Illuminate Promo Photoshoot with Create Art Together

cat burton of create art together poses in front of pink and red gelled lights for a test shot in opya studio

Theatrical fashion, dramatic light, and a whole lot of creativity

When Cat Burton of Create Art Together approached me about photographing a promotional shoot for their upcoming fashion show, I knew immediately this would be a project worth pouring my heart—and lighting knowledge—into. Cat is the creative force behind the production company, and when she shared the concept for Illuminate: All the World's a Stage, I was all in.

The fashion show, set to take place on August 27 in Downtown Pittsburgh, is all about self-expression and theatrical fashion. As Cat described it, "every outfit, every accessory, and every detail serves as a canvas for self-expression." The shoot needed to match that vision. We wanted bold silhouettes, rich color, and an emphasis on character. The inspiration board was full of drama, gelled lights, sharp contrast, and spotlight moments. Technically challenging? Absolutely. But that’s part of the fun.

We staged the shoot at Opya Studios in the Southside. I designed a lighting setup that allowed us to carve the models out of color-drenched backdrops using shadows and spotlights. Each model was assigned a unique color story for their set:
– Jaidin Broody-Walega: purple and pink
– Jaden Gales: red and orange
– John Eastman: green and yellow
– Gabrielle Johnson: blue and teal

Dressed entirely in black, the models brought their own personalities and character work to the set. Each embraced a persona and let that identity shine through their posing and outfit choices. With a theme like All the World's a Stage, it was only fitting that each person became a living, breathing character.

model poses against a white backdrop and is color drenched in purple and pink gelled studio light. she is wearing all black including black gloves and is posed with her hand above her head

a model dressed in all black looks down at his watch and is illuminated in orange and red lighting in a photo studio

Big thanks to Lexi Wright and Desiree (of Nuehuman) for assisting with production. This shoot wouldn’t have flowed nearly as smoothly without them behind the scenes.

From start to finish, this project was an electrifying blend of technical skill and artistic play. I’m honored to have contributed visuals that match the bold vision Cat and the Create Art Together team dreamed up. If this shoot is any indication, Illuminate is going to be a night to remember.

Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes on Instagram, and don’t miss the show on August 27 at Frankie Pace Park!