A studio gives the photographer control over almost every element, providing a blank slate to create a photograph. But starting with a blank canvas isn’t without its own challenges, including working in small spaces, creating with time constraints, and allowing enough space for creativity to grow. This week, we’re featuring five photographers creating exceptional studio portraits. Find inspiration from this week’s Photos of the Week by Sasha Mortimore, Whitney Minten, Dennis Stern, Jennifer MacDonald and Ader Gotardo.

Sasha Mortimore, Sasha Mortimore Photography

Inspired by a workshop on using unlikely materials as garments, Sasha Mortimore of Sasha Mortimore Photography captured this shot while experimenting with packing materials. The unusual garment adds shape, texture and warm tones to the studio portrait. She took the image with her Nikon D750 and a 24-70mm lens. The shot was lit with a Profoto A1 and a 90cm soft octabox. Makeup was by Vikki Aldridge and the model is Fortunee.

“My biggest challenge with studio portraits is a small space with low ceiling heights,” Mortimore says. “It is a very tight space, so I have to be super organized and make sure I have room for my lights. Keeping the space tidy is crucial as to not trip over anything. The low ceiling height can really be a pain sometimes but works in my favor when bouncing light.”

Whitney Minten, Whitney Minten Photography

The light and blur on the model’s dress make the garment look as if it is on fire in this stunning shot from Whitney Minten of Whitney Minten Photography. Minten says that she was inspired by Lindsay Adler’s work and creativity. She captured the shot with a Nikon D850 and an 85mm lens. The lighting setup included a Paul C. Buff Alien Bee B800 with a beauty dish, an Alien Bee B800 with a gridded strip box, and a Godox VL300 LED video light with a red gel. Aliyah Noh modeled for the shoot.

“I prefer shooting in the studio,” Minten says. “I guess I have control issues and love the control I have over lighting. I think the biggest challenge I have is not enough time to create everything I have rattling around in my brain.”

Dennis Stern, Dennis Stern Photography

For Dennis Stern of Dennis Stern Photography, creating studio portraits requires a balancing planning, creativity, lighting and posing. For this shot, he wanted to capture the simplicity and elegance of form. To do that, he worked with light and shadow to highlight the expectant mother’s shape and strength in a minimalist way. He used the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with an 85mm f1.4 lens. The lighting setup required three different lights, all Wescott FJ400 strobes, with a beauty dish with honeycomb grid, a rectangular softbox, and a strip softbox.

“One of the biggest challenges in studio photography is making sure the shoot is carefully planned while allowing room for creativity,” Stern says. “For me, creating a comprehensive mood board is essential. It serves as a visual guide for the entire session, helping me solidify the concept and plan details like hair, makeup, wardrobe, and specific poses. The mood board ensures that the whole team is on the same page from the start, setting the stage for a smooth and well-executed shoot where everyone understands the creative vision.”

Jennifer MacDonald, Liminal Portraits

The idea for Liminal Portraits’ mobile studio came after photographer Jennifer MacDonald realized how many people didn’t want to stand in an automated photo booth with no guidance. Her mobile photo studio allows her to give wedding guests a memorable photograph of the event, having fun with a real person instead of standing awkwardly with props. She used her Canon 5D Mark IV, a Godox flash with an umbrella, and a white paper backdrop roll.

“As this studio is entirely mobile, I am limited by space mostly,” she says. “Space in the venue, the ambient lighting, all the other people watching,  a small amount of time, the space of the backdrop. You have to be creative within a very small space, but sometimes this helps push you as a creative person.

“You need to have really good communication skills so that people can hear you and understand you. In a very small window of opportunity, I have to introduce myself, make them comfortable, pose them, and get them to open up. This mostly comes down to me as a person, not my ability as a photographer. One of the most important things I ever learned from another incredible photographer is that photography is about people skills more than camera skills. The camera should be the last thing you touch. This has stayed with me throughout my career, and my most common feedback is how I make people feel — relaxed, confident and comfortable.”

Ader Gotardo

Ader Gotardo (@adergotardo) finds inspiration in the people he sees and also in movies and art. His gear includes a Nikon D850 and D700 with 35mm and 50mm lenses. This shot was lit with tube LED lights, natural light, and an old slide projector with color slide frames.

“Making a portrait is a duel or a dance,” he says. “Sometimes your partner can be conducted fine and easily, and you and the sitter make a good samba. They are in the mood. But other times, the sitter is tough, and the portrait turns into a good duel of intentions. If the photographer has a sound background and experience they win. That is one way to work with it, to be prepared. Music and a welcome space can help, too.”

Dig into our Photos of the Day Archives for even more timeless photos, eye-catching portraits and wedding photos. Submit your wedding, editorial, documentary and other interesting imagery (up to five images at a time) to: [email protected].