Photo Assignment #6: Environmental Portrait

Isabella Rickel (right), a junior at Southern Methodist University, attends a philanthropy event she co-hosted with her mother in Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. © 2025 Tessa Trivax

Photographing Isabella Rickel for my environmental portrait at her charity event in Los Angeles let me blend my photo with storytelling. I wanted the image to feel natural and genuine, showing Isabella in the space where her impact was visible. The venue was not super bright, filled with greenery and soft lighting, which worked perfectly to highlight her personality and the purpose of the event. I positioned her near the main entrance, where the background included guests and decor that represented her work in philanthropy.

I focused on maintaining authenticity. The photo has a soft, golden tone that complemented the warm atmosphere of the event. I adjusted my angle slightly lower than eye level to give Isabella a sense of presence and confidence within the frame. The composition followed the rule of thirds, placing her off-center to balance her against the vibrant environment rather than isolating her from it.

Throughout taking the photographs, I paid attention to her interactions with guests. Those candid moments, her smile while greeting donors, the quick laugh she shared with her mother, captured the sincerity behind her work. I took both posed and spontaneous shots, aiming for a mix that reflected her leadership and approachability. The environmental setting helped tell that story better than a studio ever could.

In post-editing, I enhanced the lighting slightly to bring out the natural tones and kept the color grading subtle to keep realism. The final portrait feels both personal and professional. It shows Isabella as more than a subject, it presents her as part of a larger moment, defined by purpose, kindness, and community.