Behind the Scenes: How I Spent My January, Photographically Speaking
January is often a time for reflection, new beginnings, and personal growth. For me, this past January became a season of learning and stepping outside my comfort zone—photographically speaking.
It all started when my friend and fellow photographer, Abe Robinson, invited me and four other friends to produce tabletop photos for his company, Blind 7. This opportunity meant not only collaborating with talented individuals but also diving into a type of photography that wasn’t my niche: studio photography.
The Crew and the Studio
We collaborated as a team to move the gear into a rented studio space. We worked together for 8 days, each pitching in the time we could offer. Each of us took on different roles and responsibilities with a common goal: to bring Abe’s vision for Blind 7 to life.
I’ve been assisting Blind 7 off and on for over five years, so when this invitation came around, I saw it as another chance to learn and improve. While studio photography isn’t where my heart usually lies, I was eager to contribute in any way I could. As it turned out, I learned more than I expected.
Long Days and Cold Weather
Our workdays averaged around 5 to 6 hours, and that wasn’t the only challenge we faced. Cleveland’s winter temperatures are brutal, and we were in the middle of one of the coldest months we’d seen in years. Despite the freezing temperatures, we kept a steady pace, tackling each task with determination. There was no room to let the cold get in the way when immersed in the creative process.
My Role in the Process
As an assistant on this project, I found myself doing a bit of everything. I documented behind-the-scenes moments with photos and videos, helped set up lights, got covered in coffee beans, and even got a little wet during certain shoots. The work was messy, challenging, and at times, a bit chaotic—but it was all worth it.
In many ways, I was outside my comfort zone, especially with the technical aspects of lighting and set design. However, I soon realized I enjoyed the process more than I had anticipated. It wasn’t my usual style of photography, but it was fascinating to see how everything came together in the studio. As the days passed, I grew more comfortable in the space, learning the ins and outs of tabletop photography.
Wrapping Up the Project
After eight intense sessions, we packed up the gear and returned it to the home. From there, it was Abe’s turn to work his magic—editing the photos and creating content to help grow Blind 7 even further. Seeing the project come full circle was a rewarding experience, knowing I played a small part in bringing it all together.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on this experience, I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow. It reminded me that stepping outside our comfort zone is one of the best ways to discover new passions and skills. Photography has always been something I love, but this project helped me realize there’s so much more to explore.
In the end, it wasn’t just about the final photos—it was about the process, the team, and the willingness to try something new. I’m already looking forward to the next creative project that takes me behind the scenes. To see the finished images and video check out Blind7photography.com
