https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/infocus-interview-show-photofocus-podcast-may-4-2018 In this episode: Photojournalist Rick Friedman talks about how he uses the Rogue Lighting System--along with speedlights--to create a portable lighting studio. He also shares how he uses gels to add a special look to his lighting. Total time 22m:10s starting at 1m:50s In the second half of the show, commercial photographer Eddie Tapp shares his experience with his first drone, tips on how you can get started with drone photography, how to control a … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast May 4, 2018
Creating Effect and Mood with Light
When shooting a photograph, I often feel that I am creating a single frame from a movie. The star of the movie is the subject. With the use of backdrops, light, a ladder and a Venetian Blind I have created an effect and a mood. In this article, I am sharing examples of the use of colors and lighting to create different visual effects. This set is from my Creative Lighting Workshop in Boston on April 22, 2018. I had 2 completely different lighting setups right next to each other. How the Lighting Was Created Model Valentina Beli … [Read more...] about Creating Effect and Mood with Light
The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast April 6, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-infocus-interview-show-photofocus-podcast-april-6-2018/s-FwwbO Remember to check out our great sponsors including TruLife acrylic, MPB.com, ThinkTapLearn In this episode: Rick Friedman Photojournalist Rick Friedman talks about: His career that involved photographing every US Presidential campaign since Jimmy Carter How his Photojournalist days influence his portrait sessions. How to nail your exposure. Pitfalls of “Chimping”. Tips to control overshooting How to expose for the … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast April 6, 2018
Coloring a Rockstar
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 on either side and slightly behind Ken, giving him the light on his face. Both strobes had a Dynalite 20 degree, 7” grid. The ends of both of the grids were wrapped in Rosco Cinefoil, black tin foil, that controls how the light is spread. On the left side I used a … [Read more...] about Coloring a Rockstar
Lights, Colors, Fractals
I shot this photograph at WPPI in Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago. I was at the ClickProps Studio Backdrops booth. This company makes over 500 backdrops in various designs and sizes, and we got to test out a number of them. This photograph was shot against the "Brick Natural" backdrop. Our shooting space that was only about 5 feet by 10 feet. A Collaboration Between Two Photographers The photograph was a collaboration between 2 photographers: the model, Kat Armendariz of Hush Hush Shoot Studio in Las Vegas and me. Kat is one of Las Vegas's … [Read more...] about Lights, Colors, Fractals
Cool Goods Designed to Excite Professional Photogs
Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) is happening in Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Here are a few booths that piqued the interest of show-goers... Light Meters Illuminati Instruments's booth featured their new incident light meter that connects with Bluetooth to iPhones and Androids. The meter can be up to 80 feet from the subject. Fashions Sew Trendy showcased fashions and accessories for photographers to enhance portrait, newborn and maternity sessions. Backgrounds U.K. based Click … [Read more...] about Cool Goods Designed to Excite Professional Photogs
A Better Way to Fly
Why it can be less expensive to fly First Class I recently returned back home to Boston from a three-week trip to the Bahamas and Florida. It was great to get out of the Boston winter! I was teaching workshops and shooting videos with Vanelli, photographing models and scenics and taking a few days off. Most of my time off was spent shooting. As always, I packed too much equipment with me. But, I need to make sure I have all of the gear I need for the shoots and the workshop! A big problem for traveling photographers is the fifty-pound … [Read more...] about A Better Way to Fly
Would You Really Buy A Platypod?
As I was relaxing, enjoying a nice meal with a friend, out of the blue he asked: “Would you really buy a Platypod?” Nipping any chances of a debate, I gave him five examples of times when I needed my Platypod but didn’t have it with me. Here’s why I answered “Yes!” What Is a Platypod? A Platypod is a versatile and compact base ideal for supporting cameras to capture below-angle shots and for situations where traditional tripods are cumbersome or impractical. It's also a great tool for studio use. You can use it to hang a hair light or hide a … [Read more...] about Would You Really Buy A Platypod?
How to Photograph Fireworks on the 4th!
Happy Summer! It’s time to capture some of the beauty in the sky above you, as we celebrate Independence Day. These techniques work anywhere in the world. The photo above was made in Hong Kong on New Year's Day. Exposing for bursts of light Make sure you are shooting on manual exposure. The key to photographing fireworks is timing your exposure so you can capture multiple bursts without over exposing your image. Using a low ISO, 100, is a good place to start. This will give you longer exposures and more bursts. Your shutter speed will … [Read more...] about How to Photograph Fireworks on the 4th!
Photographing New England Patriots Gronk
I caught up with my Photojournalist friend, Rick Friedman, at the New England Camera Council Conference. Rick showed me images he took of Rob Gronkowski of the New England Patriots for Sports Illustrated. Rick is best known for photographing Presidential races—he started in the 70’s photographing Jimmy Carter and Ronald Regan—but he’s also a talented portrait photographer and lighting expert. I asked him how he lit the shot. Intrigued with his story, I asked if I could share it with our Photofocus readers. There are lots of great tips and … [Read more...] about Photographing New England Patriots Gronk
Photographing portraits during Golden Hour
Shooting with speedlights on-location is a great way to be mobile, creative and light! We all know how heavy camera equipment can be. Speedlights on-location allows you to have the perfect light on your subject with a dramatic sky! I shot this photograph along the waterfront of downtown Sharjah, UAE during my Location Lighting Workshop at the Xposure International Photography Festival. I had a beautiful model and a beautiful golden light in the sky. How do I get dramatic color in the sky? You start with "the element you cannot control," … [Read more...] about Photographing portraits during Golden Hour
Shooting on a Beach!
Happy Summer! It’s time to get away from the computer or out of the darkroom and enjoy the beautiful weather and shoot! Here are 3 tips on making great beach photographs. I shot these photographs at the end of the day, catching the very last bit of light, at the same location, yet achieving very different visual impacts. All of these photographs are shot without a tripod even though they are fairly long exposures. Exposing for the last light of the day. Start by using the in camera meter to read the light on the horizon. Make sure you are … [Read more...] about Shooting on a Beach!
