Julie Powell is a photographer, writer and educator, offers unique photographic opportunities and inspirational ideas to help YOU become the photographer you wish to be.
The Greatest Show
Burlesque-inspired vintage circus vibes, moody lighting, and creative collaboration in the studio.
Welcome to The Greatest Show — a behind-the-scenes look at a creative test shoot with the stunning Jolie, who brought not only her talent as a model but also her exceptional skills as a hair and makeup artist. This session was all about exploring a vintage circus aesthetic, inspired by The Greatest Showman, with a touch of burlesque glamour.
We kept things simple but dramatic with our lighting setup: one softbox for soft, even light and a second light fitted with barn doors to control highlights and shadows. We even played with silhouettes by placing Jolie in front of a black backdrop with light spilling from behind, creating bold, moody frames with striking visual impact. For some shots, we used the barn doors to gently illuminate her face while still keeping that rich, shadowy feel.
What made this shoot so special was the collaboration. Jolie and I worked together closely throughout — reviewing images, exchanging ideas, and shaping the flow of the session together. It’s that creative give-and-take that often leads to magic in the studio.
