Headshot photography, once reserved for actors and the occasional executive, is now about as mainstream as LinkedIn or Facebook. Whether you're looking for a job, changing careers, starting a new business, or looking for a date, an amazing headshot is step one. Headshots are the core to the now overused term of personal branding. Call it whatever you want, but it all starts with a headshot. I can think of no better way to learn headshot photography than from the man himself, Peter Hurley. Peter has been perfecting the craft of headshots for … [Read more...] about Reviewed: Perfecting The Headshot
lighting
Gear Review: Impact 5-in-1 Reflector with Handles
(Editor's note: Levi shows how to fold circular, triangular and oblong reflectors in this tutorial.) After a camera and a good tripod, I'd say a 5-in-1 reflector is a must have tool for every photographer. Whether you're photographing flowers, portraits, or products a 5-in-1 reflector can help you make great light. I got my hands on Impact's 42-inch 5-in-1 Collapsible Circular Reflector with Handles. Let me tell you what I think of it see if it's the right tool for you. The Basics As far as reflectors go, this is the smallest I recommend … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Impact 5-in-1 Reflector with Handles
Portrait Tips: How To Use A Gold Reflector
I highly recommend a 5-in-1 reflector as a tool for helping you get terrific light under many circumstances. It should be the first lighting tool you buy, and you should learn to master it before buying more lighting. The good news is that a 5-in-1 reflector is relatively cheap. I recommend the oval shaped reflectors because they give you more room to work without covering the surface with your own shadow. The trouble is, one of the surfaces is a gold reflector and since it's included many photographers think it must be there to use for … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: How To Use A Gold Reflector
Gear Review: Impact Quikbox Softbox Kit
Having never owned a softbox myself, I was intrigued to try the Impact Quikbox Softbox with my Panasonic GH5. I had long wanted to incorporate more flash work into my outdoor portraiture, and having a softbox was the perfect way to do this. The Impact Quikbox is sized to 15" x 15" and folds up nicely. It features two diffusers — one small one closer to your light source, and another one right on the edge of the outer part of the softbox. What's Included The softbox kit comes with two diffusers — a small one latched on closer to your flash, … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Impact Quikbox Softbox Kit
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!
Tutorial: Using CFL’s to Keep Cool on your Video Set
No matter what you're filming, you always need to light your set for your video production. Regardless if it's outdoors in the sun, or indoors in a dark small space...you're going to need some light to fill in your subject matter somehow. One way to do this without overheating your talent or subject matter, is by using a CFL or Continuous Fluorescent Light! Traditionally and historically, we've used Tungsten based Hot lights for production work, but as you might have guessed from their name, they do give off a lot of heat, causing some … [Read more...] about Tutorial: Using CFL’s to Keep Cool on your Video Set
How to Light Close-up Flower Photos with a Flashlight
Summer is Here - Time for Flower Photography I just thought I'd share a quick little lighting technique for your flower photography. Now that spring is past and summer is here, it is almost mandatory that, as photographers, we document the emergence of dormant life in the form of flower portraits. I have some lovely Amaryllis, just now blooming at my windows, and these make great subjects for close-up photography... It is very easy to get great close-up shots with limited depth of field, soft pastel colors, and gorgeous semi-abstract … [Read more...] about How to Light Close-up Flower Photos with a Flashlight
Gear Review: Impact Compact Fluorescent Kit 2
When it comes to shooting video or still images with constant lights, compact fluorescent lights, (CFLs), give you one of the best lighting options when your project is on a budget! Why Compact Fluorescent Lights? No matter the project, when shooting video, you always have to light your set and usually we use "hot-lights" that have been tungsten based and generate, (as their name suggests), a LOT of heat. While you can always count on those lights, the problem was how to keep your set cool and your talent from sweating under the glare … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Impact Compact Fluorescent Kit 2
Create Killer Catchlights
Experimenting with different lighting setups can transform a simple image into a creative portrait. It’s not hard to experiment. If you don’t like the look, keep experimenting until you find one you love. Here’re two examples on how to add killer catchlights to a portrait that will help jumpstart your creativity. Ring Light A ring light adds unique lighting to a portrait. You place the lens through the middle of the light, causing the light to come from the same plane as the lens. This produces very few shadows and a unique catch light. … [Read more...] about Create Killer Catchlights
Stories from the Set-Learn What the Model is Thinking
Vanelli travels across the country, talking to some of the top photographers in the field as they share their experiences while shooting on set. You'll soon learn that even seasoned professionals encounter roadblocks during photo shoots. By staying calm under pressure, they rely on their skills to overcome these obstacles to capture an amazing shot. Sit back, relax and enjoy a Story From The Set. This special edition takes us on the other side of the camera as Florida-based model/actress Ashley BeLoat shares her story on what a model is … [Read more...] about Stories from the Set-Learn What the Model is Thinking
Make It Work With The Tools You Have
