🤠#021: Breaking down great photographers' work

Something new today: Let’s break down some strong work I saw this week from a few photographers. Caveat, I don’t know any of these people, just calling it like I see it.

1️⃣This Old Hollywood editorial Mark Seliger shot with Seth Rogen.

What I like about it is not only is magazine-quality - beautifully lit, well styled, great locations, but it brings a touch of whimsy (the big dogs, in a suit on the diving board) that fits really well for Seth.

💡What you can use in your own work: So much good in here, but this reel linked right here is an A+ job of using BTS video, no matter the production value, to convey the story of the project. It adds so much context and you get extra mileage out of the work you shoot. You could start doing this today.

2️⃣This project Raul Tovar shot for Harper’s Bazaar Mexico does an awesome job at nailing the core components (great styling, great lighting, super cool talent) and then adding a twist (models with cameras, often photographing each other). I dig it a lot.

💡You can do something similar: The human brain loves contrast. For your next project you’re shooting/directing/producing, what’s one thing you could add to a few shots that could stop somebody for an extra half second and think ‘huh’?

3️⃣This project Amadeo shot for 12th Tribe is a great example of using available lighting. Tremendous location with big windows, but also love the use of candles as an ambient light source.

💡You could try this too. When you’re on location, it’s easy to think, let’s just break out the flash (I am guilty of this regularly). Sometimes, that’s the right play. But is it always? Could you use lamps or candles already in the space to help you get a more natural, moody aesthetic? Challenge yourself whenever possible, even if it’s for five minutes of trial and error on a half day project, to see if you can get something with what you’ve got. Sometimes, more is not the answer.

4️⃣Great example of underwater photography from Jeffrey Vogeding. This lead image is good but wait until you get the last shot with the (I think LA) skyline in the distance.

💡You can try this too. Scared to buy an underwater housing for your camera? I get that. Expensive gear. Doesn’t have to stop you, though. Why not pick up one of these little troublemakers for under $20? Is it gonna give you professional grade images like that? No, for sure not, that’s a seasoned pro likely using pro gear. But could it add something new and different to what you have to show the world? Maybe so.

What’s the verdict - do y’all like this kind of thing, breaking down other people’s work and what you could take away from it? Let me know.

📊PART TWO: TRACKING MY PROGRESS

📡 Fig. 1: Captain’s Log

Writing to you from my hotel room on a booking to shoot for a very cool watch company. Got to meet their team, work with their normal crew, tons of fun.

This week is special for me. To get to get on the road, plying my craft for an American brand that thinks I can help them grow their business, it’s really gratifying.

To get to work alongside other really talented creative people who use many of the same tools I use, but use them very differently (high-production video, pristine detail shots of the watches), also tremendously cool. I don’t take it for granted.

Keeping it short today. Everybody have a good rest of their weekend.

📸 Fig. 2: this week’s stills

Couple of posts this week, some tips at the back of each carousel.

🎬 fig. 3: this week’s videos & some learnings

2025 #32: Vintage Sports Illustrated Covers IG | TT 2025 #33: “never coming back” IG | TT 

Let’s break down one key learning from each:

1. This Sports Illustrated one: Flop. Didn’t go far. I see some indicators why. Hooks could’ve been stronger. Better verbal hook, perhaps a different lead-in image. There’s some quality in here but most of it’s towards the back of the video. I’m not taking this one personally. My spirit guide for short-form video these next few months is early-days Tony Stark in the workshop. I’ve got one and a half formats that consistently work (lighting tutorials, sometimes posing) and I’m looking to find a few more that can become core parts of my video pipeline. So, if you like variety, you’re in luck, as that’s what’s coming.

2. The “never coming back” video: I still haven’t quite cracked this format. I have seen it used really effectively, but I think I’ve got another level of quality to reach in terms of the hook and the payoff.

📈fig. 5: audience growth

Instagram: 13,953 followers, +213 (+2%) vs. last weekTikTok: 1420 followers, +2 (+2%) vs. last weekNewsletter: 1530 subscribers, +42 (+3%) vs. last week

Slow week across the board - not putting as much out right now as I’d like to be. That’s okay, all in due time.

Think I could help you 1:1 with your portfolio, lighting, short form, creative strategy, building mood boards, just being a sounding board? I’ve started taking a couple 1:1 calls here and there, so far they’re going great. Here’s a link if you’re interested.

📍Free mood board #13, free people movement: LINK (this’ll also be a core part of what I shoot this summer, calling my shot now)🆓Five free Lightroom presets: LINK🛠️All the cameras + flashes I use: LINK

Everybody have a good rest of your weekend,

Garrett