A Two-Part Photoshoot with Vanessa
This session with Vanessa from Berlin was divided into two parts, combining both personal creative work and a model-sharing event.
For the first half of the day, I had the opportunity to experiment with a new photographic technique that I’ve been developing for my personal portfolio. I always try to use these sessions not only to create finished images but also to test new ideas, refine my lighting setups, and explore creative concepts that I can later integrate into future projects.
One of the main experiments was a series of (split) multi-exposure shots, combining several frames into one. All in camera. I also worked with a set of self-made gobos (go-betweens) in combination with a spot attachment, allowing me to shape the light very precisely and create interesting patterns and shadows directly in-camera.
In the second half of the day, the photoshoot switched to a model-sharing format. Several photographers had the chance to work with Vanessa in various setups and lighting situations. During this part, I focused on refining my current “go-to” lighting setup — a big artificial window light arrangement that I’ve been perfecting for consistent, flattering results.
We also took advantage of my studio’s latest set design: the newly built bedroom set.
Altogether, it was a productive and creative day, blending experimentation, learning, and portfolio-building with collaborative shooting.
Set 1 — In-Camera Exposure Blending
For this set, I worked with a custom-built filter system that I developed myself. The idea behind it was to run a few more test shots to fine-tune the technique.
The filter system allows me to split the frame into two distinct areas: one half captures a standard exposure, while the other half records either a multiple exposure or a long exposure during the same shot. This enables me to combine several exposures directly in-camera, without relying on post-processing or compositing afterward.
By controlling which parts of the frame are affected by motion blur, layering, or multiple exposures, I can create complex and dynamic images that still retain the sharpness and clarity of a single capture. This hybrid approach gives me a lot of creative flexibility and something to play around with.
Set 2 — Light, Shadow & Color
In this set, I explored the play between light, shadow, and form. Using self-made gobos — simple cut-out shapes placed in front of the light — I created graphic patterns directly in-camera. Small changes in the shape or position of the gobos produce completely new compositions.
Normally, I work with a white background, but this time I wanted to try something different. I chose a darker, colored background to add more depth and contrast to the light patterns.
Set 3 — Soft Window Light & Bedroom Mood
In this set, I worked with my relatively new artificial window setup, creating very soft, natural-looking light for the first time in a full session. The bedroom scene provided the perfect environment to test this setup and get a better feel for how the light wraps around the model and shapes the mood.
Toward the end of the shoot, I also experimented with my custom split filter within this setup, combining the soft light with in-camera exposure blending for a few additional variations.
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