Styled Shoot at Savannah's Must-Visit Boutique, Hannah E.

As I think about the creative directions I want to explore more deeply in my photography, fashion continues to climb higher on the list. I really love the blend of story, styling and aesthetics - and the idea of merging that with my growing experience with film photography felt like the perfect personal challenge.

I blocked off a few hours for what turned into one of my favorite shoots to date - a styled fashion session shot entirely on medium format film. Slower, more intentional, and just far enough outside my comfort zone to make it exciting. And done in conjunction with my very talented client and friend Hannah.

Why Fashion Photography?

When people think of fashion photography, they often picture big-city studios and luxury editorial spreads. But fashion doesn’t have to be loud or high-production to be powerful. At its core, it’s about visual storytelling - about how clothes move, how textures interact with light and how personality can shine through in a single frame.

This shoot was my way of testing the waters. No pressure. Just a personal project centered around creativity and exploration.

Shot on Film: Pentax 645n + Porta 160

Every single image from this session was captured using my Pentax 645n with Porta 160 film. If you’re unfamiliar with medium format, just think of it as a slower, more intentional cousin to digital. You don’t get a thousand tries. You get 15 shots per roll.

There’s something about film that makes you feel more connected to your subject. Every frame requires thought. Composition becomes more mindful. It is slowly building my patience and simultaneously making me a more purposeful photographer.

The scans from this shoot were developed by Nice Film Lab, one of my go-to labs. They consistently turn around beautiful work, and if you’re new to film photography, I can’t recommend them enough. You can use my Nice Film Club referral code and get a roll scanned for free.

Pictured: the Lingua Franca NYC Onar Dress styled as an open sweater.

Featuring Hannah E. and Her Effortless Style

If you’re local to Savannah, you’ve probably wandered into Hannah E., one of the city’s most beloved boutiques. If not, let me introduce you to your new favorite place to shop. Hannah curates an incredible selection of elevated basics, statement pieces and accessories that somehow all belong in the same suitcase. It’s the kind of boutique where you walk in for “just one thing” and leave with a full wardrobe refresh.

Hannah’s also become a dear friend and longtime client, and collaborating with her on this shoot felt like the most natural extension of our creative relationship. The pieces she pulled for the session struck the perfect balance of structure and flow, which was key for the feeling I wanted to capture.

Pictured: the Secret Lily dress by forte forte

Meet the Model: Evie Williams

Enter: Evie Williams, the human embodiment of what this shoot was all about. Effortless elegance. Editorial energy. A quiet confidence that reads in every frame.

Working with a model like Evie reminds me how much collaboration is at the heart of photography. I shared my vision with her - polished but relaxed, movement-forward, a little undone in the best way - and she ran with it. No over-posing, no overthinking. It is a treat to work with others who see your vision off the bat.

Pictured: the Patti Ivory Top by TWP with Monsur Gavriel's Fortuna Bag in Natural

On Working with Models (& Why You Should Try It)

If you're a photographer and haven’t yet worked with a professional model, here’s your sign. It’s not about creating runway-ready content - it’s about what happens when your subject is experienced at holding space in front of the lens.

Models like Evie know how to take direction, but they also know how to feel the frame. Once you’re on the same page creatively, the shoot takes on a life of its own. There’s flow, there's freedom. It moves the shoot in ways you might not have expected and almost always gives you a better result than you anticipated.

Even if fashion photography isn’t your main lane, working with a model can help you grow as a creative - it sharpens your communication, hones your sense of timing and encourages you to shoot with more intention.

Pictured: the Marathi crewneck and skirt by Lingua Franca NYC

Why I Chose Film for a Fashion Shoot

Film photography isn’t new for me, but it still feels like an adventure every time I commit to it for a full session. I purposefully left the digital gear at home this time to give myself a challenge while allowing room for play while in the presence of friends.

When you’re working with clothing and movement, film can really add a layer of interest. Light reflects off a silk sleeve. Shadows form folds in a cotton dress. It feels tactile. And since you’re not checking every frame on the back of your camera, you’re more present in the moment.

Yes, shooting on film requires a different pace. But that’s part of the appeal. You slow down. You shoot less. And often, you get more. And I'm learning that I feel more comfortable with it the more I practice.

Pictured: a Striped SecondSkin and the Almost Famous denim by TWP along with a Ulla Johnson Charlotte Crossbody.

Personal Projects as Creative Fuel

In full transparency, as much as I love photography, it can become routine at times, and I imagine this is the case for most other creatives who manage their schedule and their work. Client work is so fulfilling, but it can be easy to get caught up in deliverables and timelines and capturing the creative vision of your customer. I always encourage other creatives to carve out time for personal projects. It doesn't have to be within your line of work, but it should energize you to do your work better and if it helps you hone or build a new skillset, that's even better.

This styled shoot was that kind of reset for me. A moment to step back, take a breath and remember what I really love about photography. It was an opportunity to test out new gear, experiment with light and exercise a few creative muscles that have sat dormant for a minute.

Whether it’s fashion, food, interiors or lifestyle, I think every photographer needs a project without any motives or goals. Not only do you grow creatively, but you often discover new directions your business might take.

If You're In Fashion

Whether you’re local to Savannah or based elsewhere, fashion photography is one of the areas I’m most excited to grow into this year, so if you own or work at a brand or boutique that needs a photography refresh or shoot, I'd love to talk.

You can find more of my film photography, fashion shoots, and behind-the-scenes over on Instagram.

TL;DR

• Medium format film is slow, really fun and surprisingly freeing.

• Add Hannah E. to your downtown Savannah shopping - you're in for a treat.

• Models like Evie make fashion photography feel effortless, and I highly recommend getting practice working with models.

• Personal projects are a necessity and can boost your creativity as well as your portfolio.

• And if you’re a brand looking for creative, intentional imagery, shoot me an email so we can work together!

Thanks for reading. I hope this inspires you to start your own personal project, try something new or find a way to bring creative energy back into your work.