Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone with Lights

This week, I stepped out of my usual style for something completely new—an experiment that pushed me creatively and gave me a new toolset for my clients here in Gilbert, Arizona and across the Phoenix East Valley.

It involved three rented Profoto B10 Plus high-speed sync flashes—something I’d never used before. The outcome goal was a dramatic sports portrait for an incredible swimmer and young man named Gavin.

I will share more about Gavin in a future blog post, but today I wanted to share about my journey with lights.

In my 16 years as a photographer, I’ve mostly worked with natural light—using off-camera flash only occasionally for weddings. When one of my recent senior moms asked in a consultation if I would consider doing swim portraits, the idea was born. Creative shoots light me up (no pun intended), but this one definitely stretched me outside my comfort zone.

Research & Community Support

I did some research and reached out to other photographers who have successfully done the type of dramatic sports portraits I was looking to create.

One of the photographers was kind enough to have multiple phone calls with me, walking me through what I needed, how to set up, and which lights to rent. I am forever grateful for my community of photographers that help stretch and grow me into the photographer I am meant to be.

A local photographer let me borrow her lights, but I wasn’t sure if they would work. Another photographer, Darren, told me I needed high-speed sync—and my test shoot proved high-speed sync wasn’t optional, it was essential. Without that trial run, I’d have been in trouble on session day.

Session Day

We decided to do a daytime photo session due to the location and my subject’s availability.

Since I already had fantastic senior portraits from Gavin’s regular session, I said “Why not?” and rented the lights from a local shop where you can rent, purchase, and repair gear in the Phoenix area—perfect for photographers serving the East Valley who need pro gear in a pinch.

There was a hefty deposit to rent these Profoto lights, but I figured I’d just need to take good care of them and I’d be fine.

I had three assistants: my friend Pam (always up for all things art) and our daughters, who got to be bucket throwers. And really—who wouldn’t want to throw buckets of water at someone?

The Heat Factor

One little detail: it was going to be HOT—Phoenix-in-August hot.

If you don't know already, I live in the Phoenix East Valley, which means I rarely (never) get sessions cancelled for rain, but sometimes for heat. Since there was going to be a pool involved, I figured any of us could get wet as needed.

What I didn’t factor in? The lights hated the heat.

One of them wouldn’t turn on without the battery pack charger plugged in, and they randomly turned off.

Lights kept shutting off, bucket timing became its own art form, and we were wrestling with the full force of the 2 p.m. Gilbert sun—it was a challenge, to say the least.

Lessons from My Three-Day Light Experiment

Day 1: After-dark dramatic sports portraits (with gel colors)
Day 2: Broad daylight dramatic sports portraits (no gels—they weren’t showing in the bright sun)
Day 3: Indoor lights (backdrop and multiple gel lights)

Lesson 1: Indoor is King for Control

This may seem obvious, but until you run your own experiments you don’t realize how much easier it is to create something amazing when you can control the light. After my two days of trying to make sports portraits work, I decided to try one more indoor setup—and I’m so glad I did!

For my clients, this means I can create dramatic, magazine-style portraits no matter the time of day—especially indoors where I control every detail.

Lesson 2: Don’t Set Up in the Dark

I got mostly set up ahead of time during the day, but not everything—and it’s really hard to set up in the dark. It took a lot longer than expected and caused unnecessary stress. I do not recommend it.

For clients, this is why I always plan lighting setups in advance—so your session feels smooth and stress-free from the very first shot.

Lesson 3: A Little Ambient Light Can Help

When shooting in the dark, there’s no behind-the-scenes happening, and everything feels slightly more awkward. I was trying to avoid ambient light completely, but a little might have been nicer.

For you, this means your images will have just the right balance of drama and natural warmth, even in creative shoots.

Lesson 4: Bright Daylight is Doable

Bright midday light means you’ll need equally bright strobes—which is why I rented the Profoto B10 Plus set. They did the job, and I want to purchase some similar in the future. Thankfully, my subject had goggles most of the time since it was bright out.

I don’t plan on doing a midday shoot for this purpose again, but I learned I can create portraits anytime of day with lights involved.

This is great news for busy seniors and families in Gilbert and Chandler—we can create incredible portraits even outside of golden hour.

Lesson 5: I Love Using Lights

I really love using lights and want to learn more about them, incorporating them into most photo sessions once I have them at my disposal.

No one said being a professional photographer was cheap—cameras, lenses, lights…oh my! 🙂

By investing in professional lighting, I can offer unique portrait styles to my Phoenix East Valley clients that go beyond what’s possible with natural light alone.

Final Thoughts & Invitation

Overall, this experiment pushed me creatively, taught me a ton, and left me excited to bring lighting into more sessions.

If you’re dreaming of a creative senior or sports portrait session in Gilbert, Chandler, or anywhere in the Phoenix East Valley, let’s talk—I’d love to create something unforgettable for you.

📖 Read my post about location ideas for senior portraits in Gilbert:
https://andriamayphotography.com/post/family-senior-photo-spots-gilbert-az