“It’s My First Time. Be Gentle”
If you’re nervous before a shoot, you’re in good company. 90% of people who come into my studio start with, “It’s my first time.” Totally normal.
Being in front of a camera is basically emotional nudity. You’re being seen, and your brain screams, “Danger!” Like when you accidentally open your front cam at 7am. That panic? Same vibe.
But come on, this isn’t school photo day. We’re not chasing perfection. We’re chasing you, your vibe, your weird little sparkle. And I’m right there with you, figuring it out together.
Moodboarding for People Who Don’t Moodboard
I know, not everyone has a Pinterest board titled “main character energy.” That’s fine. You don’t need to come in with a 10-slide deck.
Just send me one song. A screenshot. A blurry selfie you took at 2am that you kinda love. Maybe that one still from Euphoria or The Virgin Suicides or a TikTok that lives rent-free in your brain. I’ll get it.
Moodboarding doesn’t have to be fancy. It just gives me a peek into your brain so we can build something real. Even if the vibe is “I don’t know, but something kinda Lana, kinda Tumblr circa 2013.”
Take Vi, for example (the stunning girl in the photo above). Her shoot was inspired by the “office siren” trend. All it took was a couple of messages about what she likes and her making a trip from Dublin.
Wanna build something more visual?
Here’s how I do it:
- Start a Pinterest board (you can keep it private).
- Search feelings, not poses. Try “soft rage, ” “Y2K nostalgia, ” “quiet luxury, ” “grunge ballet, ” “witchy but clean, ” “editorial but cheap.”
- Pin anything that clicks: colours, poses, fabrics, characters, art, screenshots.
- Don’t overthink it. If it gives you a feeling — save it.
- After 10–15 pins, you’ll notice a vibe taking shape. That’s enough. Send it to me.
Still stuck? DM me. You can literally send me a TikTok and say:
“This vibe.”
I’ll get it.
Where I Get the Good Stuff (and You Can Too)
Here’s where I find the best props and clothes without breaking the bank:
- Charity shops in Dublin/Wexford (Oxfam, Vincent’s, NCBI — you’d be surprised what turns up)
- SHEIN/TEMU for weird little accessories (chunky rings, belts, etc.)
- Taobao — Yes, I can even help you search in Chinese (hit me up)
- Facebook Marketplace — for vintage coats, furniture, props, random hats
- Depop / Vinted — for unique one-offs if you want something specific
- Your friend’s wardrobe — trust me, they’ve got a piece they forgot about
If you’re stuck or unsure what to bring, just DM me. I’ll help you pull looks together or lend from my studio rack (which currently includes: fur, leather, sequins, neon, and too many gloves).
FAQ (aka Stuff People Always Ask Before Booking)
Do you shoot guys/couples/families/my band?
Yes, yes, yes, and yes. I shoot people, not just ‘models.’
What if I get a huge pimple the night before?
Still come. I’ll light you kindly and clean it up in post.
Can I change outfits mid-shoot?
Yes. The studio has a changing corner and time built in. Bonus points for chaotic outfit energy.
Do you retouch belly rolls/double chins/weird elbow folds?
If you want me to — yes. If you love them, they stay. I don’t erase personality unless asked.
Will I look like me or like a version of me that lives in a Sofia Coppola film?
Ideally, both.
Ready When You Are
You’ve made it this far. That already counts. Now just pick the thing that feels right, we’ll figure the rest out in the studio.
Your Moodboard Can Be a Song, a Sweater, or a Screenshot
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