Why settle for a white background?

When it comes to corporate portraits, it's easy to fall into the same old routine – think plain white backdrop, stiff poses, and the ever-present, slightly forced "professional" smile. But what if you want something a little more, well, dramatic? Enter the smoke machine.

Yes, you read that right. Smoke machines aren’t just for haunted houses or ‘80s rock concerts anymore; they’re now the secret sauce in creative portrait photography.

Take this recent session, for example. The client came to us asking for something that stood out – a far cry from the usual "LinkedIn profile pic" you see a thousand times a day. No basic blue background or beige walls for her. She wanted mood. She wanted atmosphere. She wanted to look like a CEO... of a mysterious, high-end spy agency.

So, we started brainstorming and landed on the idea of using a smoke machine to create that cinematic vibe. What could be better for a "serious but approachable" look than billowing clouds of fog? Paired with some creative lighting, it gave the image an ethereal, almost film-noir feel. And let’s be honest, no one else in the boardroom will have anything like it.

Planning the shoot was a collaborative effort. It involved listening to the client’s vision and elevating it with a few creative twists. It’s all about finding that balance between professionalism and personality.

The end result? A striking, high-end portrait that still says "I mean business," but with an edge – and just the right amount of mystery. Sometimes, you just need a little fog to let your personality shine through.

Client: Paige B
Studio: Brick and Beam
Lighting: Elinchrom