Fun studio portrait sessions don’t just happen by accident; they’re built on the same solid foundations as any great image.
In this video, photographer Gavin Hoey teams up with Adorama TV legend Marisa to demonstrate that fun and serious pursuits can coexist harmoniously. Starting with a buttercup-yellow seamless background, yellow props, and even strips of yellow “CAUTION” tape, Gavin demonstrates how careful planning makes playful portraits possible.
The session begins with the “serious” step of dialing in the correct camera settings and choosing the right light position. Using a single Flashpoint XPLOR400 PRO flash, Gavin demonstrates why his usual 45-degree setup adds too much shadow (and mood) and how shifting the light off-center creates a brighter, lighter feel that lets Marisa’s personality shine.
From set design to light placement, discover how a simple one-light home studio setup can transform into a bold, fun-filled portrait session.
Timestamps and Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:33 Yellow is the fun color
1:14 Camera settings
1:43 Flash position for mood
2:39 Flash position for fun
3:07 Caution Tape
4:05 1st fun photo session
4:59 2nd fun photo session
5:32 3rd fun photo session
6:12 Conclusions and Subscribe
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✘ GEAR USED:
OM SYSTEM OM-1
OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II
Olympus M.Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 Pro
Flashpoint Xplor400 Pro
Flashpoint R2 Pro Transmitter
Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm
Sekonic L-308 Flash Meter
Glow EZ Lock Collapsible Silver Beauty Dish (42″)
Tether Tools TetherGuard Plate and TetherPro 15′ USB-C
SpiderHolster SpiderPro Belt v2
SpiderHolster SpiderLight Holster Plate
Savage 107″x36′ Widetone Seamless Background Paper Deep Yellow Single
#funportraits #studiophotography #adorama
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Model: Marisa Roper
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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!
Comments
37 responses to “Flash Portrait Photography Made Fun in a Small Studio | Gavin Hoey”
Your such a powerful kind homie
Great shoot
When you do the "no flash no picture" test photo the thumbnail usually has only a small portion flashing blue to indicate those pixels are 0-0-0. Just for fun you should take one of those test pictures and see how far you can bring it back with the raw file in Lightroom.
Pleasure to see Marisma in your studio. Marisa has much more light in her eyes than your flashs.
I hope this isn't the only Marisa video. She's the best! Also, the video was good and informative. 🙂
Thank you, Gavin. You’re awesome 🔥
hey @Gavin Hoey!!!! so glad to see a new video from you, in your 'small home studio'…
my life has gone to total crap this summer and your videos have been the rare moment of joy ive had since June. yes, that means ive been going back and rewatching your work.
Marissa looked like she was having FUN in your Fun shoot!
thank you
Eat your heart out Daniel. LOL
Marisa is in the house !
Fantastic to see Marissa here in the UK. Hope you're having a fantastic time…
Marissa!!
Two of my favorite YT people. Marisa is such a great model/performer and perfect for this fun shoot. Gavin, I love the cool shoot idea. THANKS !!!
Wow I need that Tape for my photos, great video¡¡¡
Really funny but great pics!
Yay Marisa! And Gavin too of course.
Always a pleasure to see Marisa, a model sympathetic as always!
Fantastic to see Marissa again, such vivacity, perfect for the set up. BTW, who was the chap with the camera? 🤣
What a crossover!
Great Video!!! love the colors
Fantastic as always ❤
Gavin é realmente um fotógrafo e apresentador sensacional. E a visita de Marisa foi uma surpresa muito agradável e bem-vinda. Com certeza, ela e Chloe juntas formariam uma dupla imbatível! Parabéns, Gavin! Mais um ótimo vídeo! Um abraço desde o Brasil!
P.S.: infelizmente, não falo nem entendo muito bem o inglês e, ultimamente, as legendas de tradução do YouTube não têm funcionado e este vídeo não teve a dublagem automática…
💛 this was fun 💛
Marissa ❤
Love watching Marissa having fun. She is so expressive (and adorable).
So what was the music?
Marissa , good to see yeah ! 🎉🎉🎉👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤❤❤
Great as always Gavin. I enjoyed this approach, but one point the black tights she was wearing showed through her yellow dress.
Glad you used the OM1 for this shoot. There's too much negativity about micro four thirds not being professional.
The 7-14mm was the perfect pick for the shoot, too. It made the caution taped set everything feel chaotic/energetic (Marisa's energy certainly helped!).
It is great to see two of the most my favorite, fun and charismatic personalities in the You Tube photo space together. Have fun in the UK Marisa and enjoy the Hoey family vibe!
Great to see Marissa and Gavin working together!
Now we just need Chloe on Daniel Norton's channel then a full on crossover event where Gavin and Daniel do a portrait shootout. Lol
Definitely a fun shoot! Marisa is high on my list of models I would love to one day have in front of my camera. (Marisa if you ever make it to Texas… )
Modelling royalty right there 👸
lol I did a double take when I saw Marissa with Gavin like where is Daniel! Awesome shoot!
Marisa 🥰🥰😍😍🤩🤩❤❤❤❤🧡🧡💛💛💚💚
Wow, I see that my photoshoot inspired yours!
это по вашему маленькая студия??? 2 на 4 метра, вот маленькая…