5 things that I wish I knew earlier as a photographer & creative:
Test shoots matter.
Passion projects aren’t extra, they’re necessary. They help you sharpen your skills, build the kind of portfolio you actually want, and attract the clients you’re trying to work with.
Learn how to direct people.
“Act natural” is not direction 😭
Confident model direction changes everything. Guide your subject, be specific, and if needed show the pose yourself.
Pre-production saves shoots.
Moodboards, shot lists, lighting plans, references… all of it matters. Walking into a shoot prepared gives you more room to actually be creative on set.
Your portfolio is currency.
Your work speaks before you do. Protect it, update it, and keep building it intentionally.
The best opportunities will feel uncomfortable
Growth usually starts where confidence ends. Take the bigger shoot. Ask for help. Figure it out.
Want water reflections in studio without using water? Try this simple Mylar setup.
1. Hang the Mylar
Grab a roll of Mylar paper and hang it from a C-stand, boom arm, or any overhead support you have. Let it drape loosely so it can move freely.
2. Add your light source
Place a light or strobe aimed toward the Mylar. As the light hits the reflective surface, it will bounce back and create those water-like reflections.
3. Create movement
To get the ripple effect, introduce motion:
Have an assistant gently shake the Mylar off camera, or
Use a fan to blow air into it.
4. Control the texture
Don’t stretch the Mylar completely flat.
A few natural wrinkles and bends will create more interesting reflections and mimic real water movement.
5. Shape the light for stronger ripples
Use a bare light, reflector, or hard light source instead of a softbox. Harder light creates sharper ripple patterns.
6. Adjust distance for the look
Move the light closer or farther from the Mylar to control how intense the reflections appear on your subject or background.
