42 Athletes. 5 Sets. 1 Day. This Almost Fell Apart

I had just one day to photograph 42 professional athletes across five different sets, and almost every part of the shoot had to be planned, tested, and adjusted under pressure. In this video, I break down how I designed the lighting, built each set, adapted when things changed, and kept the entire shoot moving when there were only 6 to 8 minutes per athlete. From gear planning and color decisions to working with an art director and solving problems in real time, this is what a high-pressure commercial sports shoot actually looks like. If you’ve ever wondered how large-volume portrait shoots come together behind the scenes, or how to stay creative when everything has to happen fast, this video will give you a real-world look at the process. If you enjoy this kind of behind-the-scenes commercial photography breakdown, let me know in the comments. You can also check out my lighting handbooks, workshops, and other resources below. 📚 Learn more: Academy https://johngress.com/academy Handbooks https://johngress.com/lightinghandbooks/ Workshops https://johngress.com/workshops 🛠️ Gear & Lighting Resources set.a.light 3D Software https://www.elixxier.com/en/#v2=62cde650bb192 Use Code JOHN-15 to save 15% 12 Inch Safety Cable Lock https://amzn.to/45fy8zs S Shaped Double Carabiner https://amzn.to/4rfPHrR Canon EOS R5 Mark II Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cJZyir B&H: https://bhpho.to/3Yc4YyB Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Z4GOd5 B&H: https://bhpho.to/3HkgKNY Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tHbPxm B&H: https://bhpho.to/3L6f1Na Elinchrom FIVE Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Um6V61 B&H: https://bhpho.to/3LcypYZ Elinchrom ONE Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pbNkvm B&H: https://bhpho.to/3VdWeUY Elinchrom THREE Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dgoPl8 B&H: https://bhpho.to/46Sg90q Elinchrom ELC Pro HD 500 Monolight Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rPBOmL B&H: https://bhpho.to/3HkLr5E Elinchrom Rotalux Stripbox 35x100cm Amazon https://amzn.to/3nUwD3M B&H https://bhpho.to/40PXZbZ Elinchrom Indirect Litemotiv Octa Softbox 190cm (75”) Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GZa45L B&H: https://bhpho.to/3oOM4Oq Elinchrom Indirect Litemotiv Strip Softbox (13 x 69”) Amazon: https://amzn.to/33NTasn B&H: https://bhpho.to/44b7B43 Kupo 40” Master C-Stand Kit with Turtle Base Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YPVPtD B&H: https://bhpho.to/47OKQVB Lee Filters Wide Heavy Frost 60"x20' Adorama https://howl.link/b9alj9tzglmzr Avenger D600 Mini Boom (Chrome) Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ccRk85 B&H: https://bhpho.to/3WbSZMB Nanlite PavoTube II 30C 4′ 55W RGBWW LED Tube 4-Light Kit Amazon: https://amzn.to/3rJgmUa B&H: https://bhpho.to/3rSengz Rosco CalColor #4690 Red Filter, 3 Stop, 20x24" Sheet Amazon https://amzn.to/4quSwoV B&H https://bhpho.to/3LnSKPr Rosco CalColor #4490 Green Filter, 3 Stop, 20x24" Sheet B&H https://bhpho.to/4qqZ3AL Rosco CalColor #4290 Blue Filter, 3 Stop, 20x24" Sheet Amazon https://amzn.to/4r7r1lb B&H https://bhpho.to/4qyoMHJ Rosco CalColor #4390 Cyan Filter, 3 Stop, 20x24" Sheet Amazon https://amzn.to/49FkW8k B&H https://bhpho.to/3LV35SW Rosco CalColor #4790 Magenta Filter, 3 Stop, 20x24" Sheet B&Hhttps://bhpho.to/45RPHWt Rosco CalColor #4590 Yellow Filter, 3 Stop, 20x24" Sheet Amazon https://amzn.to/45ZlMvu B&H https://bhpho.to/3Nr9iGO Rosco 3407 RoscoSun Cinegel CTO, 20x24” Amazon https://amzn.to/3LV0V5M B&H https://bhpho.to/4k7E2sN Rosco Cinegel Full Blue (CTB), 20x24” Amazon https://amzn.to/3Nlm1Lc B&H https://bhpho.to/4jOHCYw Rosco #3220 Double Blue CTB Color Conversion Gel Filter, 20x24” B&H https://bhpho.to/4r4fp2d TetherPro Right Angle Adapter USB 3.0 to USB-C Pigtail Cable, 20”, Orange Amazon: https://amzn.to/3lo6gj4 TetherPro USB-C to USB Female Adapter (Extender), 15’ (4.6m), Orange Amazon: https://amzn.to/33Eeca8 Tiffen 77mm Black Pro Mist 1/8 Special Effects Filter Amazon: https://amzn.to/49IqJJq B&H: https://bhpho.to/3R2UUDU Capture One Pro Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PBXRJ6 B&H: https://bhpho.to/3VMmDAa 🎥 Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:56 Planning & Concept Development 04:25 Gear & Rentals 06:29 Setup Day 09:57 Shoot Day 11:07 Breaking down the setups 12:43 Look 2 14:44 Look 3 17:31 Look 4 19:47 Look 5 22:55 Key Takeaways & Lessons 26:59 Final Thoughts Click here for a full list of all the gear I use in the studio - https://johngress.com/gear/ Disclosure: This description contains affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a commission — at no additional cost to you. #SportsPhotography #CommercialPhotography #StudioLighting #PhotographyWorkflow #PortraitLighting