Amele in a black dress, standing in soft, moody natural light with a calm yet serious expression, gazing directly at the camera. — Amele brought effortless elegance to Episode 2 of Battle of the Brands. A black dress, moody light, and a gaze that holds your attention—what more do you need?

Some moments remind us why we do what we do. For me, stepping into Battle of the Brands was one of those moments—a chance to challenge myself, create under pressure, and capture the essence of my subject in just a few minutes.

I was featured in episode 2 of the Battle of the Brands, produced by The Photo Takeover. I always enjoy working with the Photo Takeover crew and this was no exception. There were 3 photographers given a short time (as short as 5 minutes!) to photograph 1 model.

The Art of Portrait Photography: More Than Just a Photo

Photography, especially portrait photography, isn’t just about clicking a button. It’s about connection. It’s about seeing someone fully and reflecting their confidence, beauty, and personality back to them. That’s the mindset I carried into Battle of the Brands when I was given the opportunity to photograph Amele.

In a competition setting, there’s no time for second-guessing. Every pose, every movement, every shift in light matters. My approach was simple—help Amele feel comfortable, guide her into natural and expressive moments, and let her presence shine through the lens.

Closeup of Amele staring into the camera. — A close up of Amele. She makes it look effortless!

Creating a Portrait Experience That Feels Effortless

Many of my clients come to me saying, “I don’t know how to pose” or “I’ve never had professional photos taken before.” My job is to take that pressure off. Whether it’s a high-stakes competition or a personal branding session, I focus on making the experience feel effortless. Great portraits happen when you feel at ease in front of the camera, and that’s what I strive to create for every person who steps in front of my lens.

Behind the Scenes: The Power of Storytelling Through Photography

During the shoot, I leaned into my storytelling instincts—using movement, angles, and light to craft images that weren’t just technically strong but emotionally compelling. The final photos weren’t just about Amele’s look; they were about her presence, her energy, her confidence. That’s what makes a portrait powerful.

Amele sits elegantly on a large green couch, her posture poised and confident. The moody lighting casts soft shadows, highlighting her presence and the rich tones of the scene. — Grace meets confidence. Amele, poised and powerful, effortlessly commands the frame from the rich green couch.

Why a Portrait Session is More Than Just a Photoshoot

Competing in Battle of the Brands reinforced why I love what I do. A portrait session isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about self-expression. It’s about seeing yourself in a new light. Whether you’re a business professional looking for branding photos, someone celebrating a milestone, or simply someone who wants to exist beautifully in photos, your story deserves to be told.

Amele framed in dramatic lighting, her presence striking even in simplicity, as the black dress adds to the timeless feel of the portrait. — Moody light, fierce expression, and a dress as timeless as the moment itself. Simplicity makes the boldest statement.

Let’s Create Something Meaningful Together

If you’ve ever wanted a portrait session that feels empowering, effortless, and uniquely you, I’d love to work with you. My approach is simple: I guide you every step of the way so you feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera.

Want to see more from the Battle of the Brands shoot? Check out my Instagram @smallstoryfilmsnyc for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and final images! And if you’re ready to book a session of your own, let’s make it happen. Click here to schedule your session today!