Eight models. Eight vibes. One day.
Km3events - Group Shoot - Los Angeles
Alright. Group shoots - Not again you say, trust me, this one is the one.
You know the ones. Where you show up excited, and five minutes later you’re doing the mental maths of: How many photographers are here? How many models? How many usable corners does this location actually have? And why is someone dragging a ring light through a doorway like it’s a wounded animal?
Yeah. This wasn’t that.
This was @km3events in Los Angeles (I think this was their 2nd or 3rd event) and it was—annoyingly—one of the best organised group events I’ve attended. I say “annoyingly” because now I have standards, and my expectations are ruined. Thanks for that ;)
The setup: boudoir summer camp, but make it efficient
We shot in a huge private mansion in LA. Multiple rooms. Pool. Outdoor areas. A gym. And—because LA—an actual recording studio, which immediately makes every photographer think: “Cool. Now how can I misuse this as a background?”
The event started around 9AM. Hair and makeup services were available for models (optional), and the whole day ran like something that had been planned by a competent adult. Every photographer and model got a printed schedule with exact shoot times.
Let me repeat that for the people in the back who have been to “organised” group shoots:
A printed schedule. With times. That were followed.
No chaos. No awkward hovering. No “Hey are you free right now?” energy. Just… go shoot.
Also: lunch was provided, snacks and water were always around, and at around midday a masseuse showed up and walked around like some kind of luxury DLC add-on. The host model was @ihrtmichelleyee (Michelleyee) — I wasn’t assigned to shoot with her, but she was super approachable and actually present (which sounds like a low bar… and yet).
What I shot with:
While most photographers by now had transitioned to mirrorless bodies, I used my Canon 5D Mark IV (my reliable brick) with 35mm f/1.4 (because mansions are big but rooms aren’t always shootable-big) and 70–200 f/2.8 (because compression and background melt makes me feel emotionally stable). If you’ve never shot a group event: it’s basically speed dating, except you’re juggling lenses and trying not to accidentally photobomb someone else’s set. Fun.
I worked with 8 models, and the variety was the best part. Different rooms, different light, different energy — and somehow it didn’t feel rushed (again… schedule. magic).
Keep reading for quick mini-recaps + Model credits and instagram handles.
1) Danielle — @danielle.rosexoxo
Danielle was pure moody glamour. The purple lingerie set + low light worked ridiculously well, and the mansion stairs gave us that “editorial but make it slightly dangerous” look.
2) Aija — @aijaavalos
Aija was sunlit poolside and it was basically cheating. Bright day, clean background, nice bokeh, and that warm LA glow that makes you feel like you’ve suddenly become a better photographer.
3) April — @iamsprillstarr
April gave rich colour + attitude. That blue robe against the red velvet set? Yes please. It’s one of those combos that makes your Lightroom history look like: “minor tweaks” (lies). She’s a well known cosplay artist, and did do some other costumes.
4) Vanessa — @lovely_nessss
Vanessa brought the playful energy with the plaid set — flirty without trying too hard. The studio-ish room + red couch was a great mix of clean and dramatic.
Okay, confession, that plaid top is actually mine. I asked the model if she had anything yellow to match the red in the room, she didn’t but she asked if she could borrow my top - don’t worry I had a t-shirt underneath!
5) Gabby — daisyxxfuentes
Gabby’s set was in the gym space and it worked way better than it has any right to. Mirrors, dumbbells, textures — it’s a setting that can look tacky fast, I tried to keep it strong and athletic. I won’t lie, the mirrors were a challenge, especially with my OCF, but lucky for me, I looked up, saw a relatively low white ceiling, and started bouncing light of that.
6) Nani Lani — @nanilanixo
Nani Lani was full cinematic boudoir. Deep reds, dramatic posing, that “this is a magazine spread” confidence - actually - this shoot gets better, as many of these images were actually published in a magazine! Nani Lani was very easy to shoot, which I always appreciate because my brain is usually running three tabs at once. If you follow my shoots, I had worked with Nani Lani at the Hollywood house-group shoot, this was several months later, but it is always fun when you meet a model again, and they recognize you, and even better, are super eager to work with you :)
7) Dejaa — (not currently on Instagram)
Dejaa’s set was classic sultry red-room lighting and it delivered. Clean, bold, high contrast — the kind of look that makes you want to pretend you planned it all along. Dejaa brought the energy and attitude, I brought my camera and OCF, together we created some magic.
8) Melyssa — @melyssa_trendz
Melyssa was bright, clean, and very LA — that vivid green outfit against lush greenery is basically a cheat code. The look is simple, but it pops. This was actually a tough spot. Think Poolside, 1PM, super bright sun. A photographers nightmare, or mine anyway. I tried to find areas of shade, or spaces where the sunlight wasnt too harsh.
Why this event worked (why I’m ALWAYS talking about it)
It wasn’t just the mansion. Or the pool. Or the snacks.
It was the structure, the organization.
When you remove the usual group-shoot chaos, you actually get to focus on what matters: light, connection, pacing, and making the model look like a million bucks (without needing a million bucks, though I won’t complain if anyone wants to give that to me).
Also… a masseuse at midday is an elite-level move. I don’t know who decided that, but I support your agenda. Oh….before I forget, there was actually a guy (the organizers assistant) who was walking around putting oil and sunscreen on the models! Yes, if you can think it, its possible.
Keep warm.
I want to give you my wide-zoom and MFT body to shoot with to see how emotionally unstable you get 😂 Great writeup of what sounds like a very well-run event.