(The Journal)
Candid Editorial with Strangers
Candid Editorial with Strangers
(
Behind The Lens
)
Coffee Shop Stories
A personal story from a spontaneous shoot that taught me more than expected.
This one wasn’t planned. No mood boards, no schedule, no client. Just me, my camera, and a craving for coffee that turned into something way more meaningful.
I walked into this little café on the corner of Pine and 3rd — the kind that smells like cinnamon and has indie music playing a little too loud through vintage speakers. I had my camera with me (because of course I did), and for whatever reason, I asked the barista if I could take a few photos of her while she made drinks.
She smiled, tilted her head, and said, “Sure, why not?”
☕️ Shooting with Strangers
There’s something really beautiful about photographing someone who isn’t “posing.” No stiff shoulders, no fixed smile — just movement, routine, and genuine presence. I followed her rhythm: espresso pull, steam wand, quick wipe of the counter. She laughed when she spilled oat milk and I got the shot mid-laugh. My favorite kind of photo.
I used a 35mm lens and stuck to ambient light. The light coming through the café windows was gold, almost too perfect. I shot wide open at f/1.8, handheld, letting a little motion blur in — not every shot was technically sharp, but they felt alive.
📚 The Story Behind the Faces
I ended up chatting with her for about 20 minutes after the rush slowed down. Her name’s Margo. She’s studying anthropology, plays cello, and thinks almond milk ruins good coffee (her words, not mine). I asked if I could share the photos and she said, “Only if you send them to my mom.”
That moment stuck with me — the quiet honesty of someone who doesn’t live in front of a camera, who isn’t used to being “seen” that way.
🧠 What I Learned
You don’t always need a studio, a styled model, or an elaborate concept. Sometimes, you just need to ask. To notice the light. To stay curious.
And sometimes, the best portraits are the ones you never planned to take.
EXPLORE more
This is LYSANDRA, a Portrait Photography Portfolio.
Designed by JenkateMW
A refined portfolio template for photographers who want to showcase their work through sleek layouts, subtle motion, and a polished visual experience.
GET TEMPLATE
(The Journal)
Candid Editorial with Strangers
Candid Editorial with Strangers
(
Behind The Lens
)
Coffee Shop Stories
A personal story from a spontaneous shoot that taught me more than expected.
This one wasn’t planned. No mood boards, no schedule, no client. Just me, my camera, and a craving for coffee that turned into something way more meaningful.
I walked into this little café on the corner of Pine and 3rd — the kind that smells like cinnamon and has indie music playing a little too loud through vintage speakers. I had my camera with me (because of course I did), and for whatever reason, I asked the barista if I could take a few photos of her while she made drinks.
She smiled, tilted her head, and said, “Sure, why not?”
☕️ Shooting with Strangers
There’s something really beautiful about photographing someone who isn’t “posing.” No stiff shoulders, no fixed smile — just movement, routine, and genuine presence. I followed her rhythm: espresso pull, steam wand, quick wipe of the counter. She laughed when she spilled oat milk and I got the shot mid-laugh. My favorite kind of photo.
I used a 35mm lens and stuck to ambient light. The light coming through the café windows was gold, almost too perfect. I shot wide open at f/1.8, handheld, letting a little motion blur in — not every shot was technically sharp, but they felt alive.
📚 The Story Behind the Faces
I ended up chatting with her for about 20 minutes after the rush slowed down. Her name’s Margo. She’s studying anthropology, plays cello, and thinks almond milk ruins good coffee (her words, not mine). I asked if I could share the photos and she said, “Only if you send them to my mom.”
That moment stuck with me — the quiet honesty of someone who doesn’t live in front of a camera, who isn’t used to being “seen” that way.
🧠 What I Learned
You don’t always need a studio, a styled model, or an elaborate concept. Sometimes, you just need to ask. To notice the light. To stay curious.
And sometimes, the best portraits are the ones you never planned to take.
EXPLORE more
This is LYSANDRA, a Portrait Photography Portfolio.
Designed by JenkateMW
A refined portfolio template for photographers who want to showcase their work through sleek layouts, subtle motion, and a polished visual experience.
GET TEMPLATE
(The Journal)
Candid Editorial with Strangers
Candid Editorial with Strangers
(
Behind The Lens
)
Coffee Shop Stories
A personal story from a spontaneous shoot that taught me more than expected.
This one wasn’t planned. No mood boards, no schedule, no client. Just me, my camera, and a craving for coffee that turned into something way more meaningful.
I walked into this little café on the corner of Pine and 3rd — the kind that smells like cinnamon and has indie music playing a little too loud through vintage speakers. I had my camera with me (because of course I did), and for whatever reason, I asked the barista if I could take a few photos of her while she made drinks.
She smiled, tilted her head, and said, “Sure, why not?”
☕️ Shooting with Strangers
There’s something really beautiful about photographing someone who isn’t “posing.” No stiff shoulders, no fixed smile — just movement, routine, and genuine presence. I followed her rhythm: espresso pull, steam wand, quick wipe of the counter. She laughed when she spilled oat milk and I got the shot mid-laugh. My favorite kind of photo.
I used a 35mm lens and stuck to ambient light. The light coming through the café windows was gold, almost too perfect. I shot wide open at f/1.8, handheld, letting a little motion blur in — not every shot was technically sharp, but they felt alive.
📚 The Story Behind the Faces
I ended up chatting with her for about 20 minutes after the rush slowed down. Her name’s Margo. She’s studying anthropology, plays cello, and thinks almond milk ruins good coffee (her words, not mine). I asked if I could share the photos and she said, “Only if you send them to my mom.”
That moment stuck with me — the quiet honesty of someone who doesn’t live in front of a camera, who isn’t used to being “seen” that way.
🧠 What I Learned
You don’t always need a studio, a styled model, or an elaborate concept. Sometimes, you just need to ask. To notice the light. To stay curious.
And sometimes, the best portraits are the ones you never planned to take.
EXPLORE more
This is LYSANDRA, a Portrait Photography Portfolio.
Designed by JenkateMW
A refined portfolio template for photographers who want to showcase their work through sleek layouts, subtle motion, and a polished visual experience.
GET TEMPLATE