A Storytelling Photoshoot in Black and White

I feel like going for that high-end fashion look is what I want but still keeping it lifestyle. If I can combine the two, something can collide and become great.

Peng Yang

As Peng Yang quickly adjusts his camera lens and tests some angles, the sun’s rays seem to grow longer through the studio’s large grid windows; he only had an hour to shoot.   

The 28-year-old set up a cool, gray seamless backdrop where the natural, outside lighting nimbly settled on. Yang walks around and observes the scene while glancing at his mood board where he saved photos to keep him on track with the theme of the photoshoot.  

“I was inspired by black and white and was going for something more sexy and edgy,” says Yang. 

Yang shot and directed one of his first and few high-end fashion photoshoots named ‘Noir & Blanche Series 2’ as his return after taking a small break. This is a new concept that Yang felt could challenge his aesthetic and eventually add it as another feat.  

“Some of the photographers that I have collaborated with have been doing very edgy vibes, and I feel like, for some reason, being involved in it makes me want to do it as well too,” Yang explains. 

Yang, born in California and raised in Minnesota, began his photography journey a few years back after getting the perfect shot of oranges during a picnic-style photoshoot. 

“Every shot that I got was literally what I wanted even though it felt new to me,” Yang says as he reminiscences, “I don’t know maybe it was just good lighting that day.” 

The excitement of creating and directing grew on Yang which led him to pursue photography full-time since July of 2021.  

“In order to know that I was able to do photography, I have to take in full control of everything,” Yang says. 

Yang’s work captures portraits in a lifestyle perspective mixed with a cinematic point to create moody, personable, and storytelling visuals. 

The ‘Noir & Blanche Series 2’ idea was first inspired by a photographer by the name of Henry Flaming from Germany who Yang has been following for over a year now on Instagram (@flamingspics). The tones of Flaming’s moody artwork helped influence Yang’s projects.  

Yang got to work and created the mood board on Pinterest which consisted of Vogue-inspired black and white tones, sharp silhouettes, and classy-yet-sexy visuals. Flaming’s work encouraged Yang to add his own lifestyle aspect into the shoot. Once Yang was set on the idea, he envisioned a model who he felt could deliver, a 19-year-old Micky Siphakaykham. 

When time at the studio began running, Siphakaykham showed strong engagement with sharp facials, effortless posing and completed the shoot in 30 minutes. She was present in a black, chic bikini paired with an oversized black blazer and faux leather pointed heels.  

Siphakaykham said that a model’s contribution is important when they are looked at as an influence. Fashion is key to her when delivering a message.  

“In photoshoots, we aim for vibes and emotions. For this photoshoot, we are showing sensual, black and white, and simple which adds more meaning to it,” Siphakaykham said.  

Yang doesn’t have much experience in makeup or styling yet, and as a one-man team, it is tough to juggle it all. Despite not having those qualities, Yang is still confident in what he wants. Yang aided Siphakaykham in styling her wardrobe for the shoot by describing his vision and what may go well with it.  

To enhance Yang’s ideas, Siphakaykham made the official decisions over what kind of makeup look to go for and what pieces she was going to wear. She described her choices of natural makeup, emphasizing the shape of her lips, and considering the heavy black and white theme. 

“I made sure I felt good to look good,” Siphakaykham explains optimistically, “I think I looked pretty fresh in the photoshoot.” 

Yang emphasizes how important it is to be fully prepared on his part. He said that most of the time, he works under a set time or a deadline. In order to get the perfect shot, he must know his exact angles and what he must do to achieve them.  

“Getting a list of the poses is an ideal thing to do, so you don’t miss a shot,” Yang says, “Knowing that it is only an hour shoot, I really have to make sure I get all the shots I need.” 

Not only does Yang expect responsibility on his part, but he also sent something like homework to Siphakaykham. 

“Whenever he knows he wants something, he knows how he wants it done,” says Siphakaykham. 

Yang believes that communication within the team is the best way to execute his vision. He relays his ideas and practices communication with everyone involved to produce better results. 

“He focuses on the details, and he also tells me what he’s doing so I’m not confused,” Siphakaykham explains. 

Originally, the shoot was planned to happen at night with one-source artificial lighting. However, due to a slight change in plans, Yang had to improvise and shoot at a different studio which caused an alter with the light source. Yang settled with natural lighting. 

“I was scared about how it would turn out because it’s a whole new concept now. It literally changed,” Yang describes. 

When time ran out at the studio, Yang wrapped up the shoot feeling confident in the portraits he captured. He reflected on the last-minute changes.  

“It was almost everything that I wanted,” Yang added, “I’m still stunned with how well she performed.” 

Siphakaykham explains that modeling isn’t an official job for her, and she does it on the side as she is still a student. However, the natural talent of Siphakaykham pulled through with Yang’s direction and created the sense of a story.  

Thanks to Yang’s support, Siphakaykham felt comfortable in her element to perform as she did.  

“It’s been a while since I did a photoshoot, but I was really surprised that I carried the confidence that I had,” Siphakaykham says.  

The official set consisted of 59 photos that Yang picked out. Yang, with the graceful help of Siphakaykham, portrayed a women’s silhouette outlined in black and white. From a wide-angle shot to the close-ups, Yang expresses the feelings of poise to voluptuary. The lighting displays when the moment is intimate or unpredictable. Siphakaykham is responsible for putting together the pieces of the puzzle, and she does so in magnifying and completing Yang’s innovation.  

“She did her part. I did my part, and it came out to the way that it should be,” Yang said.  

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