How do you build technical mastery and keep your creativity alive?

Photographer and educator John Gress joins us for a jam-packed conversation about the art of learning, the science of lighting, and the power of creative play.

John started in photojournalism but shifted into commercial and fashion work when the industry changed. Along the way, he developed a structured, repeatable system for building creative test shoots that became the backbone of his education platform—and leveled up his client work.

In this episode, we dive into how John reverse-engineers lighting setups from reference images, plans multi-look shoots with maximum efficiency, and uses creative constraints to avoid test shoot chaos. You’ll also hear how he lit a 21-light, 40-player football shoot in a single day—and how you can bring that level of precision to your process.

If you’re feeling bored creatively and want to push yourself more, John’s blend of technical know-how and approachable insight will get you fired up to shoot again.

Episode Highlights:

• Structured Creative Practice Fuels Growth – John Gress emphasized using mood boards with 9–12 related images to focus creative test shoots. This keeps sessions intentional, avoids scattered experimentation, and allows for skill-building that directly benefits client work.
• Experiment During Play, Not Paid Work – He stressed separating creative “play dates” from client sessions—experimenting when not under pressure, then bringing proven setups into commercial shoots for reliability and efficiency.
• Workflow & Pre-Production Are Critical – Whether shooting a single model or 40 football players with 21 lights, planning the order of setups, gear changes, and lighting adjustments maximizes efficiency, minimizes downtime, and ensures consistent results.
• Growth is Cyclical—Plateaus Are Normal – Skills often spike early, then plateau. The key to continued growth is seeking new challenges, practicing regularly, and not waiting for the “perfect” idea or subject—just start and refine as you go.

Key Takeaways:

• How mood boards, model tests, and limited variables drive creative growth
• Why recreating reference images isn’t cheating—it’s learning
• How to avoid the trap of overcomplicating your test shoots
• Why no one can actually copy your style—even if they try

About John Gress: Chicago-based commercial and portrait photographer, educator, and former photojournalist whose career spans from covering breaking news to creating striking, high-concept lighting setups for models, athletes, and executives. Known for his masterful, intentional use of complex lighting and his ability to teach it in a clear, approachable way, John has built a thriving education platform, spoken at national conferences, and produced work for high-profile clients.

Discover how intentional play, smart planning, and expert lighting can take your photography from good to unforgettable!

Click here to listen!

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Links & Resources:
Download a Transcript
Milanote Moodboard Software www.milanote.com
Ultimate Client Consultation Form
Frequently Asked Difficult Questions (FADQ’s)
Sales Sabotage Evaluation Tool
Allison Tyler Jones Education Courses

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John Gress
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Memorable Quotes:

“Your skills are going to grow a lot when you get started, but then they’ll plateau. That’s when you have to keep trying new things, looking for the next bit of inspiration, and realize your artistic growth is slow and steady—so don’t get discouraged.” – John Gress

“We do—it’s a business for sure, but it’s also art. We need to take time to play because that feeds our creative soul in ways that coming up with a new price list never will.” – ATJ

“When I work with a client, I’m doing 85%. I stick to what I know is universally flattering and works every time—then if the opportunity arises, I push that extra 15% for creativity.” – John Gress

“Sometimes you just have to accept 80% of what you want—whether it’s the model, the idea, or the setup—and get out there and try. Practice makes perfect.” – John Gress

“Have the play date, but when you’re shooting paid work, get the shot you know will work first—then be open to that little moment of serendipity that keeps you inspired.” – ATJ

“The way we get better is either by getting critiques or by practicing. Just sitting back and waiting for the perfect idea or the perfect person means it’s never going to happen—so go make it happen.” – John Gress