Modeling Mental Health Photography Workshop Recap

On Saturday, April 13, 2024, I pulled up to GrayScale Studios in Jersey City for the Modeling Mental Health photography workshop. The event was put together by Diana Ortiz, also known as The Model Nurse, and Vera Melissa Photography. The studio, co-owned by @Jacklynlune.photos, was the perfect spot for a creative day of shooting and connecting with other photographers.

The energy in the room was great from the start. You could tell everyone was excited to be there and ready to work. Each set had its own vibe, so there was always something new to shoot and experiment with. It was one of those days where you just get in the zone and start trying different lighting setups, angles, and ideas.

The models included @the.model.nurse, @morgggan, and @lay.light, with hair by @gracearrogante and outfits styled by @shrugsandhisses. Everyone brought their own style and personality, which made the shoots flow naturally.

There were over ten photographers in the workshop, all sharing tips, helping each other out, and trading ideas. It was cool seeing how everyone approached the same setup differently. We spent a few hours rotating through sets, experimenting with strobes and continuous light, and just learning from one another.

By the end of the day, I walked out with some solid shots, new connections, and a lot of inspiration. Workshops like this remind me why I love photography—it’s not just about the pictures, it’s about the people you meet and the creative energy that comes from working together.

For gear, I used my Canon EOS R6 with the RF 28-70mm f/2 and 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses. I also brought my Canon 80D with the 50mm f/1.8 as backup.

If you want to see more behind-the-scenes clips and photos from the day, check out my Instagram: @ant_greene and @greenehousephotos.