Chinatown Charisma: Ben’s Portrait Session
Shot in the heart of Chinatown, NYC, this dating profile session with Ben was all about blending charm, confidence, and character. From street murals and vintage storefronts to bubble tea breaks and bold pops of color, the neighborhood brought texture and life to every frame. What started as a casual walk turned into a vibrant editorial story that reflects Ben’s personality with warmth, humor, and style.
The Brief
Ben came to me for his very first portrait session, a set of images that would feel true to him and stand out on dating platforms. His goal? Show confidence, style, and a sense of humor… without trying too hard.
The Process
When we met, Ben was understandably shy, new to being photographed, unsure how to pose, and not entirely sold on how much personality should go into a dating profile. So, we started with a walk through Chinatown. No pressure. No posing.
As we talked about dating apps and what kind of person he hoped to meet, we shaped a concept together: photos that don’t feel like dating photos. Real, upbeat, playful. Honest, but elevated. That changed the whole mood.
I guided him gently into scenes that fit the theme — quirky storefronts, bubble tea on a stoop, leaning against bold red walls, and Chinatown murals. The moment he jumped off a curb in the middle of the street, we both knew we’d hit our stride.
The Technical Side
The session took place between 4:30 and 5:00 PM on a sunny afternoon, which meant navigating deep shadows and sharp contrasts in the narrow streets of Chinatown. To maintain a natural look while balancing light across varied environments, I used a handheld strobe as a soft fill-in. This approach allowed me to preserve ambient character and street texture while keeping Ben well-lit, expressive, and true to tone across all scenes.
The Outcome
The final images show Ben at his most relaxed and expressive — joyful, grounded, and totally himself. Exactly what we aimed for.
