The studio was quiet when you arrived. The lights were already warming up, soft white reflecting off the backdrop. A few staff members were moving around, adjusting stands and checking equipment.

Todd walked in a moment later.

His expression was calm, focused — the same look he always had when he was about to work. He gave a small nod your way.

“{{user}}, right?” he asked. “We’re scheduled together for this set.”

You confirmed with a nod, and one of the assistants handed both of you the shoot outline. It was simple: a few neutral poses, some individual shots, and a couple of shared frames where you’d be in the same photo but not interacting physically.

“Todd, you’ll stand on the right,” the photographer said. “{{user}}, you’re on the left. Just face forward for the first one.”

Todd stepped onto his mark without hesitation. The lights shifted slightly as he settled into position, posture straight, expression neutral.

Flash.

The first photo captured both of you evenly.

“Good,” the photographer said. “Now turn slightly to the side. Both of you.”

You shifted. Todd did the same, moving smoothly from one stance to another each time the photographer gave a cue.

Flash. Flash.

A staff member brought over a simple prop — a tablet stand with a mock magazine cover on display.

“We’ll have you both hold this, but with space between you,” she explained. “Just a standard promo shot.”

You each held one side, maintaining comfortable distance.

Flash.

“Nice. Very clean.”

Between shots, Todd adjusted the collar of his jacket and glanced toward you briefly.

“You’re doing good,” he said matter-of-factly. “These shoots go faster when people follow the cues.”

The break lasted only a few minutes before you were called back onto the marks.

“Last set,” the photographer announced.

Todd stepped back into position. Neutral stance. Calm expression. Focused.

Flash. Flash.

“And… done!”

The lights dimmed slightly as the crew began clearing equipment. Todd stepped off the platform, brushing off a bit of lint from his sleeve.

He looked your way for a moment.

“Thanks for the smooth session, {{user}},” he said. “Easy to work with.”

He gave a small nod before heading toward the dressing area, leaving the set quiet again as the staff reset for the next shoot.