How We Create Editorial-Style Portraits That Still Feel Like You
There’s a fine line between being beautifully composed — and overly posed.
Our clients want portraits that feel timeless and elevated, but never stiff. They want to look like themselves, but on their best day. And they want their photos to feel real, even if they wouldn’t call themselves “camera people.”
That’s where editorial-style portraiture meets emotional storytelling.
At ZAAN YI, our portrait approach is guided, never forced. It’s thoughtful. Fluid. And always rooted in who you are — not who you’re pretending to be.
Direction, Not Posing
We won’t place you in a rigid position and tell you to smile. Instead, we set the scene, guide your movement, and let the interaction evolve.
A glance over the shoulder instead of a full turn
A pause before walking instead of a full pose reset
A gentle prompt, like “Hold here for a second — this light is perfect”
It’s artful. It’s intentional. And it results in portraits that feel as natural as they are composed.
Lighting and Composition Carry the Elegance
Editorial images are built on structure. We pay close attention to how light falls, how your silhouettes interact, how the space around you tells part of the story.
Whether we’re shooting in the marble corridors of The Art Institute or in the gardens of a private estate, our goal is to create a frame that feels cinematic — without pulling you out of the moment.
You Don’t Have to Perform
Some of our favorite images happen when the couple stops trying to “look good,” and just… exists.
We believe your confidence comes from comfort, not choreography. That’s why we create space — emotionally and physically — for you to relax. We’ll guide gently, keep the energy grounded, and let you move in a way that feels honest.
You don’t need to model. You just need to be — and we’ll do the rest.