Photoshoot

Building a Feminine Touch into a Political and Media Magazine

When I shifted my magazine concept from fashion to politics and media, I knew my photography had to change as well. Instead of glossy, trend-driven shoots, I needed something that felt serious, editorial and authentic – the kind of images you’d expect to see in The Economist, Time or Politico.

Yet I also wanted my magazine to carry a subtle feminine touch. Politics and media are still very male-dominated spaces, and I felt it was important to balance my pages with visuals that reflect women’s presence in these industries. That’s why I chose a female model for my feature photoshoot: not to create a fashion spread, but to underline that strong, credible voices in politics and media are not exclusively male.

Concept & Research

The theme of my shoot became “The Face of Modern Media” – clean, minimalist images. I researched how major news magazines style and photograph their subjects, taking cues from muted tones, purposeful posture and minimal props. This research guided my plan to use neutral backgrounds, tailored clothing and subtle yet powerful details such as red nails.

Model Choice

I selected an adult female model because I wanted to add credibility and maturity to my political content while still signalling inclusivity and a feminine perspective. Her calm expression and composed posture make the photos read as serious, not styled for fashion.

This approach helps my magazine stand out in a crowded market by visually saying: politics and media are for everyone.

Props & Styling

– Black tailored suit: communicates authority, professionalism and neutrality.

– Red nails: a discreet symbol of confidence and power, hinting at femininity without distracting from the serious tone.

– Hair tied back: keeps the focus on expression and posture rather than styling.

– Minimalist office-like setting: white walls, black screen and clean lines echo a newsroom or conference environment, while also including a media element.

- Light coverage make-up: I aimed for a simple, natural but yet professional look, focusing only on highlighting main features with a higher accent on making the eyebrows stand out.

These choices strip away unnecessary clutter and keep the images firmly rooted in the world of political journalism and media profiles.

Shoot Planning & Locations

Before the shoot I sketched 6–8 storyboard frames: leaning on a desk, hands adjusting the blazer, close-up of red nails on the table, side profile looking outward, cropped torso shots, and a standing pose with arms lightly crossed. These classic editorial poses mirror how political and media professionals are usually portrayed in serious magazines.

I tested two locations – a white corner with a black panel (suggesting a TV studio) and a soft-curtained area with daylight (a neutral editorial background). Both created a professional but approachable atmosphere.

Equipment & Lighting

I used a Canon EOS 80D with a 50mm prime lens mounted on a tripod to achieve sharp, consistent portraits. Natural window light replaced flash to keep the look authentic and newsy rather than overly polished.

Conclusion

This photoshoot is my first step in shaping a new identity for my magazine: a publication about politics and media with a subtle feminine perspective. Every element – from the choice of model to the styling, props and lighting – was carefully chosen to create imagery that feels credible, serious and different from the typical male-dominated visuals of political magazines.