is that it’s rarely the deciding factor in a great photo. For this shoot, I used the Godox AD600 Pro, which provided more than enough power. In hindsight, I could have achieved similar results with the AD200 Pro or even a high-powered speedlight paired with a reflective umbrella. My preference for the AD600 comes down to flexibility…I’d rather have more power and not need it than find myself needing more power and not having it.
Lighting & Composition Choices
When Alex described her outfit, I envisioned it standing out against the gray backdrop of the elevator. The doors also served as a natural framing element for wider shots. Initially, I used a grid on my softbox, but I quickly realized it restricted too much light for full-body shots. Removing the grid allowed for a better light spread and some spill onto the elevator doors, adding depth to the scene. You will see the grid just hanging on the softbox…that is out of laziness of me not wanting to put it up and it does not affect the light coming from the strobe.
I positioned the softbox slightly camera left of center, with at least half of it placed above eye level. Given its large size, I didn’t need to fine-tune the height and angle too much to achieve even, flattering light. Placing the light slightly to the left also gave me the freedom to move forward and backward for different compositions without worrying about maneuvering around the light stand. Even though I was using a zoom lens, I wanted the flexibility to frame my shots naturally rather than relying on the widest focal length that would cause distortion that I did not want.
Adjustments & Problem Solving
As seen in the BTS video, when Alex leaned against the side of the elevator, I initially didn’t adjust my light position. This resulted in unflattering light hitting the left side of her head while leaving her face without proper illumination or catchlights. Once I recognized the issue, I made the necessary adjustments.
Another key decision was angling the light slightly upward. While I can’t pinpoint a technical reason for this choice, it simply felt right in the moment…and sometimes, trusting your instincts is just as important as following rigid lighting principles.
Overcoming Challenges with Reflections
One of my final goals was to capture a few shots with the elevator doors open. Since it was a glass elevator, I anticipated issues with flash reflections and attempted to position my light strategically. Despite my best efforts, the reflections still appeared in the images, requiring some post-processing cleanup. Fortunately, modern editing tools made this a manageable fix without excessive effort.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this portion of the shoot was a success. If there’s one thing I would change, it would be to slow down. Having attended numerous photo meetups, I’ve become accustomed to a fast-paced, "run-and-gun" style of shooting to accommodate other photographers and models. However, in a controlled session like this, there’s no rush and I need to remind myself to take my time and shoot more deliberately.
Thanks for reading, and be sure to check out the BTS video below!