(Editior's note: From time to time we welcome guests to contribute to Photofocus. Lauri Novak, like many of us, began making photographs at a young age. Words she lives by are; play, seeing, live and love. Welcome to Photofocus! Lauri Novak. So many of us feel like we need to have the latest and greatest gear to get the images we want when in fact a lot can be done with what we have. I was given this shoot as an assignment four years ago and it taught me a lot. This was shot with my first DSLR and a used lens I purchased from a friend. I did … [Read more...] about Make It Work With The Tools You Have
Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast | May 19th, 2017
We're back talking about portraits when you have only brought one light. Levi is very accomplished at doing this and he has great advice -- and stories! Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don’t forget to post a review on iTunes. … [Read more...] about Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast | May 19th, 2017
Gear Review: Vellos Ringbox Flash Adapter
I am slowly getting hooked on my new Vellos Ringbox Flash Adapter. Not only do I get beautiful on-location headshots and portraits with my flash when using the Ringbox, but it makes my life a lot easier, and I like things easy. I use to carry around a light stand and softbox when I knew I needed more than natural light. Not anymore--I just take the Ringbox. I am also looking forward to trying it out on my next trip. It is very light and will not take much room in my suitcase. What is a Ringbox Flash Adapter A Ringbox Flash Adapter is a … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Vellos Ringbox Flash Adapter
Portrait Tips: The Best Light For Portraits
Here's a classic geeky photography thing to say: "The only thing that alters how hard or soft the light is on your subject is the size of the light in relation to your subject." Said more simply, Big Light = Soft Light Small Light = Hard Light Let's consider the sun. It's huge, right? So it should be a soft light. But, even though it's 865,000 miles wide, you can completely cover it with your thumb held out at arm's length. So, in relation to us on Earth, it's very small, and that means it's a hard light. Hard or Soft? It's all in the … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: The Best Light For Portraits
Studio Tip: Controlling Light Using Cinefoil
Cinefoil, also known as black foil, black wrap, or shadow foils, is a sturdy, black aluminum foil. It can be molded into different reusable shapes. Controlling Direction of Light Imagine you want to light a certain part of a photograph. Using Cinefoil, you can wrap it around a speedlight to create a cylinder known as a snoot. This will control and direct the light and keep the focus on the area you want. Flagging the Light Flagging is a technique used to block and control the spill of light. Using Cinefoil, tape a piece to the side of … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: Controlling Light Using Cinefoil
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Amazing Speedlight Solution for All Cameras
Once I realized that mirrorless cameras were more than capable of replacing my DSLR, I dove in head first and sold my Nikons. Ever since then, I've been saying that the only thing I miss from my Nikons is the excellent Creative Lighting System. Nikon's CLS allowed me to make pictures with excellent light in all kinds of situations without using additional radio triggers or sync cords. From broad daylight to pitch black night, from manual mode to TTL, Nikon's speedlights never failed me. when I switched to Lumix, I continued using my Nikon … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Amazing Speedlight Solution for All Cameras
Portrait Tips: Free Portrait Class For Limited Time
I'm excited to share some quality education with you. I've created several classes for LinkedInLearning.com, and now my most popular class on basic portrait photography is available at ThinkTapLearn.com for FREE for a limited time. I had a fun time making this class, and I know you'll find ideas and techniques to help you in all aspects of your portrait photography. Just follow this link and register with your email and you can watch the course for free. This class took two days of filming to create, plus a ton of scripting and writing and … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Free Portrait Class For Limited Time
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast April 14, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-april-14-2017 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. This episode's topic: The Art of the Headshot: Skip Cohen and Chamira Young chat with Headshot Photographer Peter Hurley The client experience is hugely important. Communication during the session is the key People skills and giving direction are key factors in making a great headshot The art of fun conversation is helpful during a session … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast April 14, 2017
Dragging the Shutter Part One: The Step-by-Step Guide to Balancing Flash and Ambient Light
Dragging the shutter is a technique that balances the exposure of strobe and ambient light sources in one photo. For example: taking a photo of someone outside at night by using a portable flash and also capturing the city lights in the background. Balancing Strobes and Ambient Light Strobes put out a powerful amount of light so, in order to balance with the ambient light, we need to use a long shutter speed, hence “dragging the shutter.” There is quite a lot to know about this technique because it involves color balance as well as exposure … [Read more...] about Dragging the Shutter Part One: The Step-by-Step Guide to Balancing Flash and Ambient Light
Portrait Tip: Double Check, Let Her Rip
You know how it is: you've got a great looking subject in front of you and you're nervous to miss a shot so you start shooting and shooting and clicking and clicking and you capture the great expressions. But, when you review your images, you realize that you didn't capture the great exposure. Don't Catch the Expression and Miss the Picture This is especially common when photographers are new at working with flash or speedlights. You've got to slow down a second and verify that you've got the right exposure and depth of field, etc., then you … [Read more...] about Portrait Tip: Double Check, Let Her Rip
Judging the Quality of Light
