Location: Cobalt Studios PDX
Session Type: Creative Portfolio / Styled Shoot
Creative Team:
Photography: @mewphotovideo
Model: @xeniaowen
Makeup: @makeupshonti
Studio: @cobaltstudiospdx
Looking for creative portrait photography with drama, elegance, and edge? This timeless monochrome shoot is proof that black-on-black never goes out of style.
Shot at Cobalt Studios PDX as part of their creative studio series, this session was a study in timeless contrast—elegant lighting, shadow play, and confident expression. Black-on-black is a forever mood. It’s sleek, sculptural, and gives main character energy—no gimmicks, just you and the light.
I didn’t plan the creative direction for this one—instead, I showed up ready to collaborate and bring my posing magic to the table. Every image was styled and concepted by Cobalt’s talented team. My job? To direct, shoot, and make the subject feel bold, seen, and fully in their power.
📸 Want to create a set of creative portraits that feel cinematic, confident, and totally you?
The Studio Lab is your creative playground. Learn more and book your session here.
About the Shoot
- Location: Cobalt Studios PDX
- Style: Monochrome / black-on-black / dramatic lighting
- Wardrobe: A ruffled off-shoulder black dress paired with sheer tights and stomp-worthy boots
- Lighting: Spotlight with haze to give a stage-lit, noir-inspired vibe
- Energy: Bold, theatrical, and timeless—think editorial meets performance art
Monochrome work strips everything back to the essentials—gesture, body language, expression. It’s classic, editorial, and always in style. The lighting was moody and intentional, and we leaned into every shadow. What came through was fierce, elegant, and full of personality.
🎭 Not a model? Doesn’t matter. You just need the right direction.
I’ll help you pose, feel confident, and walk away with photos that feel like you—but elevated.
👉❤️🔥📸 Check out the Studio Lab – your creative playground
Hazy, Dreamy, and Done In-Camera
One of my favorite things to do during a creative studio session is bring some sort of artistic element to the table. I decided to play with a hazy, dreamlike effect in-camera. That soft, ethereal glow? It’s real. I used haze and diffusion techniques during the shoot to create that cinematic atmosphere on the spot—not in post.
It gives the images an almost vintage film quality—like stills from an old Hollywood noir with a modern twist. This effect pairs beautifully with monochrome styling, letting light scatter softly across the frame and elevating the mood into something a little more surreal and editorial.
✨ Whether you’re after sharp studio lighting or soft dreamy textures, we can build that into your session. The Studio Lab is designed for experimentation, self-expression, and images that go beyond the basic. 👉❤️🔥📸 Creative stunning visuals in the Studio Lab
Who This Kind of Shoot Is Perfect For
- Models building their creative portfolio
- Musicians looking for bold, expressive promo content
- Designers, stylists, and artists who want brand visuals and headshots that stand out
- Creative entrepreneurs ready to show up confidently in their own visual storytelling
If you’re craving timeless, editorial-inspired portraits that don’t look like everyone else’s—and want a guided, collaborative experience to create them—The Studio Lab is where the magic happens.
Final Gallery – Studio Lab: A Classic Black on Black Photo Set
A few favorites from the final image set:
👉❤️🔥📸 Check out the Studio Lab – your creative playground
FAQs
Q: Do I need modeling experience to book The Studio Lab?
Not at all! Most of my clients aren’t professional models—I’ll guide you through every pose, movement, and expression.
Q: Can I bring my own concept or outfit ideas?
Yes please. Whether you’ve got a Pinterest board ready to go or just a vibe you want to explore, we’ll co-create something that feels so you.
Q: Can I hire a makeup + hair artist?
Yes! If you want to be glammed up for your session (highly recommend), I work with some very talented makeup + hair artists that would love to pamper you for your photoshoot.
This add on starts at $350 and covers the cost of the MUAH + the extra hour for getting ready. Please inquire for more details.
Q: Where is The Studio Lab located?
We shoot in Portland, Oregon and also take bookings in Austin, Texas. There are so many photography studios and atmospheres available— I will help narrow down options and handle the logistics of booking so you don’t have to.
Q: What makes The Studio Lab different from other portrait sessions?
It’s creative direction meets brand and portrait photography. You get high-impact visuals designed around your energy—not just generic headshots. It’s bold, tailored, and way more fun, and a lot more involved than a typical photoshoot.
Ready to Create Timeless, Bold-as-Hell Portraits?
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to book a creative portrait session that actually feels like you—this is it. Whether you’re an artist, musician, designer, or just want photos that stop people mid-scroll, The Studio Lab was built for you.
You don’t need modeling experience. You just need a vision—or a vibe—and we’ll build the rest together. From crisp, high-contrast editorial looks to dreamy, cinematic haze, we’ll create images that feel personal, powerful, and impossible to ignore.
👉🔥🎬 Let’s make something iconic. Book The Studio Lab now or reach out with questions—I’m here to help you show up fully and creatively on camera.
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