I used the WORST ISO on the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and got SHOCKING results

I had the incredible opportunity to photograph Ryan Holiday, the bestselling author of The Daily Stoic podcast (with a jaw-dropping 3.3 million Instagram followers), for the cover of Austin Lifestyle Magazine.

Ryan and his wife, Sam, own a bookstore called The Painted Porch, and let me tell you, it’s one of the cutest spots I’ve ever shot in. It’s about an hour from where I live, and the space itself is full of personality — the perfect backdrop for editorial shots that tell a story.

The Day of the Shoot

We started the day with a mix of excitement and creativity. Shoots like these are fun because I get to show up and focus entirely on the photography without a ton of pre-production stress. Our first setup, though, was a bit of a challenge — we were shooting in what can only be described as a darkened dungeon (cue photographer's nightmare!). But that’s where the magic happens. We experimented with a few lighting scenarios until the editor gave the go-ahead on what she liked.

When you’re working on a magazine shoot, especially one with tight timelines, it’s all about being adaptable. This shoot was run-and-gun, fast-paced, and collaborative. The trick? Embrace the setting, find the light, and work efficiently to capture the shots that matter.

Photography Tips for Editorial Shoots

1. Work with Natural Light: Especially in cozy spaces like bookstores, I try to avoid flash unless absolutely necessary. The goal was to maintain the natural ambiance of The Painted Porch while making sure we hit the editorial vibe the magazine needed.

   

2. Collaborate with Your Subject: Ryan and Sam were a dream to photograph. This shoot was super collaborative. I gave prompts like "Lean here," "Try a hand in your pocket," or "Look just above the lens." Small adjustments make a world of difference.

   

3. Quick Adaptation: When the editor requested different setups or scenes, we moved quickly. Whether it was leaning against a tree, sitting in a cozy corner, or capturing candid laughs, flexibility is key.

   

Behind the Scenes Moments

Between setups, we shared lots of laughs. I asked Ryan, "Are you a natural smiler on camera?" Turns out, he’s got a great smirk that worked perfectly for the editorial shots. Sam joined in too, and the chemistry between them gave us so many candid and authentic moments.

One of my favorite scenes happened outdoors. With Ryan leaning against a tree and Sam playfully positioning herself next to him, the results were natural and effortless. Sometimes, the best shots are the ones that feel the least posed.

We wrapped up the shoot with a few frames in Sam’s office and their podcast studio — spaces that are part of their daily lives. There’s something so rewarding about photographing people where they feel most at home.

What Makes a Shoot Like This Special?

For me, editorial shoots like this one are about storytelling. It’s not just about the cover photo; it’s about capturing moments that reflect the person, their space, and their essence. With Ryan and Sam, it was easy. Their love for their bookstore, their relaxed energy, and their willingness to be part of the creative process made this day a joy.

Final Thoughts

This shoot was proof that some of the best editorial photography happens when you embrace the unexpected. From dark dungeons to glowing bookshop corners, we captured a mix of polished and playful shots that I can’t wait for you to see.

Thank you to Austin Lifestyle Magazine for the opportunity, and to Ryan and Sam for being such wonderful subjects. Stay tuned for the final cover reveal!

Have you ever worked in a tight space or under tricky lighting? Share your favorite tips for nailing the shot in the YT comments!