In this photography tutorial, I’m breaking down how I like to collaborate with new models so the shoot feels fun, confident, and actually productive. I recently shot with a newer model named Quinnice, and it was a perfect reminder that the biggest thing is giving people space to feel comfortable. My go-to tip: bring a lot of wardrobe options. When a model is newer, having choices lets them pick what they feel good in, say “nah, not today” to a look, and still keep the shoot moving without pressure. I also talk through how I handle looks that are a little more risky—like a topless blazer vibe. Double-sided tape will save your life. It keeps everything secure, gives the model more freedom to move, and takes away that stress of “is something about to pop out?” On the technical side, I kept it simple with a one-light setup using my Forza 500. I started with a beauty dish, then softened it even more by bouncing the light off the wall behind me for a really flattering, clean falloff into the black backdrop. We finished the day with a more commercial look—simple beige dress, softbox, black backdrop—so she’d have portfolio images that can actually help her book. And honestly, none of it works without the right vibe: keep your energy positive, light-hearted, and you’ll get better expressions every time.