A Stunning Lakeside Shoot with the Godox Pro100: My New Favorite Flash
There’s something really amazing about shooting outdoors near water, especially at night when it feels so still and amazing!
I recently went out to Utah Lake for a portrait shoot, and it was the perfect chance to finally test out my new Godox Pro100. And I’m obsessed.
Lilian, my model was someone I met at the Park City Fashion Week Fashion Show. She’s so gorgeous, graceful, and genuinely one of the sweetest people I’ve worked with. Lilian and I styled her look together using a mix of pieces we both already owned and loved. I always have so much fun texting outfit ideas and swapping inspiration photos, it’s like a creative puzzle coming together. For this shoot, I wanted a look that would really stand out against the calm, peaceful backdrop of the lake. So we went with a bold combo: a blazer (Then swapped for a leather jacket), Lilian’s killer black boots, her stunning silver belt, and my sheer skirt and tights. I loved how it all came together, it had just the right edge and contrast. And to complete the look we were joined by the incredibly talented Ellie Gadalla on makeup, who gave us a timeless glam that looked amazing against the moody sky. We all talked about locations together and settled on this perfect location by Utah Lake!
We all tossed around location ideas, but once we landed on Utah Lake, it just felt perfect. It was pretty chilly, so props to Lilian for powering though it. But it was a dreamy overcast night in the best possible way. We started with the soft natural light just before sunset. But then I was so excited to get out my flash and red gel!
The Godox Pro100 is tiny. Like, “barely-bigger-than-a-soup-can” tiny, but it’s so powerful! I held off on buying it until I found a sale (because it’s definitely a splurge), but it’s been so worth it. Once the sun dropped and blue hour hit, I fired it up and fell in love. I usually hovered between 1/30 and 1/16 power depending on the light and distance, and of course just loved loved loved that red gel! I love shoots like this where I just get to play around and be creative, this is why I love fashion photography!
As an Utah portrait photographer who’s constantly shooting on location, having a flash that’s this compact and powerful is such a win. No more fumbling for AA batteries, just toss it in the bag, fully charged, and go.
What I’m really learning through shoots like this is which tools work for me, and when and how to use them. Photography gear can get overwhelming and complicated, but bit by bit, I’m figuring out what actually fits my style and makes my process smoother.
This shoot was so much fun, we got some amazing images that I’m so proud of and I feel like I’m learning how to shape light, use contrast, and lean into creative decisions that feel intuitive. Every time I try something new, I learn a little more about what I like, what I need, and what helps me bring a vision to life. It’s a constant process but I love it so much!
