All images in this post utilize the “White Church Window” backdrop.
Creative Studio Photography Using White Church Window
WITH LAURA DARK
Take a behind-the-scenes look at an evocative photoshoot by photographer Laura Dark, set against the White Church Window backdrop. This blog delves into the creative intent behind each scene, unpacks the technical choices from lighting design to camera and lens selection and traces the journey from initial concept to the final, expressive imagery. It offers an intimate glimpse into the intersection of artistic vision, collaboration, and technical craftsmanship in photography.
The session was inspired by Sleeping Beauty, reimagined through a fine-art perspective rather than a literal fairytale interpretation. The concept focused on stillness, femininity, and a sense of suspended time, as if the subject exists within a quiet space between rest and awakening. Emotion is conveyed through atmosphere and subtlety.
CHOOSING THE BACKDROP
Background selection played a critical role in reinforcing the concept. Architectural elements such as arched windows suggested a forgotten, tranquil space gradually reclaimed by nature. This environment emphasized themes of dormancy and gentle enchantment. Roses and scattered petals were incorporated as symbolic accents, representing beauty in rest and quiet romance.
Telling the story
The creative inspiration for the session drew from Sleeping Beauty, interpreted through a fine-art lens rather than a literal fairytale depiction. The concept centered on stillness, femininity, and suspended time, as though the subject exists in a quiet moment between sleep and waking. The goal was to suggest emotion through mood and restraint rather than overt storytelling.
Wardrobe and posing were approached with the same level of intention. A flowing blush-toned gown was chosen to enhance softness and introduce a sense of movement even in repose. Posing was directed to feel organic and unguarded, favoring relaxed lines and subtle gestures over structured or performative positioning. Each pose was designed to convey breath, rest, and understated emotion.
All images in this post utilize the “White Church Window” backdrop.
All images in this post utilize the “White Church Window” backdrop.
Lighting THE SCENE
Lighting was intentionally designed to feel natural and luminous rather than dramatic. The key light consisted of a Westcott FJ400 fitted with a seven-foot umbrella and diffuser, positioned camera left and slightly above the subject, angled downward. This setup was used to emulate soft window light, producing a broad, wrapping source with smooth falloff and a painterly quality. The modifier choice helped preserve subtle skin transitions and gentle shadow depth. A second Westcott FJ400 served as the fill light and was placed camera right with a 42-inch shoot-through umbrella. Kept at a lower power level, this light softly lifted shadows without diminishing facial structure or contrast. Together, the lighting created an airy, balanced effect that supported the romantic and dreamlike atmosphere of the imagery.
Camera Specs
The images were captured using a Canon EOS R paired with a Sigma 105mm f/1.8 Art lens. This combination provided exceptional clarity while maintaining a soft, shallow depth of field. The lens choice allowed facial features to remain delicately rendered while gently separating the subject from the background, reinforcing the ethereal tone of the series.
POST-Production & Final Thoughts
Post-processing remained restrained and supportive of the in-camera work. The final images rely on refined tonal balance, soft color harmony, and delicate skin rendering to maintain the integrity of the mood. The completed series is intended to feel timeless and romantic, honoring its fairytale inspiration without becoming illustrative or overly stylized.
All images in this post utilize the “White Church Window” backdrop.
All images in this post utilize the “White Church Window” backdrop.
Laura Dark is an award-winning, internationally acclaimed photographer known for her exceptional ability to capture the extraordinary. As a Certified Professional Photographer and Master of Photography through the PPA and a proud member of the Professional Photographers of Ohio, Laura brings nearly 30 years of expertise to her craft, specializing in conceptual and portrait photography.
Her impressive portfolio has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2023 Photographer of the Year, Fine Art Photographer of the Year, and United States Photographer of the Year titles on OneEyeLand.com. Laura also secured the 2024 WeddingRule Editor’s Choice Award for Boudoir Photography. Notably, she was a standout contestant on the YouTube Photography Reality TV Show The Creator Series, hosted by Sal Cincotta, where she impressively came in as Runner-Up.
Laura’s passion for photography ignited in high school, where she first explored her craft as the yearbook and newspaper photographer. After studying art and apprenticing with a local portrait photographer, she launched her own studio in 2008 within a shared artist space in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Since then, her business has grown exponentially, serving clients from around the globe from her expansive 2,600 sq. ft. boutique studio.
Learn more about Laura Dark on Instagram, Facebook, and her website.