top of page

NYC photographer adventures | 9. Lindsay Adler’s Fashion Photography Workshop Made a Dream Come True

Writer's picture: Vikó SpeierVikó Speier

Dancer jumping professional photographer New York Brooklyn Bridge Park by Vikó Speier

The mix of jetlag and excitement kept me wide awake in the early morning hours. I was about to experience one of the most defining days of my photography career—traveling all the way to New York to learn from my favorite world-class Fashion & Beauty Photographer and Educator, Lindsay Adler, after years of anticipation. Four years earlier, on the day I submitted my thesis, I was riding the bus to work when I saw a limited-edition ballet print on Lindsay Adler's Instagram. The harmony in every detail of that image captivated me. I used my last university scholarship saving to purchase the print, which quickly became a symbol of significance. That artistic piece gave me strength during a time when I was deciding whether to leave the corporate world behind and fully commit to building my photography business.


Lindsay Adler's dancer print on my wall (2019) & her studio in Jersey City (2023)


About to Enter Photography Heaven


Back to the early morning: I thought about these moments as I rode the New York subway toward Jersey City, on my way to Lindsay Adler’s Studio Experience workshop. Determined not to be late by even a second, I arrived nearly an hour early as a precaution, knowing that I tend to get lost easily. This gave me time for a relaxed breakfast at a nearby Dunkin’ Donuts, and even the pouring rain couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. Feeling a little uncertain, I stepped into the building that seemed like a maze, but when I saw the branded doormat - Americans do pay incredible attention to these kinds of details - I was reassured I was in the right place. I took a deep breath before opening the door, not yet realizing the grand creative space that would unfold in front of me. The sight was like something from a movie, with more photo backdrop rolls lined up against the wall than I have socks in my drawer back home.


Golden lights combined with a start filter - Models: MaryBeth on the left & Ashley on the right

(OM SYSTEM OM-5 + OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 II PRO és OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.2 PRO)


The Only European Among Professional Photographer Giants


As I walked into this Hollywood-like setting, Lindsay greeted me right away, making sure I felt comfortable. I even found out that she had visited Hungary, specifically Budapest before. While chatting with the other participants – who had brought their photography gear in huge suitcases – it became clear that I was the only non-American. The Eastern European underdog feeling began to bubble up inside me, but at the same time, I proudly unpacked my much smaller OM SYSTEM camera and lenses. Their stylish design immediately caught the attention of the others and this turned out to be a great conversation starter.


Playing around with soft lights and Lindsay's Optical Spot - Model: Ashley

(OM SYSTEM OM-5 + OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 II PRO és OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.2 PRO)


Perfect Fashion Photos Crafted by an Outstanding Team


The workshop’s program promised to be intense, with three models and six different outfits to shoot throughout the day. Lindsay guided us through the mood boards and lighting techniques at the beginning of both the morning and afternoon sessions, providing starting points, but we were all given creative freedom. Each participant had 20 minutes at each station to bring their vision to life. The models were incredible, maintaining their flawless performance even during the last set of the day. Of course, this was thanks to the full support of the team, who did immaculate work on the hair and makeup, while the stylist put together breathtaking outfits for the ladies in various styles. The assistants also impressed me, anticipating every need, adjusting the lights to our preferences, and even offering advice.


Dramatic red scenes (Models: MaryBeth on the left & Renata on the right)

(OM SYSTEM OM-5 + OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 II PRO és OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.2 PRO)


Good Lights, Good Vibes


During the first model shoot, I was a bit overwhelmed because it’s not every day I get to compose the images of my life with such a large team supporting me. At first, I felt the pressure of the attention and the world-class environment, but gradually, as I let in the kindness, I began to focus on the subject and started to get into the groove. I particularly enjoyed playing with the colorful lights and optical spots with gobos, using them to project exciting patterns onto the background and the models. My favorite accessory was, without a doubt, the star filter, which I purchased at Lindsay’s suggestion a few days before the workshop at B&H in New York – the biggest photography store I’ve ever been to. It wouldn’t have taken much thought to put together a wish list that could have cost as much as a new car.


Night Queen inspired style created with a start filter, optical spots and gels (Model: Renata) (OM SYSTEM OM-5 + OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 II PRO és OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.2 PRO)


The Competitive Pace of New York as a Driving Force


By the end of the day, everyone was pleasantly tired, and it was exciting to check out each other’s photos and see how many different approaches we had taken with the same "ingredients." Lindsay gave constructive and encouraging feedback on everyone’s work. What stuck with me the most was when she said she especially liked my intentionality, which showed in how I moved on to the next setup once I had fine-tuned a shot to harmonize in every detail, rather than clicking away unnecessarily. This was a reassuring confirmation that I’m on the right track, and even more so, that if I want to be among the best, there’s no doubt that I need to learn from the best. This fashion photography workshop opened up new horizons for me, raising the bar even higher in my mind regarding where I want to belong in the professional photography world. After 2023, my journey continues this year as well, as I’m returning to New York soon to learn more secrets from the Queen of Light herself, Lindsay Adler throughout her 3-day Fashion Intensive workshop.


Behind the scenes from Lindsay Adler's Studio Experience workshop in Jersey City


If you're interested in reading similar New York photographer (and personal) stories, below you can dive into the previously published episodes! Follow my upcoming photography tour to the US on Instagram and Facebook for more behind the scenes content! :)


Creative team:

Production: Lindsay Adler

Hair: Linh Nguyen 

Makeup: Joanne Gair 

 

Find out more about:

  • Creative & business portrait photography sessions here.

  • Online dating portfolio / fashion photography sessions here.

  • Glamour / boudoir / nude art photography sessions here.

  • Personalized gift card and photoshooting packages here.

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Be the first to know!

Thanks for subscribing!

bottom of page