A DAY WITH NANCY IN MY BACKYARD

Mauricio Candela
Jan 4, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jul 3

Celebrating the beauty of the everyday

Sometimes, the most powerful images aren’t created in elaborate studios or glamorous locations. Sometimes, they’re born from a simple afternoon, a bit of sunlight, and a shared moment. That was the case when Nancy Rodriguez and I spent a day in my backyard in Miami, surrounded by nothing more than an inflatable pool, a camera, and the desire to keep things real.

This photo session wasn’t about perfect lighting or staged compositions. It was about instinct, spontaneity, and enjoying the present. As a photographer, these are the moments I live for—the ones where imperfection becomes the story.

Photography without pressure: a stripped-back approach

The majority of my professional career involves working with brands, celebrities, and production teams. There’s often a client-approved mood board, lighting design, hair and makeup, stylists, and sometimes even previsualization software. But in shoots like this, it’s just me, my camera, and the subject.

With Nancy, we didn’t plan much. No wardrobe changes, no set crew, no storyboard. Just a simple backyard, the ambient light of a Miami spring afternoon, and a sense of trust between artist and model. I wanted to capture moments that feel lived-in, not posed. That’s where real storytelling begins.

The case for imperfection in lifestyle photography

As photographers, we’re often taught to chase perfection—crisp focus, symmetrical framing, flawless lighting. But real life isn’t like that. It’s messy. It’s spontaneous. Sometimes it’s even blurry. And that’s exactly what makes it beautiful.

With Nancy, I embraced every “mistake.” A slight blur from movement. A flare from the sunlight. The way the shadows fell unevenly. These “flaws” make the image human. They remind us that a photograph isn’t just a composition—it’s a memory.

When clients seek hyper-polished visuals, there’s a risk of losing the soul of the scene. What’s real becomes replaced by what’s expected. But when you strip back those expectations, you can reconnect with what photography truly is: an honest attempt to freeze a feeling.

Miami, may, and meaningful light

Miami has a way of bringing light into every frame. It’s in the color of the sky, the bounce off the grass, the way it glows through sheer curtains. The month of May, especially, brings this soft warmth that lingers—perfect for natural light photography.

That afternoon, the backyard became our set. The inflatable pool shimmered under the sun, catching reflections that danced across Nancy’s skin. The surrounding greenery added texture, contrast, and a bit of tropical mood. Everything felt intuitive. Nothing was forced.

When photographers talk about “chasing the light,” this is what they mean—not just technical exposure, but the feeling of the light. And Miami, in that moment, gave us all we needed.

Photography as play, not just production

One of the reasons I love doing sessions like this is because they bring back the playfulness of photography. When you’re not trying to hit KPIs or brand deliverables, you get to experiment, to try weird angles, to laugh in the middle of the shot, to say, “Let’s try this” and see where it goes.

Nancy was the perfect subject for this kind of work. She’s expressive, comfortable in her skin, and unafraid of being vulnerable in front of the lens. That vulnerability is what makes the images powerful. They’re not just about how she looks—they’re about how she feels.

Clients vs. creative freedom: finding the balance

Of course, in commercial work, there’s a necessary level of control. Clients have expectations, products must be visible, and deliverables must align with the brand voice. But I always encourage clients to leave room for imperfection—for moments that aren’t choreographed.

Because here’s the truth: the photos people remember aren’t the most polished. They’re the ones that feel the most honest.

This backyard shoot reminded me why I became a photographer in the first place. It wasn’t for the awards or the campaigns (though I’m proud of those). It was to document real life—the way a quiet afternoon with a friend can become a timeless moment with the click of a shutter.

Tools and technique: keeping it simple

Camera: Canon EOS R5
Lens: RF 24-70 MM 2.8 and 16-35 MM 2.8
Lighting: On camera Flash profoto A10 + natural Light
Editing: Light retouching in Adobe Lightroom Classic, minimal grading to preserve authenticity

No reflectors, no flashes, no assistants. Just a one-on-one connection between the subject and the photographer. This is where the magic happens.

Closing thoughts: photographing real life

There’s something profound about choosing simplicity in an industry that often glorifies complexity. Shooting with Nancy was a reminder that the best stories don’t always need elaborate sets or expensive gear—just truth, connection, and the willingness to capture what’s there.

This wasn’t just a photo shoot. It was a memory made visible. A visual note to self: keep it honest, keep it human.