After finding a reference photo I begin by studying it's composition, camera settings, and lighting to be prepared for the final shot

After many attempted shots I choose one as the final pick before moving onto the editing process.

During the editing process I put the original reference and the final shot side by side and make small changes until the two photos feel identical.

It is important to note that no matter what is done to the copycat photo it will not be a perfect copy of the original reference, but the two still have to feel the same.