Here’s the latest in a series on lighting in the studio. Wood is the subject and we are building depth and dimension by lighting from behind. This was assigned by Dr. T from Platypod. Note that I am a Platypod Ambassador and have been given gear with which to work.
If you’re setting up a small space at home for portrait photography, let me show you how you can easily create a simple, effective studio with just three essentials. In this video, I’ll walk you through what I use: a quality softbox for soft, flattering light, a sturdy light stand
Experience has been an amazing teacher. However, at the risk of being labeled sexist, photographing men and women are two completely different experiences. I find it’s exponentially more important to be empathetic to women. In general, women tend to be considerably more self critical than men. I recognize this isn’t
Are you looking for some creative ideas to use traditional Valentine Day colors like red and pink? What about picking one and do a selective color couples shoot? The theme We actually went for a carnival jesters theme. In this instance, all the costumes are black and white, including the
In this video, I’ll show you the power of using a grid to further modify the light on a softbox. It creates mood and makes it simple to control the light completely. From the course: Improving Your Photography and Portraits with Lighting Modifiers Modifying a softbox with a grid from Improving
I frequently spend months creating and organizing my creative portrait sessions. I need to work out a team, hair, makeup, models and designers. Then there is scheduling the actual shoot date and time, but also mini sessions (mostly online) to work out details. Finding, sourcing or making costumes. I love
Not long ago, I got a paper backdrop from San Jose Camera & Video. I was kind of proud of myself because usually these trips involve lots of wandering around and watching the Gear Acquisition Syndrome ramp up. This time the goal was clear — there was only the one
I was so excited when I was recently sent two Lensbaby OMNI Filter kits — the Creative Filter System and the Crystal Expansion Pack. Both have become an absolute must-have for me! What are OMNI filters? What are OMNI Filters you ask? They are incredible shoot-through crystals that are specifically engineered
The purpose of working in a studio is control. This includes lighting for the most flattering result to go along with makeup, hair styling and camera angle. A photograph that has all of these advantages still has the finishing done in post-production. In the days of film and making prints,
So often someone will take the time to light the talent to look great but forget to light the background and give the image some depth: One method is to use a Cucoloris. Some will refer to it as a cookie cutter: As you can see in the above image
Here is a basic setup to achieve a commercial studio headshot. If you’ve never played with lights, it can be intimidating but once you just do it, you will find you have much more control and it’s not as scary as you imagine. This is a very basic setup with
Rock star, guitarist, singer, and photographer Ken Susi of the band, “Unearth,” dropped by the Photographic Test Kitchen, for a portrait session. Our goal is how to create a different look by using colors. Creating the first image In the first image, I used 2 Dynalite Baja B6 strobes, one
