Organist Felix Hell is a renowned musician, born in Germany, who began his journey into music at a very young age. He gave his first organ recital in Russia at just nine years old. His passion for music was sparked by Bach’s C-Major Prelude, a piece that has continued to inspire him throughout his career. To date, Felix has performed over 700 recitals across the globe. Currently, he is refining his craft while pursuing a doctorate degree at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore.
To learn more about Felix and his upcoming performances, visit www.felixhell.com.
Felix’s Goal for the Photo Session
Organist Felix Hell asked me to capture a series of images for his upcoming marketing campaign.
We had a wonderful time during the photo session. For the lighting, I primarily used a single 24-inch softbox and occasionally a snoot from the back to add depth. Since my regular assistant was unavailable, Felix’s wife kindly stepped in to help, and she did a fantastic job. Felix himself was a natural in front of the camera, taking direction effortlessly. We enjoyed collaborating throughout the session. I even managed to capture a few candid “couple” shots of Felix and his wife, adding a personal touch to the evening.
Gear Used for the Photo Session
To ensure the images met the high standards required for Felix’s marketing campaign, I used my trusted Canon EOS 7D camera. This camera is known for its sharp image quality and reliable performance, making it ideal for capturing detailed portraits. For the lighting setup, I relied on a 24-inch softbox, which provided soft, even lighting that highlighted Felix’s features and added depth to the photos. Additionally, I used a snoot from the back to create a focused light that emphasized the subject and added a dramatic effect to some of the shots. The combination of this gear allowed me to achieve a professional and polished look, perfectly suited for Felix’s promotional needs.
Behind the Scenes of the Photo Session
The behind-the-scenes experience of this photo session was just as enjoyable as the final results. With my regular assistant unavailable, Felix’s wife graciously stepped in to help with the setup and adjustments. Her involvement added a unique, personal touch to the session, and she did an outstanding job. Felix himself was incredibly easy to work with—his natural ability to pose and follow direction made the session flow smoothly. Between shots, we shared light-hearted conversations and laughter, which helped to create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. This rapport made it easy to capture genuine expressions and moments, not just posed images. I also took the opportunity to snap a few candid behind-the-scenes photos, which serve as a great reminder of the collaborative effort and fun we had during the session.