How I Built a Soccer Stadium in My Tiny Times Square Studio
Every now and then, an idea gets stuck in my head and refuses to leave.
This FIFA-inspired fashion photoshoot was one of those ideas.
Long before I picked up a camera, I knew exactly how I wanted this project to feel. With the excitement of the FIFA tournament everywhere, I wanted to create a fashion editorial inspired by football culture while staying true to my own style as a photographer.
So I started where I always start: with mood boards.
Planning Every Detail
Once I had the concept, I began planning every element of the photoshoot.
I sourced outfits for the models, selected jewelry and accessories, found goalkeeper gloves, ordered soccer balls, purchased artificial grass, and even tracked down a soccer net that would later become one of the key props in the images.
I wanted every detail to contribute to the story.
Rather than simply photographing people holding soccer balls, I wanted to create an environment that felt immersive and intentional.
Creating the Backdrop
Part of my vision involved a custom gradient backdrop that would help create the atmosphere I was looking for.
Since I couldn't find exactly what I wanted, I decided to create it myself.
A friend helped me bring the idea to life, and together we spent three separate days painting and refining the backdrop until it finally matched the vision I had in mind.
We finished it just in time for the photoshoot.
An Unexpected Challenge
A few days before the session, our hair and makeup artist was no longer able to attend.
Creative projects rarely go exactly as planned.
Instead of canceling the shoot, I adapted.
I ended up doing the models' basic makeup, applying eyelashes, styling their hair, doing their nails, selecting accessories, and making final wardrobe adjustments myself.
It wasn't part of the original plan, but sometimes bringing a creative vision to life means wearing more hats than expected.
Turning the Studio Into a Stadium
On the day of the photoshoot, I arrived early to prepare the studio.
My friend Vera joined me as an assistant for the session, and together we started transforming the space.
We rolled out the artificial grass, positioned the soccer net, tested different lighting setups, arranged props, and made final adjustments before the models arrived.
Slowly, the empty studio started looking less like a studio and more like the stadium I had imagined weeks earlier.
Photoshoot Day
Once everything was ready, it was finally time to create.
One model incorporated Team USA elements while the other represented Team Mexico, adding another layer to the concept.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this project was that it pushed me outside my comfort zone.
Despite photographing thousands of people throughout my career, I had never really explored sports-inspired portraiture before. This was my first opportunity to experiment with that world while still approaching it through a fashion and editorial lens.
Throughout the session, all images were captured directly into Capture One and synced to my iPad, allowing us to review photographs in real time and make adjustments as we worked.
I experimented with different compositions, unusual camera angles, foreground elements, and creative techniques.
I photographed through the soccer net, used a fog machine to add atmosphere, and incorporated several Prism Lens FX filters, including a ghost filter that created movement and layered visual effects.
Some of my favorite images came from simply experimenting and allowing myself to try ideas that felt a little unconventional.
Seeing the Final Images
When I finally sat down to review the photographs, I was honestly thrilled with the results.
What started as a simple idea inspired by the FIFA tournament had turned into one of my favorite creative projects of the year.
More importantly, it reminded me why I love personal creative work so much.
It pushes me to learn new skills, solve unexpected problems, step outside my comfort zone, and continue growing as an artist.
Looking at the final images, I can confidently say that every hour of planning, painting, styling, problem-solving, and experimenting was worth it.
And yes — I would absolutely build a soccer stadium in my tiny studio all over again.
Interested in Creating Something Unique?
Creative projects like this FIFA-inspired fashion editorial are one of my favorite parts of being a photographer.
I love taking an idea, no matter how simple or ambitious, and turning it into a fully realized photoshoot through planning, styling, set design, lighting, and creative problem-solving.
Whether you're a brand looking for custom visual content, a model wanting to create something unique for your portfolio, or simply someone with an idea you'd love to bring to life, I'd be happy to help.
I specialize in creative studio photography and work with both brands and private clients to create custom photoshoots tailored to their vision.
If you have an idea you'd like to explore—or if you'd like help developing one from scratch—feel free to reach out. I'd love to hear about your project and help bring it to life.