Tips for Photographing at Dawn
🌅 1. Arrive Early (Like, Really Early)
Spring is here! Dawn light changes quickly—arrive at least 30–45 minutes before sunrise so you can scout, compose your shots, and catch those first pre-dawn colors.
📸 2. Use a Tripod
Low light = slower shutter speeds. A tripod keeps your shots sharp and lets you play with long exposures without blur.
🎯 3. Shoot in Manual Mode
Dawn light can trick auto settings. Control your aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to match the changing light and get the exposure you want.
🌄 4. Watch the Sky (and the Forecast)
Clouds can make or break a dawn photo. A few scattered clouds? Beautiful. Overcast? Maybe wait. Check the weather to set expectations.
🎨 5. Use a Low ISO
To avoid grain and keep that silky, clean look in your images, stick with ISO 100–400—especially when using a tripod.
🌈 6. Chase Color, Not Just the Sun
Some of the best colors happen before the sun actually rises. Look for purples, pinks, oranges—and don’t forget to turn around! The best light isn’t always in front of you.
🧘♂️ 7. Be Still, Be Quiet
Let the world wake up around you. Sometimes, the best dawn photos include people walking, fog rising, or birds flying—all moments you’ll miss if you’re rushing.
🧰 8. Bring Extra Gear
Hand warmers, lens cloths, extra batteries (they drain faster in cold air), and layers to keep warm. Dawn shoots can be chilly and damp.
🕶 9. Use ND or Grad Filters
Neutral density or graduated filters help balance the brightening sky with darker foregrounds, especially in wide landscapes.
💾 10. Shoot RAW
Always. RAW files give you more flexibility to adjust shadows, highlights, and colors in post without sacrificing quality.
Top 10 Things to Remember for a Drag Promo Photoshoot
A drag promo photoshoot is your moment to shine, showcase your persona, and capture the essence of your artistry. Whether you're updating your promo materials or debuting a new look, here are 10 things to remember to make your shoot flawless.
1. Lay Out Your Looks Before Arriving
Make sure you have everything you need to look your best by prepping your outfits in advance. Depending on the session you’ve booked, we can work with 1-3 looks, so plan accordingly! Double-check your wigs, accessories, shoes, and any finishing touches before heading to the studio. Remember nails if you want them! We do have false lashes in varying style and lengths in case you forgot them for an additional fee.
2. Pay Attention to Hair & Wigs
A well-styled wig can make or break a shot. Secure it properly, smooth out flyaways. We do have a variety of brushes on hand as well, just in case.
3. Makeup for the Camera
Go bolder than usual! Cameras can wash out details, so sharpen those contours, amp up the highlight, and set everything with powder to avoid shine.
4. Nail Your Signature Pose
Not sure what to do with your hands? Struggling to find variety? No worries—at Studio 5, we’ll coach you on posing so you don’t have to stress. Whether you're a natural in front of the camera or more of a performer than a poser, we’ve got you!
5. Play with Accessories
Gloves, fans, sunglasses, jewelry—small details elevate the look and add character to your shots.
6. Bring Props That Define Your Persona
A microphone, crown, cocktail glass, or even a dramatic feather boa can reinforce your branding and performance style.
7. Choose the Right Backdrop
Think about your aesthetic: clean and minimal for timeless promo shots, bold and colorful for high-energy visuals, or moody and dramatic for a cinematic feel.
8. Movement Adds Drama
Don’t just pose—twirl, flip your hair, throw a glove, or let fabric flow to create natural movement and energy in your images.
9. Hydrate & Prep
Long shoots require hydration and energy! Drink water, eat something beforehand, and pack a small touch-up kit (lipstick, powder, lash glue).
10. We’ve Got Your Back!
Forgot something? We (should) have you covered! At Studio 5, we keep essentials on hand—hairspray, super glue, brushes, a mirror, paper towels, and bobby pins—so you can focus on serving looks. We also have two full-length mirrors, a dressing room, and a clothing rack to help you stay organized and picture-perfect throughout your session.