A GQ-Inspired Portrait Session in NYC With a Fellow Creative I Admire

Susan’s use of the dark aesthetic is easily one of the things that made it a no-brainer for me.

     As a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, I spend most of my life behind the camera—photographing weddings, proposals, and destination celebrations. But for quite some time, I’ve been wanting to experience the other side of the lens. I had tried plenty to refresh my portfolio using behind-the-scenes content from weddings, having team members photograph me while I worked. While those images were helpful, they didn’t reflect the polished, editorial look I had in mind.

     What I truly wanted was something with intention: a stylized, GQ-inspired portrait session that captured the way I feel as an artist. Clean, sophisticated, timeless. And once I finally slowed down enough to think about it, the person I wanted to collaborate with became obvious.

It’s almost as if Susan knew she’d be rocking me in front of black V-Flats

     I wanted to work with Canon Explorer of Light Susan Stripling — someone whose work I’ve admired for a while and whose approach to light, mood, and storytelling aligns closely with my own. Among photographers in New York City, she’s someone whose artistic values mirror mine: thoughtful use of light, a love of shadows, and a natural intuition for mood and tone that feels familiar to me. We were already speaking the same language creatively, so reaching out felt natural.

     I emailed her with a laid-back, friendly pitch about the idea. She replied warmly, and soon enough we set up a FaceTime call. From the first minute, it felt like catching up with someone I’d known for years. We laughed, swapped stories, introduced our pets, and even got to say hello to Bill, her partner and fellow photographer. The energy was easy, familiar, and genuinely fun. A few days later, the invoice was in my inbox; I paid it and immediately booked a flight straight to Midtown Manhattan.

Landing in New York City

Susan made me look tough but I’ll have you know I’m a Pop-Tart: hard on the outside but soft in the middle.

     On November 9th, I arrived at JFK and—despite the federal shutdown—managed to get through smoothly. From there, I hopped on the train and headed to 38th Street to check into the La Quinta by Wyndham, which happened to be directly across from Susan’s studio.

     The next morning, I laid out my outfit: a light gray suit we’d already talked about through text, paired with a black shirt and tie. But the real star, as it turned out, was the black pea coat I packed for the cold weather. The second she saw it, she knew it had to be part of the session. Honestly, she wasn’t wrong.

Walking Into the Studio

I’ll probably hear from the modeling agency very soon if I’m being honest.

     With the studio just across the street, I left five minutes before the session. Susan greeted me at the door with a hug—warm, friendly, no pretense—and Bill followed with an outstretched hand and a smile. It immediately set the tone for the whole shoot: relaxed, collaborative, and comfortable.

     After a quick catch-up, Susan complimented the outfit choice and started pulling out V-Flats. We headed toward the massive windows overlooking 38th Street, planning to use them as our main light source. Both she and I love natural light, so it made perfect sense to keep the setup simple and let the city do the work.

Gotta throw in a good black and white. Am I right?!

     I loved that we didn’t need flash. With only an hour together—and plenty of conversation in between shots—working with window light kept everything flowing. Before starting, I suggested playing some Lucy Dacus, one of her favorite artists. I always feel that when you’re listening to something that inspires you, the creativity just comes easier.

Shooting With a Colleague Whose Work I Respect

Had to sneak in a pick out in the streets because, you know…New York City. C’mon…

     Throughout the session, Susan moved between her Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 and the 85mm f/1.2, making small adjustments, finding interesting angles, and shaping the light with both light and dark V-Flats. Her use of shadow and negative fill felt very much in line with my own approach—and that’s exactly why this collaboration felt so natural.

Might actually be my favorite from the bunch.

     She positioned me near the window, playing with pockets of light and areas of darkness in ways that reminded me of how I work during weddings in Puerto Rico. We weren’t trying to reinvent anything; we were simply two photographers who share similar instincts.

     She didn’t show me the back of the camera—and I didn’t want to see it. I trusted her completely; I made this very clear. Susan also let me record the entire session using my new DJI Osmo 360 camera and even let me clip a mic on her for crisp audio. Those behind-the-scenes clips are going to be gold.

Why This Session Mattered

Quick tip: pretend to reach for your wallet for a classic male pose.

