A Tropical Escape in the Heart of Detroit
Lians Jadan Photography whipped up a visual mai tai for “Caribbean Dreaming,” a sun-soaked fashion shoot for Hour Media set in the heart of metro Detroit. Think sandy beaches, swaying palms, and piña coladas, creating an island vibe that transformed Motor City into a tropical oasis and set the perfect backdrop for this Gold Award-winning shoot.
By: Lians Jadan, Photographer, Lians Jadan Photography
The Idea Takes Shape
Hour Media approached me with a fantastic idea for a bridal fashion shoot inspired by the Caribbean. The twist? We had to make it happen in early April in metro Detroit, far from tropical weather. But I love a good challenge, so I was excited to bring this vision to life.
![](https://blog.graphis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lians_jadan_look_6_4313.jpg)
Finding Inspiration and Planning the Shoot
I immersed myself in brainstorming. I use every tool to generate ideas—web searches, AI generation, museum visits, books, magazines, and long walks/runs. This diverse approach helps me gather fresh and innovative concepts. Once I had a few clear ideas for this shoot, I pitched them to Hour Media, and we refined and collaborated on the final idea.
Next, I needed the perfect location (flying the team to the Caribbean was out of our budget ). We secured The Griffin property’s permission to use their pool and even got them to prep the pool deck early. This was crucial for creating the inviting, tropical feel we needed.
![](https://blog.graphis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lians_jadan_look_4_4078_v5.jpg)
Rolling with the Punches
Every shoot has its challenges, and this one was no exception. We arrived to find the pool heater broken, leaving us with 40-degree water. Instead of giving up, my fantastic model and I decided to go for it. We braved the cold and captured shots that looked anything but chilly.
![](https://blog.graphis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lians_jadan_look_9_4762.jpg)
Team Effort
This shoot was a genuine team effort. Special thanks to stylist Rebecca Voigt, assistants David Dalton and Raymar Patterson, model Tiffany Granzow, makeup artist Gabrielle Yanke, hair stylist Monica Jadan, and creative director Lindsay Richards. Everyone’s collaboration was vital in bringing this vision to life.
After the shoot, I dedicated time to retouching and color grading for the perfect look/feel. The client was thrilled with the results, and the positive impact on their sales was a bonus.
![](https://blog.graphis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lians_jadan_look_5_4231.jpg)
Reflecting and Looking Forward
Winning the Gold award in the Graphis Photo Awards and other prestigious competitions this year has been incredibly rewarding. It’s an incredible validation of our hard work and creativity. Reflecting on this project, I’m grateful for the challenges and the successes we achieved.
![](https://blog.graphis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/lians_jadan_look_10_4854_with-palm.jpg)
Advice for Fellow Creatives
To all my fellow creatives, remember that this career path is challenging and takes years to build. Embrace the obstacles—they often lead to innovation. Share your insights, support each other’s work, and collaborate whenever possible. Helping one another is essential in our industry. Keep exploring, pushing boundaries, and working closely with your team. Together, we can turn any obstacle into a success story.
![](https://blog.graphis.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/look_1_3774_v3_with-palm.jpg)
What’s Next?
I’m both excited and a bit fearful about the future of photography. Year after year, we see budgets getting cut, and now, with more and more ad agencies embracing AI-generated images, projects are sure to get reduced. It’s a challenging time filled with opportunities for adaptation and growth. In the meantime, I’m incorporating AI-generated images in my presentation decks, saving me time (most of the time) and allowing me to focus on the creative process. The key is blending innovation with traditional techniques to create something unique.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and a special thanks to Graphis for this fantastic opportunity to share my story.
Hello! I’m Lians Jadan, a self-taught photographer passionate about creating extraordinary images. Inspired by my Chaldean immigrant parents, whose resilience and determination taught me the essence of hard work, I specialize in fashion, lifestyle, automotive, beauty, and portrait photography. I strive to infuse each image with creativity and emotion. My work has been recognized globally, with awards from American Photography, Graphis, and Lürzer’s Archive. Based outside Detroit, I bring a unique perspective to local and international projects, constantly pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. I’m thrilled to share that my project, Caribbean Dreaming, won a Gold Graphis Photography Awards 2024 award.
Social: Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin
To see more Photography 2024 competition winners, click here.
You may also like
VSA Partners Reimagines Remote Learning During the Pandemic
During the global pandemic, when remote learning became essential, VSA Partners took on the challenge of crafting…
Read MoreLindsay Siu Captures Strength Beyond the Lens
Through the lens of Lindsay Siu, portraits become more than just moments—they’re statements. In her shot of…
Read More
Related Annuals & Publications
View AllBecome a Graphis Member
- 1-Year Membership Subscription
- Enjoy 50% off on Call for Entries
- 1-Year FREE Subscription to Graphis Journal
- Your Portfolio online with profile + links
- Get 20% off on Graphis Books