Denver Models x Portrait Slam

This Denver Models meetup, in collaboration with Portrait Slam, was an incredible experience that combined creative challenges with access to top-tier equipment. For those unfamiliar, Portrait Slam is a community-driven event series that empowers photographers and models to collaborate through guided assignments and themes, fostering creativity and innovation in portrait photography. With ambassadors from FujiFilm and Nanlite present, we had access to equipment rentals and informative seminars, making it a perfect opportunity to experiment. As a dedicated Canon user, it was my first time shooting with a FujiFilm camera, and it was the best experience I’d had with a camera of another brand. The Nanlite LED tube lights were another highlight, offering customizable colors to perfectly set the mood for each shot. The event was filled with inspiring moments, starting with Alex, A.K.A. my favorite male model. We played with a single Nanlite tube as he lit himself, creating surreal and moody imagery. For the second set, Innav and I embraced our Slam assignment to evoke chaos, for which we used intense red lighting, Hot Cheetos, and laundry to bring the theme to life. My third set of photos featured Yogi, where I experimented with two Nanlite tubes of contrasting colors to achieve a striking dual-tone effect. Ivory was my subject for the fourth set, and I used blue lighting on her dark skin to emulate the aesthetic of Moonlight before switching to more softly lit portraits. For the final set, I returned to Alex, whose ability to embody both strength and softness never fails to amaze me. This meetup was one of the most creatively fulfilling yet, and the combination of guided assignments, innovative tools, and talented models made it a truly unforgettable experience.

Stay Mile High ✌️