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Article: Street Studio: Photographing Hip People in Bushwick, Brooklyn | EP 4 | Emily Teague

Street Studio: Photographing Hip People in Bushwick, Brooklyn | EP 4 | Emily Teague

In the latest episode of Street Studio, Emily Teague, a renowned commercial and editorial photographer based in Brooklyn, New York, takes viewers on an exciting adventure through the vibrant streets of Bushwick. Known for its eclectic mix of street art, unique personalities, and undeniable urban charm, Bushwick serves as the perfect backdrop for Emily’s impromptu street portraits.


Studio Quality on the Streets


Emily transforms a gritty street corner into a makeshift studio. Her goal is to create stunning, studio-quality portraits right there on the streets, blending the raw energy of Bushwick with professional photography techniques.


Her setup is simple: she uses just a backdrop, one light, and a V-Flat.

Photographer Emily Teague shooting portraits on the streets of Bushwick, Brooklyn.

First Encounters: Breaking the Ice


Emily's approach is straightforward and engaging. She invites passersby to participate in her street studio experiment. "It's going to look like we're in the studio even though we're in this kind of gritty, pretty little spot," she explains. Her enthusiasm helps put her subjects at ease, making them comfortable in front of the camera.


Her process is both efficient and thoughtful. She takes a number of photos of each person, ensuring she gets the perfect shot. "Just look right here, take a deep breath," she instructs, capturing the unique, hip look of her impromptu models.


A Day in Bushwick: Diverse Faces, Unique Stories


Throughout the day, Emily interacts with a variety of people, each bringing their own style and personality. From a woman with striking hair to groups of friends with strong bonds, Emily captures the unique essence of each individual.

Three young black men posing for urban street portrait.
Three street portraits of hip  young people in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

Tips for Great Portraits


Emily's method offers valuable lessons for aspiring photographers who don't have a professional studio or access to one. She proves that you can take amazing portraits of anyone, anywhere.


Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shooting portraiture:


1. Engage with Your Subjects: A friendly approach can make people more comfortable and willing to participate. Emily's positive energy and clear communication help her subjects relax.


2. Use Available Light: Emily makes the most of the natural light in Bushwick, demonstrating that you don't need a full studio setup to take professional-quality photos.


3. Safety First: Especially important during the pandemic, Emily maintains a safe distance and communicates clearly about mask removal, ensuring both her and her subjects feel safe.


4. Be Efficient: Taking multiple shots quickly helps capture the best moment without making the session too long for the participant.


5. Direct Gently: Providing simple, clear instructions on posing can help bring out the best in your subjects.


Making Memorable Moments


Emily’s ability to connect with her subjects is evident throughout the episode. She invites a group of friends to participate, their playful energy shining through in the portraits. "Feel free to change your pose slightly as we go," she encourages, capturing dynamic and lively images.


Street Studio's Unique Approach


This episode of "Street Studio" showcases the vibrant tapestry of urban life in Bushwick. Through her street portraits, Emily highlights the beauty and individuality of each person she encounters. Her innovative approach and engaging personality make this episode a compelling watch for anyone interested in photography or street culture.

Gear Used in Video


Camera & Lens: Canon 5D Mark IV, Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens


Lighting: Elinchrom ELB 500, Elinchrom 39" Rotalux Deep Octabox


Light Modifier: Foldable V-Flat



Wanna Learn More?


Check out more episodes of the Street Studio series to learn valuable insights from some of today's best photographers.


We’ve got over 100 videos on our Behind the Scenes page with tips and tricks for photographers and videographers of all genres. Learn how to light, shoot, and more.

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