Living Room to Studio: Spontaneous Portraits at Home

I have the privilege of sharing living space with an eclectic crew. Among the trio, we’ve got an Italian, another individual of Irish descent, and a staunch vegan. It’s a motley group that seems ripe for a punchline.

But jests aside, cohabitation with a diverse set of individuals offers a unique advantage for a photographer: there’s always someone around to serve as a willing – or at least a persuadable – subject for impromptu photoshoots.

Take Joe, for instance, a good friend from high school who also happens to be my roommate. Recently, we found ourselves embarking on a spontaneous ten-minute photo setup, armed only with fluorescent shop lights arranged vertically. His cooperative spirit paired with the experimental lighting gave birth to a captivating portrait.

Yet, the session didn’t end with Joe. His girlfriend, Tori, kindly agreed to step in front of the lens next. I ventured into the shoot with the same unconventional lighting setup, hoping to replicate the success with Joe. And, indeed, Tori’s portrait ended up exceeding my expectations, adding another unique piece to my collection.

So, next time you find yourself seeking a subject, remember: Inspiration may be closer than you think. Sometimes, it’s just a room away.