The following is an excerpt from The Basic Beginners Guide to Photography Light & Exposure ebook by Scott Bourne and Richard Harrington. The book is currently on sale in iTunes and the iBooks Store. After you have the light coming from the right direction, you’ll want to judge the quality of the light. Not all light is the same, so you’ll want to learn the best times to shoot, as well as how to recognize when the lighting conditions are ideal. Is it harsh or diffused? While shooting on a warm sunny day can be a nice work experience, … [Read more...] about Judging the Quality of Light
Minimal Lighting for Funeral Portraits
Funerals are a good time to make family pictures because people who haven't seen one another in decades are together. You should take advantage of the opportunity. I attended a funeral yesterday, and amidst the memory sharing I took a few minutes to make portraits. Let me show you how I made the most of a difficult situation with minimal gear. This setup will work well in many event situations. The Backdrop: Put It Farther Back There was a luncheon for the family held in the multipurpose room of a church, which happens to be … [Read more...] about Minimal Lighting for Funeral Portraits
5 Simple Lighting Tips for better Food Photography
While I was at a photography conference, I ran into my good friend, Lou Manna. Lou’s award-winning photographs have appeared in over 40 cookbooks, in marketing campaigns for Kraft Foods, Dannon and the Culinary Institute of America, as well as leading industry publications such as Wine Enthusiast and Food Arts. I’ve been impressed with his photography skills over the years and asked him to share a few lighting tips. Here are his tips to make your next food shoot look even better: Having the ability to control the light on a subject is the … [Read more...] about 5 Simple Lighting Tips for better Food Photography
Location Photography: On Assignment with Joe McNally
ThinkTAPLearn has released a new training title with Joe McNally—Location Photography: On Assignment with Joe McNally. You’ll have a chance to watch over Joe’s shoulder as he works his magic on the set of a dance shoot. An industry legend, McNally began as a photojournalist and has worked for publications like Life and National Geographic. Joe continues to work on assignment today, producing amazing images and inspiring photographers. Watching him work is a treat. Who’s this course for? To get the most from this course, you’ll want to have … [Read more...] about Location Photography: On Assignment with Joe McNally
One Light Setup for Car Interiors
Whenever you photograph a still life or product, using soft backlight is a good place to start and car interiors are simply well composed still life arrangements. Try this technique for a simple one light setup that can kickstart your car interior shoot. This works with any camera and practically any lens (you'll need to consider your composition and distance from the subject depending on the lens you use). All you need additionally is a small softbox, like this indirect umbrella-style box from Phottix, and a speedlight you can trigger off … [Read more...] about One Light Setup for Car Interiors
Photofocus Podcast October 14, 2016 — Inspiration with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
On this #Inspiration "light" episode of the Photofocus podcast Scott and Marco discuss these topics: Get to know an inspirational photographer: This month Scott introduces you to the portrait photographer Don Blair better known as Big Daddy. (1925 - 2004). Don was a portrait photographer who was known for his attention to detail and was beloved in the industry. Scott was fortunate to have met Don and learned about lighting and posing from him. After some listener feedback, Scott and Marco decided to talk about light in photography … [Read more...] about Photofocus Podcast October 14, 2016 — Inspiration with Scott Bourne & Marco Larousse
Food Photography in a Working Restaurant
Small restaurants just don't have the budgets that chains do. Creating a series of photographs for table tents while a restaurant is filed with customers is challenging. It's also a whole lot of fun. The job Mike, the manager of the Brookhaven Lucky's a local, very dog friendly restaurant asked me if I shot food while I was enjoying dinner at the bar. "Sure," I said. "What have you got in mind...?" "We need to make table tents." Mike replied. It was early April. Summer was on the way. Milkshakes, a desert burger and a breakfast burger … [Read more...] about Food Photography in a Working Restaurant
Live: Modern Sports Portraits with Vanelli
You gotta join us live for our next Google+ Hangout, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Friday, August 19th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2:30 pm in Newfoundland. RSVP here and it'll show your local time. This Month: … [Read more...] about Live: Modern Sports Portraits with Vanelli
Red, Green and Blue All Over: Theatre and Concert Photography
I shoot a fair amount of theatre and concert productions. You know, the kind with dark environments with harsh red, green, blue and yellow lighting…where you can’t use any lighting gear. What I’ve learned is with a mix of exposure, ISO and aperture optimizations, you can create a template that will allow you to photograph these type of events with ease. ISO Don’t be afraid to boost this up. In these environments, ISO is your best friend. I usually crank mine up to 2500-3200 for performances. But, what about grain? To put it simply, it’s … [Read more...] about Red, Green and Blue All Over: Theatre and Concert Photography
Live: Modern Sports Portraits with Vanelli
You gotta join us live for our next Google+ Hangout, totally free of charge. Not only will you learn terrific techniques, but if you tune in live, you can be entered to win excellent prizes to help you in your work. (Note: MUST BE TUNED IN LIVE TO WIN). We'll be giving away a copy of Perfectly Clear from Athentech. Plus you never know what else. We kick off Friday, August 19th at 1:00 pm Eastern, 12:00 pm Central, 11:00 am Mountain, and 10:00 am Pacific. 2:30 pm in Newfoundland. RSVP here and it'll show your local time. This Month: … [Read more...] about Live: Modern Sports Portraits with Vanelli
