I used the WORST ISO on the Canon EOS R5 Mark II and got SHOCKING results
Vanessa Joy is a wedding photographer and educator helping photographers grow profitable businesses.
If you’ve ever wondered how photographers handle editorial shoots in tricky spaces with tight timelines, this post is for you. The challenge? Capturing authentic, storytelling images while adapting quickly to less-than-ideal conditions.
Recently, I had the honor of photographing Ryan Holiday, bestselling author and host of The Daily Stoic podcast (with over 3.3 million Instagram followers), for the cover of Austin Lifestyle Magazine. The shoot took place at The Painted Porch, the charming bookstore Ryan and his wife, Sam, own — a cozy, personality-filled space that made for the perfect editorial backdrop.
The Day of the Shoot
Magazine shoots move fast. There’s no luxury of long setups or endless retakes — you have to think on your feet.
Our first challenge? A space that felt like a dark dungeon (every photographer’s nightmare!). But here’s the lesson: the best results often come when you embrace the space, find the light, and adapt quickly.
Once we nailed down a lighting setup the editor loved, the energy shifted. From there, the day became a creative sprint: run-and-gun shooting, quick adjustments, and plenty of collaboration with Ryan and Sam.
Tips for Editorial Photography
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Work with Natural Light → In intimate settings like bookstores, I avoid flash unless absolutely necessary. It keeps the mood authentic and warm while still meeting editorial standards.
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Collaborate with Your Subject → Ryan and Sam were fantastic to work with. Simple prompts like, “Lean here,” or “Look just above the lens” helped create natural adjustments that looked effortless on camera.
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Stay Flexible → Editorial shoots often come with last-minute changes. From outdoor portraits by a tree to cozy bookstore corners, staying adaptable meant we could deliver exactly what the magazine needed.
Behind-the-Scenes Moments
Not every shot is posed; in fact, some of my favorites weren’t. Between setups, we laughed, joked, and captured Ryan’s signature smirk (he confessed he’s not a “big smiler,” but I beg to differ).
One standout scene? Ryan leaning against a tree while Sam playfully joined in. The chemistry between them turned a simple setup into an image full of warmth and personality.
We wrapped inside their podcast studio and Sam’s office spaces that reflected their daily life. Photographing people in environments that matter to them always leads to the most authentic images.
Why Editorial Photography Matters
Shoots like this are more than about getting “the cover shot.” They’re about storytelling reflecting a person’s essence, their world, and their connections. With Ryan and Sam, the bookstore, their energy, and their relationship all came together seamlessly.
This shoot was proof that even when conditions aren’t ideal from low light to tight spaces — the magic happens when you stay adaptable and lean into authenticity.
Final Thoughts
A huge thank-you to Austin Lifestyle Magazine for the opportunity, and to Ryan and Sam for being such collaborative and fun subjects.
Photographers - have you ever worked in a tricky space with less-than-ideal lighting? Drop your favorite tips for nailing the shot in the comments. I’d love to hear how you adapt and make it work!
