When your players act like people, not protagonists, every scene gets sharper. This is storytelling with stakes and shadows. Setting the Scene
Photography, at its core, is about capturing moments---but what if those moments could tell an entire story? When I shoot, I’m not just thinking about composition and lighting (though, yes, I obsess over that too). I’m thinking, what is happening? and why are we here?
Take these two incredible models, Danni Marie (@roll4dmg) and Lauren (@gothampd), who walked into my steampunk-themed shoot with nothing but their creativity and chemistry. I simply set the stage: steampunk aesthetic, sienna backdrop---now make it your own. And wow, did they deliver.
I love that coyote pelt!
The Magic of Improv in Photography
These two are close friends in real life, which made their collaboration feel natural. But as soon as the camera was rolling, they instinctively fell into character. Lauren took on the role of the serious, battle-hardened leader---think Xena with a flintlock. Meanwhile, Danni embraced a more mischievous, adventurous spirit, giving full Gabrielle energy.
It wasn’t planned, but that’s the point. Photography is about capturing emotion and movement, and giving models permission to “play” can unlock incredible shots that feel dynamic, not stiff.
The Power of “What If” in Posing
Would we ever launch a steampunk warrior duo web series? Probably not. (Then again… never say never.) But even just playing with the idea of a world where these two are traveling warriors shaped the way they posed, the way they looked at each other, and the way their body language told a story beyond just a pretty portrait.
That’s what makes storytelling in photography so powerful---it elevates a single shot into something cinematic.
Takeaways for Photographers
If you want to bring more life into your portraits, here’s what I recommend: ✔️ Set a general theme but leave space for creativity. Models will bring something unique if given freedom. ✔️ Encourage storytelling, even if it’s subtle. Ask: Who are you in this world? What’s happening before and after this shot? ✔️ Let your models improvise. Some of the best poses and expressions come naturally when they’re “in character.”
Now, the real question is… what would the names of these two steampunk warriors be? Drop your best ideas in the comments!
