Every now and then, a client walks into the studio and you just know the "standard" rules of photography are about to be thrown out the window. That was exactly the vibe when I teamed up with the powerhouse influencer and personality Brimstone for a creative headshot session.
Brimstone isn't just a face on a screen; he’s a brand, a character, and a force of nature. Our goal was to capture that intensity and translate his larger-than-life persona into a set of show-stopping images.
The Details: Custom Hats and Heavy Silver
A character is built on the details, and Brimstone came prepared. He brought a curated collection of custom hats and heavy silver jewelry that are staples of his signature look. These aren't just accessories; they are part of the story.
The weight of the silver and the structure of the hats provided incredible textures to work with. My job was to make sure those details popped, using light to catch the metallic glint of the jewelry and the unique silhouettes of his headwear.
The Craft: Lighting Drama and Color Gels
To match Brimstone’s energy, I knew we needed to lean heavily into lighting drama. This wasn’t the time for soft, flat light. We played with:
- Cinematic Shadows: Using high-contrast lighting to carve out features and create a sense of mystery and power.
- Creative Gels: We introduced color gels to inject mood and vibrance into the frames, creating a gritty, editorial feel that looks like a still from a high-budget film.
- Unique Compositions: We pushed the boundaries with angles and framing, moving away from the "centered headshot" to create dynamic, aggressive compositions that demand attention.
More Than a Headshot
For an influencer like Brimstone, these images are the heartbeat of his digital presence. They need to work across posters, social media headers, and press kits. By combining his deliberate styling with my technical experimentation, we created a gallery that is authentically "Brimstone"—bold, unyielding, and impossible to ignore.
Collaborating with other creatives who aren't afraid to take risks is why I love being behind the lens. When the client brings the character and the photographer brings the drama, the results are always legendary.
Brimstone, thanks for bringing the heat to the studio!
Are you an artist, performer, or influencer looking to redefine your visual brand? If you’re tired of the "safe" look and want to create something that actually stops the scroll, let’s get creative.
Book a session with creative portrait photographer Christina Kramer.
