Overpower Daylight

Overpower Daylight

Author: Steve Brazill May 20, 2022 Duration: 52:20

Rick Sammon has said that he specializes in not specializing, and I am seeing that approach to photography more often. Today’s guest is Will Cadena, and his portfolio include Weddings, Bar / Bat Mitzvahs, Corporate Events, Commercial work, and Cinematography, and the entire body of work is world class.

Will brings a sense of space to his images, with subjects that pop off the background. His lighting never leaves the subjects without their environment, while at the same time keeping the background in it’s place. I’m browsing his site while writing this, and there is just an amazing richness to his work. Needless to say, picking an image for this show was difficult.

Having started taking an interest in photography at a young age, today he is a sought after speaker. He has educated audiences at the Canon Experience Center, and the Fundy Inspiration Workshop to inspire Disney’s Fine Art photographers at Disney World. He’s spoken at PhotoPlus NY, and is a Speaker & International Judge at WPPI. From Imaging USA to the Vegas Symposium Will Cadena is helping to advance the creative community.

His client list ranges from FJ Westcott and Think Tank Photo to Synology, Wacom, Sekonic and Celebrate. From Shinzo Abe – the Prime Minister of Japan, to Johnny Depp, Derek Jeter, Michael Bloomberg or Timothy Gunn, it seems Will can work in any situation regardless of pressure.

Join photographer Will Cadena and me for a chat about everything from shooting on location to overpowering the sun, and as we dissect how he made his beautiful fashion photo, on this Behind the Shot.

Connect with Will

Portfolio: willcadena.com
Instagram: @WillCadena
Twitter: @WillCadena
Facebook: @WillCadenaPhotography
Vimeo: @WillCadena

Conferences with Will as a Speaker

VegasSymposium: vegassymposium.com
PHOTOPLUS: photoplusexpo.com
Wedding MBA: weddingmba.com
Imaging USA: imagingusa.org
WPPI: wppiexpo.com

Will’s Photographer Pick

Take a look at who he follows on Instagram: instagram.com

Model | Hair & Makeup

(At 30:46 I asked if Will remembered the model’s name. Thanks to Jennifer Denton Photography, who reached out on Instagram (@jendentonseniors) to mention the name of the model, and the hair & makeup crew.)

Model – Victoria Quartieri: @victoria_quartieri
Hair & Makeup – Jax Studio: @jaxstudio


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 200

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
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I feel like I have been studying Joe McNally’s work since I first picked up a camera, so this should be the easiest show post I have ever done. He is an absolute master of light, and I own his “The Language of Light” Vol…