Behind the Scenes: A Tennis Photoshoot with Sara Yugin in Glendale, California
I recently had the pleasure of doing a photoshoot with Sara Yugin, a tennis instructor based in Glendale, California. The shoot took place in one of Glendale's scenic parks, where we worked together to capture stunning images to help promote Sara’s coaching business and personal brand.
Setting the Scene
We decided on a local park in Glendale for the photoshoot, which provided a natural, lively backdrop. The court was beautifully lit by the sun, but that also presented some challenges. With harsh sunlight creating sharp shadows, we had to get creative with our lighting setup.
Gear & Lighting Setup
For this shoot, I used my Sony A7RIV paired with the Sony 24-70 GM 2.8 and Sony 70-200 GM 2.8 lenses. These lenses gave me the flexibility I needed to capture both wide shots and close-ups of Sara in action.
To counter the direct sunlight, we brought in some heavy-duty lighting equipment. The key light was Flashpoint xplor 600 pro strobe with a 60-inch Glow EZ-Lock OCTA softbox, which helped soften the harsh shadows caused by the sun, we didn’t use the defuser. We also used Flashpoint XPLOR 400 PRO strobe with a standard 7-inch reflector as a separation light, creating depth and helping Sara stand out from the background.
Overcoming Challenges
Time was another challenge—we had limited access to the court, so we planned ahead with a detailed shot list. Having everything prepped allowed us to maximize the limited time we had. The lighting setup not only helped with the sun but also gave us flexibility to keep the shoot moving without needing to rely on the natural light’s unpredictability.
Working with Sara
Sara is not a model by trade, but her energy and enthusiasm made the session a blast. While she was a little camera-shy at first, we worked together to help her get comfortable in front of the lens. I gave her some guidance on posing, while she lent her expertise when it came to the tennis action shots. We collaborated on finding the right angles and movements to showcase her skills, and her natural athleticism really shone through.
Post-Processing
After the shoot, I worked on the images in post-production, using a technique called dodging and burning to even out skin tones and enhance the depth in each shot. This allowed us to create dynamic images that highlighted both Sara’s personality and her passion for tennis.
The Experience
One of the best parts of the day was how much fun we had on set. Sara is full of tennis knowledge, and she was also curious about photography. We spent the day not just working, but dancing to music, cracking jokes, and learning from each other. By the end of the session, we had captured some incredible shots—and made a new friend in the process.
This photoshoot wasn’t just about taking pictures—it was about telling Sara’s story through the lens, showing her dedication and passion for coaching tennis. I’m really happy with the final results, and I can’t wait to see how she uses these images to grow her brand.
More images can be found here!
Got questions or need more information? Feel free to drop them in the comments below or reach out email at info@photosbyTM.com
—T Martinez Photography is here to help you every step of the way!
Equipment used: Sony A7RIV
Sony 70-200 GM Lens
Flashpoint xplor 600 pro strobe
Flashpoint XPLOR 400 PRO strobe
Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Pro II TTL Pocket Flash
60-inch Glow EZ-Lock OCTA softbox
Glow EZ Lock 48" Octa Small Quick Softbox
Glow EZ Lock 12x56 Quick Strip