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lighting

How to set up lights for film noir photoshoot

Learn how to set up studio lights for film noir portraits. In this video, I will run you through how I set up a simple three-light setup using constant LED lights and modifiers for a film noir portrait session in my studio. This is a fabulous setup for beginner and

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Environmental settings never have a natural light window where you want it. What to do? Bring your own.

On location: Headshot in a gym

Headshots on location are often taken with only the light in the room. Adding a couple of extra lights can make all the difference or a subtle one. The story Miranda is a personal trainer at The Rack in Atlanta. She wants her headshot to be more than a face

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What is a gobo and how is it used?

In the world of photography and lighting, there are endless ways to shape, control, and manipulate light to create stunning and dramatic images. One of the most underrated yet powerful tools in a photographer’s arsenal is the humble gobo. If you’ve never used one before, you’re in for a treat!

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Backlit portrait

Why I love backlighting

Placing the main light source behind a subject often creates very cool moods (indoors and outdoors). Here’s why I love backlighting! What’s backlighting? Backlighting is any type of photography where the main light source comes from behind the subject and faces directly toward the camera. Why do I love backlighting?

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Is great light painting mostly trial and error?

Great light painting is largely trial and error. Or is it? Can you produce consistent results with light painting? Let’s explore this! Experimentation Light painting does have an element of trial and error, experimentation, and adjustments. But how much of it is, well, shooting in the dark? Blasting away vs.

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A barn lit from within with a handheld light. 265 seconds f/2.8 ISO 400 for the barn, blended with a starry sky photo (25 photos stacked, each photo 15 seconds f/2.8 ISO 3200).

Light painting 101: A barn glowing from within

Ever want to light paint a building such as a barn so that it glows magnificently from the inside at night? Here’s how! What is light painting? Light painting is a term that is often used loosely to describe any addition of light to a night photograph. Really, though, light painting is a

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Five tips for capturing the magic of bokeh with natural light

Bokeh is a beautiful effect that can add depth and dimension to your photos. It is created by out-of-focus areas of the image, resulting in a soft, dreamy background that makes your subject stand out. While you can create bokeh with artificial light sources, natural light can create magic. Here

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Pumpkin and sweet potato soup

Creative ways to capture the fall harvest

Capturing the fall harvest and making the most of the pumpkin season is what fall is all about for me. And on this first day of fall, photographing pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes, pumpkin fritters and more just gets you in the spirit of things! Whether it is food

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GVM PRO SD300C: Powerful, affordable light with some quirks

The GVM PRO SD300C monolight is an attractive option for photographers and videographers looking for a powerful, budget-friendly lighting solution. Priced competitively, the SD300C offers a wide range of professional features that make it suitable for a variety of lighting setups, though it comes with a few quirks worth noting.

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Night photo with light painting, scorpion sculpture (Ricardo Breceda, sculptor), Borrego Springs, California.

Light painting at night: Giving direction to light

Unsure of which direction to light paint your subject? Sometimes, your environment can offer a suggestion for creating more natural and pleasing night photography photos! What is light painting? The term is often used loosely to describe any addition of light to a night photograph. Really, though, light painting is

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