How I Used a Hazer and Continuous Lighting to Transform a Photography Shoot

Today, I want to let you in on two powerful tools that transformed my latest shoot: a hazer and a continuous light.

Ingredient #1: The Hazer (Game-Changer for Atmosphere)

Let me be straight with you: a hazer might be the most underrated piece of gear in your kit. I used a professional-grade hazer (linked below) that comes with a remote and accessories, and it completely changed the vibe of the space. Haze adds texture. It adds mystery. And most importantly, it reveals light in ways you just can’t get otherwise.

You’ll see haze catching the light beams, floating in the background, or wrapping around your subject. When used correctly, haze brings out the depth in a photo—especially in neutral-toned studios where the light might otherwise fall flat. Pro tip: try haze with a beige or gray backdrop, and you’ll see magic happen

Ingredient #2: Continuous Light (Control + Cinematic Power)

I used the Neewer CB200 continuous light—a solid performer in this setup. Why continuous light? Because it cuts through haze more effectively than a strobe. Strobes flood the scene with power, but continuous light offers precise, cinematic control. You see the rays form and can compose your image around them.

This type of light lets you plan every shot. I used it alongside the haze to create strong beams that added drama and elegance to every frame

Ingredient #3: The Studio

The studio itself played a supporting role. I chose one with light coming from two directions and sheer curtains that diffused the light just enough. Terracotta tones and a muted color palette helped everything feel grounded while giving space for the subject to shine.

It wasn’t a sterile, all-white studio—which has its place—but a styled space that gave us more story. When building your photography studio, choose a theme. It will help you stand out, and your space becomes part of the brand.

Ingredient #4: Photoshop (Just the Right Touch)

I didn’t rely on Photoshop to fix the shoot—but I did use it to enhance the haze and the beams created by the continuous light. The editing process was about honoring what we captured on camera, not reinventing it.

If you set your shoot up correctly with the right tools, post-production becomes a breeze. That’s exactly what happened here

Ingredient #5: Talent + Creative Direction

I worked with Arman, someone I had photographed before. He’s a kind person, an actor, a musician—and I wanted to age him up a bit for his portfolio. The concept evolved as we dealt with an unexpected storm. We were originally chasing rays of light; we got moody skies and rain. So we pivoted. The mood shifted into something more fantasy-driven, more emotional. And that’s what made the shoot work. Don’t fight what’s in front of you—lean into it and build your story around it.

Bonus Tip: Moodboards Matter

Before the shoot, I shared a one-page mood board. It’s essential. Words like "magical" or "whimsical" can mean a hundred different things. A visual reference eliminates confusion. It aligns your vision with your team. Always use one.

Speaking of which, yesterday I hosted a free workshop on VBA on making the perfect mood board. Seriously, it was free and I’m treating this community like gold because they are the greatest group of creatives, and they deserve it. Join us there if you wish.

Final Thoughts: Why This Matters More Than Ever

AI is improving every day. But what AI can’t do is feel. It can mimic, but it cannot live. Every time you go out and shoot something imaginative, something that breaks your usual routine, you’re building your natural intelligence—your NI.

This is how we win.

Use tools like hazers and continuous light to go deeper. Don’t be afraid to shift directions mid-shoot. And always bring emotion into your work.

If you want help to grow as a photographer—not just with gear, but with pricing, marketing, and creative direction—join my free community, VBA: Visual Business Academy. It’s on Discord, it’s vetted, and it’s free.

Gear Used:

• Neewer CB200 Continuous Light GET IT HERE

• Professional-grade Hazer GET IT HERE

• Photoshop (Post-Production)

• Terracotta-themed studio in Los Angeles