Technically, this is week one of my 52-week photography challenge. Or maybe it’s week zero? The new year started on a Thursday, so there’s some gray area about whether the first partial week counts. Either way, I had some time and wanted to get a shoot under my belt to start the year strong.
Since I couldn’t coordinate schedules with anyone else on short notice, I decided to do a self-portrait session. And if I’m being honest? This turned into one of my favorite shoots in a long time.
The Setup: Proving You Don’t Need Expensive Gear
As a Nashville photographer who’s passionate about accessible creative photography, I’m constantly exploring what you can achieve with minimal equipment and budget. This shoot was the perfect example.
Here’s what I used:
- Mylar paper backdrop (think large rolls of reflective tinfoil)
- One continuous light (hobby-level, nothing fancy)
- A small portable LED light (the trendy “flashlight” style with color filters)
- My camera on a tripod with an interval timer
- Craft store glitter
- A laundry hamper on wheels (yes, really)
Total cost? Incredibly minimal. Total impact? That’s what I’m excited to show you.
The Vision: Galaxy Glitter Portraits
I’d seen someone create portraits with large glitter pieces on their eyelids against a shiny backdrop, and I thought it would be perfect for a quick, creative session. The reflective mylar paper would catch the light beautifully, and the glitter would add that editorial edge I was going for.
Since I didn’t have a stand for my portable LED light yet, I taped it to my laundry hamper. The hamper’s on wheels, so I could easily adjust the light position throughout the shoot. DIY photography at its finest.
Safety note: The glitter packaging explicitly says not to put it on your skin. I did it anyway for this creative concept, but proceed at your own risk if you try this.
The Color Experiment
My original plan was to use the blue color filter on my LED light to create a cool-toned, galaxy vibe with the silver mylar backdrop. And while those shots looked interesting (very cosmic, very starry) they just didn’t feel quite right.
Maybe it was the clash with my red hair. Maybe it was my pale skin tone. I’m not entirely sure, but something wasn’t clicking.
Halfway through the session, I switched to a yellow-orange filter, and that’s when everything came together. Those warm tones against the silver backdrop with the glitter catching the light? Absolutely stunning. Those are by far my favorite images from the session.
The Magic of Reflections
Toward the end of the shoot, I positioned myself so both lights would reflect in the mylar paper behind me, creating this beautiful bokeh effect that made it look like there were additional light sources in the background.
I’m obsessed with how these turned out. The balance, the composition, the way the reflections play with the glitter—it all came together in a way that felt intentional and polished, even though I was working in such a limited space.
I also experimented with some slow shutter speed shots, and those added another creative dimension to the series. They’re all fairly tight portraits because of the space constraints, but that was actually perfect for showing how much variety you can create even when you’re working with limitations.
Glitter Evolution: Eyes to Lips
I started with glitter just on my eyelids. I tried a few shots without any glitter first, but they felt incomplete. The setup really relied on that bold, editorial element to tie everything together.
As the shoot progressed, I added glitter to my lips as well. I was convinced I’d end up swallowing glitter mid-session (again, not recommended by the manufacturer), but it actually stayed in place beautifully.
The final shots with glitter on both eyes and lips? Those are the ones that really showcase what this concept can do.
Bridging the Vision-Execution Gap
Here’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately as a Nashville photographer constantly pushing into new creative territory: there’s often a gap between your creative vision and your technical skills to execute it.
When you’re learning new techniques, like I am with studio lighting, there are moments where you have incredible ideas but lack the exact skills to bring them to life perfectly. Sometimes you get lucky. Sometimes you move lights around until something works. And sometimes you finish a shoot feeling like something’s missing, even if you can’t quite pinpoint what.
This shoot? This wasn’t one of those times.
Even with all the limitations— the tight space, the hobbyist equipment, the DIY light stands— I had a clear vision and was able to execute it exactly how I wanted. That alignment between idea and reality is incredibly satisfying, especially at the start of a year-long challenge where I know there will be both wins and learning moments ahead.
Why This Matters for Your Photography Session
Whether you’re considering a creative photography session for senior portraits, personal branding, or just because you want stunning images that stand out, this shoot proves what’s possible when you combine vision with resourcefulness.
You don’t need a high-end studio. You don’t need thousands of dollars in equipment. What you need is creativity, willingness to experiment, and a photographer who knows how to make magic happen regardless of constraints.
That’s what I do.
Want to Create Something Bold?
If you’re looking for a Nashville photographer who thinks outside the box and creates editorial-style portraits that feel fresh and different, let’s connect.
Book your creative session and let’s bring your vision to life—whether that’s glitter portraits, moody editorial work, or something completely unique to you.
Follow my 52-week journey to see what creative concept I’m tackling next. Week one (ish) was glitter and mylar; I can’t wait to see where this challenge takes us.
Pro tip: I got different sizes and shapes of glitter (including heart-shaped!) to potentially recreate this concept for a Valentine’s Day shoot. This is such a fun, accessible self-portrait idea. Highly recommend trying it yourself.
Ready for your own unforgettable session? Contact me today to get started.