     As someone who spends every weekend photographing couples across the island as a Puerto Rico wedding photographer, I’m always creating, directing, managing timelines, and adapting to unpredictable environments. Being in front of the camera—especially in a controlled, intentional environment—felt refreshing in the best way.

     It reminded me of why I love this craft. It reminded me that even photographers need portraits that feel true to who we are. And collaborating with someone whose style aligns with mine made the whole experience feel effortless—not like working with an unreachable expert, but like creating with a colleague I genuinely connect with.

I need to work on my hands. They’re starting to call me ‘scissor fingers’.

     Among New York City wedding photographers, Susan is someone whose approach I respect deeply, and shooting with her reaffirmed just how valuable creative collaboration can be. I’m genuinely excited to share the images from this session—and the behind-the-scenes footage—very soon.

I Am Now A New York City Wedding Photographer

The Big Apple

     After much contemplation and soul-searching, I have arrived at a thrilling decision: I am determined to embark on an exhilarating journey as a New York City wedding photographer. The bustling streets, vibrant atmosphere, and infinite possibilities that this enchanting city offers make it a perfect backdrop for capturing timeless moments of love and celebration. The alluring diversity of couples, cultures, and ceremonies that converge in this majestic city is a constant source of inspiration for me. From the grandeur of Central Park to the iconic skyline views from Brooklyn Bridge, I yearn to document the raw emotions, the stolen glances, and the heartfelt connections that make each wedding unique. In this fast-paced metropolis, where dreams are realized and magic dances in every corner, I am ready to capture the intimate stories of love that unfold against this captivating urban tapestry.

Timeless love stories

     As a wedding photographer, I found myself yearning for a new challenge. Over the years, I had mastered the art of capturing the perfect moments that unfold during weddings, from the bride's nervous anticipation to the groom's heartfelt vows. However, I knew that in order to grow as an artist, I needed to venture into uncharted territories. I craved the opportunity to push the boundaries of my creativity and explore different styles and techniques. This yearning for a new challenge led me to seek out unconventional wedding venues, experiment with innovative lighting techniques, and take risks with composition and storytelling. Embracing this new chapter in my career rejuvenated my passion for wedding photography and allowed me to continuously evolve as an artist, ensuring that every couple's special day would be immortalized in the most extraordinary and unique way possible.

Puerto Rico

     I cannot express how deeply grateful and humbled I am to all of the brides and grooms who have wholeheartedly trusted me with the incredibly important task of capturing their extraordinary moments as a Puerto Rico destination wedding photographer. It is truly an honor to be chosen as the one who gets to witness and preserve the pure love, overwhelming joy, and profound happiness that encompass these beautiful couples on their big day. Each wedding, with its own charming uniqueness, presents me with plentiful challenges and remarkable opportunities to unleash my creativity and showcase my true passion for photography. Through these experiences, I am not only able to capture breathtaking images, but I am also able to elevate my skills and evolve into an even better photographer.
     The paradise-like beaches, the awe-inspiring landscapes, and the enchanting beauty of Puerto Rico serve as the picture-perfect canvases that effortlessly complement the genuine emotions and tender moments shared by the couples. This awe-inspiring backdrop allows me to transform their love stories into timeless memories that will be cherished and revered for generations to come. I am forever grateful for the unwavering trust and the utmost confidence that couples place in me to document their once-in-a-lifetime moments. It is an honor that I do not take lightly, and I am fully aware of the responsibility that comes with it. To be entrusted with capturing the most significant and cherished moments of their lives is an indescribable privilege, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their beautiful journeys.

City That Never Sleeps

     I couldn't be more stoked about embarking on this extraordinary journey as a New York City wedding photographer. The thought of capturing the profound love and unforgettable moments on one of life's most significant days fills me with boundless excitement. The energy and vibrant atmosphere of the city provide the perfect backdrop for creating awe-inspiring images that will eternally preserve the joy and celebration of each couple's special day. With every click of my camera, I am eager to frame the love stories that will unfold before me, weaving together emotions, details, and memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Being a witness to the beauty, diversity, and unique love stories that New York City has to offer is a privilege I am wholeheartedly ready to embrace.