Behind the Shot: Fashion Magazine Photoshoot in My Bethesda Penthouse

 

There are photographs that capture a look, and then, there are those rare moments that bring a whole story alive—pure, authentic, and unforgettable. Back in 2018, I had the chance to create one of these moments during a fashion-style shoot with a phenomenal model inside my penthouse in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Setting

My penthouse, with its striking wooden floors and generous natural light, always felt like a studio waiting for creativity. On this particular day, the atmosphere was relaxed but charged with the energy that only comes from a collaboration built on genuine connection.

The Setup

For the signature shot, I decided to create a simple yet powerful composition. I placed two classic apple boxes on either side of the model—a little trick I love for adding structure and movement to a scene without overcomplicating the frame. Hovering overhead, I mounted a huge octobox as my main light source. That octobox wrapped the light beautifully around the model, softening shadows and highlighting her features with a crisp, polished glow worthy of any magazine cover.

To elevate the perspective (literally!), I climbed up above her, camera in hand, ready to capture something special from an aerial angle.

The Magic Moment

What you don’t see on magazine covers is the laughter behind the lens. As I perched over my model, we cracked jokes left and right—everyone knows the best smiles are the unplanned ones. That spontaneous burst of laughter, her head thrown back and eyes sparkling, became the highlight of the session and the emotion that brought the fashion concept to life.

The rich, brown hues of the wooden floor just beneath her perfectly echoed the tones in her hair, giving the image a cohesive, editorial quality that felt polished yet completely natural. The result? A fashion photo that looked as if it leaped straight from the pages of a magazine—a mixture of poise, movement, and real joy.

Technical Details

For gear, I shot with my trusty Canon 60D paired with a 50mm 1.8 lens. That lens is legendary for portraits, and here it delivered beautiful depth of field, sharp focus on her expression, and wonderfully creamy background blur—bringing all eyes directly to the subject and her captivating energy. The massive octobox overhead took the lighting to another level, ensuring the scene was evenly lit and stunningly professional.

Takeaway

Sometimes, the best images come from the simplest setups and the most authentic moments—plus a little lighting magic. That session, with two apple boxes, the warmth of the wood floor, a huge octobox floating above, and a lot of laughter, truly reminds me why I love telling stories through my camera. Whenever I look at this shot, I remember not just the style—but the spirit and artistry behind it.

Interested in a shoot that blends professional technique, striking visuals, and genuine emotion? Reach out—let’s create your story together.