Steve Roe

With mornings getting cooler and the seasons changing, those of us who love moodier shots are gearing up. We’re hoping for morning mist, rain-soaked trees, fallen leaves, and outfits and poses to match.

I’m very excited because it’s that time of year again, autumn! And I don’t think I’m alone either, photographers everywhere are already gearing up for the golden tones of fall, scoping out new spots or planning to revisit old favourites.

Double exposure portraits have always fascinated me, the craftsmanship of precisely weaving two frames together and pushing the boundaries of what photography can achieve. The artistic styles that can be created allow photographers to tell stories in more dynamic ways, to show multiple emotions, and to blend colours and textures into something completely new.

Are you thinking about setting up your own portrait studio? It’s an exciting step, but I know how overwhelming it can look at first. When you see pictures of professional studios packed with lights, stands, and all sorts of portrait photography accessories you can’t even name, it can feel mind-blowing. I still remember stepping into a studio for the very first time. It was intimidating, not just because I was worried about breaking something, but because I had no idea where to start with all the equipment in front of me.

There are a few conditions that almost feel like photography on easy mode: rainy nights, foggy mornings, and golden hour. Each of them brings its own mood, atmosphere, and colours that make shooting a pleasure. Rainy nights and foggy mornings have always been the backbone of my work, giving me that sombre and cinematic feel I love to work with.

There are tried and tested methods in photography that simply look pleasing to the eye. Even someone who has never studied photography or had any real interest in it will still find certain photos more appealing than others, even if they can’t explain why. That’s because these techniques create balance and naturally guide the viewer’s attention to the right places in the frame.