Aaron Pegg photo of a model at night, looking off camera
Evening Beauty. “This was one of the first shots of the evening. I placed Jada between a store front window (on her right side) and a food cart (which is to her left) and I was able to get enough light on her face and clothing to produce this shot. I just placed her closer or farther away from these two ambient light sources until I achieved the desired look you see here. Knowing that I could achieve this at night, with no additional strobes made me very happy,” explains Aaron.

New York City–based Aaron Pegg recently had the opportunity to photograph a model using the retro-styled Nikon full-frame/FX format Z f mirrorless camera and the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena lens. Wanting to challenge himself, Aaron came up with a scenario that would test the camera’s low-light capabilities while utilizing the stunning bokeh the Plena is known for.

This was my first night shoot and I wanted to challenge myself to photograph a dark-haired subject with the quintessential New York all black outfit.

The story behind the imagery is about a young lady headed out for the evening in NYC. Aaron notes: “I knew the Plena’s circular bokeh and the Z f’s low-light capabilities would be perfect to capture these moments!”

The Z f with its retro design has been Aaron’s go-to camera choice as of late. The Eye-detection autofocus has been quite beneficial for Aaron, who often shoots in low-light conditions. “I feel like it’s very rare now that I am missing focus on a portrait,” he explains, adding, “The low-light capabilities have made it so much easier to photograph subjects in the subway and at night!” 

Aaron Pegg photo of a model at night, on the street, partly lit by pink neon
Gotham Pink. “While we were walking around Soho, I noticed a restaurant with a neon pink sign casting pink light. I thought this could be a great way to add some fun and pop of color in the image while adding to the story of Jada’s night out in NYC. So, I placed Jada under the light but it washed over her entire face, but I loved the pink lighting on her leather jacket, so I decided to place the strobe on the right side of her face so that the pink neon acted more like a side light while leaving her natural skin tone,” notes Aaron.

A Touch of Light

“Knowing that the 135mm Plena lens was going to produce some beautiful big circular bokeh, I needed to find a location in NYC that had a lot of lights in the scene and some great ‘available light’ or ambient light that I could use to light my subject,” Aaron explains. So, he searched out locations where he’d be able to use available light from a store front or food cart along with one strobe that he used to shape the lighting.

In a few of the images from the shoot, I used ambient lighting. However, for most of the images, I used a strobe with a larger softbox. The key to these images was to make the lighting feel more natural and make it feel like Jada (the model) was lit by more practical lighting in the scene, like the car headlights or lights from a store front. In order to achieve these, I had my assistant feather the light, so only part of it was hitting the subject. 

Aaron Pegg photo of a model at night, sitting on a bench, looking off camera
Waiting for a Friend. The car lights were reflecting against the fence. “I knew that it would add some separation with Jada sitting in front of it. I feathered the off-camera flash on the left side of Jada to add some fill light and to add detail to her face and body. I love the subtle subdued result,” notes Aaron.

One Model, Many Options

Aaron often wants to tell a story with his shoots, especially when on location—it sets the tone for both him and his models.

I think the key to getting a variety of great shots on any shoot is to be intentional. Why is the subject wearing this outfit? Where are they going? What are they doing? How do they feel? The answer to these questions will help craft how I want to capture a scene and what shots I need to tell the story fully.

But one tip Aaron suggests is to not just stick to a plan but leave room to adjust on the fly. “I like to leave room for improvisation because those candid moments can lead to new ideas and that’s where the magic lies at times,” he adds. 

Aaron Pegg photo of a model at night, in low light
A Night Out In Little Italy. There were lots of lights on the street and building. “I wanted it to feel like she was on the go. I waited for a car to appear on the left side of Jada to add more depth to the image while also feathering the strobe to add some light to Jada’s face,” notes Aaron.

The Results are In

Aaron has pretty much used all of the Nikon Z series mirrorless lenses and found the 135mm Plena to be an amazing piece of glass. He concludes: “I think the compression and bokeh that I was able to achieve with this lens is like no other!”

Aaron Pegg

Aaron Pegg is a New York City–based photographer specializing in lifestyle, beauty and portrait photography. Inspired by leading lines, beautiful natural light, and a diverse surrounding, Aaron’s work is rooted in storytelling and a continuous hunger to evolve. He is influenced by a number of photographers he follows on social media including Paola Mathé (@Findingpaola), Lindsay Adler (@lindsayadler_photo), George Mayer (@_georgemayer), Desiree Mattsson (@desiree_mattsson), and Bonnie Nichoalds (@bonnienichoalds).

See more of Aaron’s work on Instagram at Instagram.com/underground_nyc as well as Instagram.com/aboveground_nyc and Instagram.com/AaronPeggphoto.