Reconnecting with Mighty Earthling in Philadelphia: Our First Natural Light Shoot

During a creative week in Philadelphia, I reunited with Mighty Earthling for our first-ever natural light shoot. After years of experimenting with multi-light setups, this session shifted toward a softer, subtler approach with a deeper creative intention. What began as a minimalist portrait session unfolded into a dynamic exploration of shape, emotion, and redscale tones, all set within a sculptural Airbnb that felt like a collaborator.

This past week, I had the opportunity to reconnect and shoot with Mighty Earthling while she was visiting Philadelphia. We’ve collaborated multiple times over the years, and our sessions have always leaned toward the conceptual and experimental—light painting, water and prism effects, reflective Mylar, layered lighting setups, and bold color washes. We’ve pushed creative boundaries together, usually in controlled studio settings with multiple strobes and backdrops.

However, this shoot was different. It marked a few firsts for us. Not only had it been over a year since we last collaborated (our previous session was in 2023), but this was also our first time working solely with natural light. It felt like a reflection of how much my process and style have evolved over the past year.

I spent the last year refining my approach, moving away from heavy setups and embracing a more intuitive, stripped-down process that prioritizes mood, light, and connection. This evolution also came with a shift in tools. For this shoot, I brought two Fujifilm X-T5 bodies and my X100VI, all loaded with custom film-style simulations inspired by analog stocks: Portra 800, Ilford HP5+, Kodak Tri-X, Redscale, Agfa Color, expired film, B&W Superia, and more.

In terms of lenses, I rotated between four primes on the X-T5 bodies: the 90mm f/2 for intimate compression and emotional portraits, the 50mm f/1 for dreamy cinematic depth, the 35mm f/1.4 for storytelling environmental frames, and the 33mm f/1.4 for balanced, crisp shots with a modern feel. Each lens provided a unique perspective on the sculptural space, allowing me to respond fluidly to the shifting light and creative energy.

The timing worked out unexpectedly well. My son was visiting my mom in D.C. that week, which allowed me to base myself closer to Philadelphia. I took a smooth two-hour train ride from Union Station in D.C., which gave me time to prepare and reset. I had also found a unique Airbnb called The Sculptor—a minimalist, art-forward space designed around shape, texture, and natural light. It felt like stepping into a living installation, and I knew it would be perfect for our creative endeavor.

We began the day slowly, enjoying coffee and breakfast sandwiches from a nearby café, followed by an unhurried conversation about life, creative work, and current projects. Mighty Earthling shared updates on her short film and artistic vision, and I shared what I’ve been learning through my recent work with natural light and the creative collaborations shaping my year. These catch-ups are just as valuable to me as the shoots—they lay the groundwork for trust, connection, and mutual flow.

We kicked things off with the Portra 800 preset—soft and warm, perfect for the cloudy, overcast light pouring gently through the large windows. Mighty Earthling moved effortlessly in the space, and I focused on drawing out subtle textures and tones using the 50mm and 33mm lenses.

Next, we switched to Kodak Tri-X, bringing in bolder contrast and rich shadows. Then we moved to the timeless grain of Ilford HP5+, followed by the Redscale preset, which completely transformed the energy of the shoot. I switched to the 90mm f/2 for this portion to compress the frame and isolate those deep red and burnt orange tones. The results were electric. Every frame felt surreal, emotional, and cinematic. At one point, we paused to review the shots and realized we had entered a completely different visual world. It was hard to stop.

Although we started with a clear vision—natural, ambient, minimalist—the shoot naturally evolved into something more layered and exploratory. We found ourselves returning to our roots, playing with the geometric shapes and sculptural elements of the space. We used mirrors and negative space to compose visually compelling frames. Airbnb itself became an active collaborator.

We wrapped up the session in one of the more intimate corners of the space, where movement was limited. For this final set, I used the Fujifilm X100VI exclusively. Its compact form and fixed 23mm f/2 lens were perfect for navigating the tighter environment. It allowed me to get close, stay light, and focus entirely on connection and expression. The emotive close-ups we captured there—raw, quiet, and honest—are among my favorite frames from the day.

Spending the day with Mighty Earthling was everything I needed creatively—recharging, collaborative, and full of discovery. I always appreciate working with artists open to trying new things, pushing boundaries, and providing honest feedback. It brings so much depth to the process.

Getting back to the train station wasn’t ideal—traffic was at a standstill, and I ended up walking the last mile with all my gear—but I didn’t mind. I was still buzzing from the shoot and eager to review the images.

I’m excited to share what we created. Hopefully, we can showcase the results soon!

-Andrew