This is my second post of three on photographing people during your travels. My first article provided basic guidelines…paying attention to the background, camera settings, composition, and waiting to capture that special moment when everything comes together. This post will cover making the light work for you, the last of my guidelines mentioned in my first post. Make A List And Plan Your Day Decisions regarding lighting begin before you leave on your trip. It is important to do some research and to make a list, even if it is just in … [Read more...] about The Traveling Photographer: Photographing People: Taking Control of the Light
lighting
Shooting with a Beauty Dish
From the course: Improving Your Photography and Portraits with Lighting Modifiers Shooting with a beauty dish from Improving Your Photography and Portraits with Lighting Modifiers by Robert Vanelli Course transcript Once we start to really understand light modifiers, we can have a lot of fun with it. For this set here, we have the beautiful Erin, and she's going to play the assassin. To get this shot, if you think about what an assassin is, they're rugged, they're rough. Even though she's beautiful, we want her to have a … [Read more...] about Shooting with a Beauty Dish
Inspiration Can Strike Anywhere (Or How I Made the Most Viewed Photos of My Career)
Editor's Note: This is a Guest Post by pet photographer, Darcy Evans. See more of his photography here. As a working professional photographer, one thing I can say for sure is that photoshoots rarely go exactly as planned. If something can go wrong, it likely will. The focus of my photography business is pets, so you can guess that when live animals are involved, this is even more true. I find that it is super important to remain adaptable during shoots and to always keep an open mind to new ideas. Bring the Outdoors In Recently I was … [Read more...] about Inspiration Can Strike Anywhere (Or How I Made the Most Viewed Photos of My Career)
The Technical Benefits of Lighting Modifiers
From the Course: Improving Your Photography and Portraits with Lighting Modifiers The technical benefits of lighting modifiers from Improving Your Photography and Portraits with Lighting Modifiers by Robert Vanelli Benefits of Using Light Modifiers There are many benefits of using light modifiers. We can take a small light source such as the speedlight and make it large. With the right modifier and positioning of the light, we can shape the light to make a heavier person appear slimmer, or the opposite, add a little volume to a slimmer … [Read more...] about The Technical Benefits of Lighting Modifiers
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
The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast March 30, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/infocus-interview-show-photofocus-podcast-march-30-2018/s-uuin1 Remember to check out our great sponsors including TruLife acrylic, MPB.com, ThinkTapLearn In this episode: Eddie Tapp I had a chance to sit down with Commercial Photographer Eddie Tapp while he was in Florida giving a lecture to The Camera Club of Brevard Florida. Eddie talks about Learning to see the delicacy of light, The 4 Qualities of light--Spectacular Highlights, Diffused Highlights, Diffused Shadows, and Hard Shadows– and he gives a … [Read more...] about The InFocus Interview Show | Photofocus Podcast March 30, 2018
Portrait Tips: 3 Good Reasons You Should Wear Your Glasses
I spent yesterday making portraits at a corporate event, and several people tried to insist that they wanted to remove their eyeglasses for their portraits. This happens a lot, and it's usually because your subject has had a bad experience wearing glasses in portraits before. Here are a few good reasons your subject should wear their glasses in portraits. Recognition There's a picture of my family at my parents' house, and there's a guy I just don't recognize in that photo: it's my dad. But my dad has worn glasses every day since he was in … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: 3 Good Reasons You Should Wear Your Glasses
Using a Portable Softbox to Create Mood Lighting
I'm always looking for new and creative ways to play with light. When I had the chance to test out the Vello Octa Softbox for Portable Flash (Large, 12"), I knew that it was portable enough that I could get some interesting angles and views with it. While getting ready for an off-camera lighting workshop, I decided to play around with using the softbox to provide edge lighting on a subject against a black background. The setup was pretty simple, with my Nissin i60A flash mounted on a light stand, with the softbox attached. I also used a … [Read more...] about Using a Portable Softbox to Create Mood Lighting
How to D.I.Y. a Snoot & Grid
What is a snoot? A snoot is just a funny name for a piece of equipment, generally a tube or similar objects such as a conical, cylindrical, or rectangular shape, that fits over a studio light or portable flash. It allows you to control the direction or area of coverage of the light. Basically, it makes the light more focused and concentrated by directing your light and focusing it. This makes the coverage very narrow and the light falls-off very sharply giving you a harsher or harder light. Adding a Grid Personally, I like the snoot and grid … [Read more...] about How to D.I.Y. a Snoot & Grid
Photographic Test Kitchen: 3 Light Setup
Work made with 3 speed lights Here's the equipment used to create this photograph: Nikon D810 Nikon 105mm Macro lens 3 Nissin Di700A speedlights Nissan Carbon Fiber Light Stand Nissan Air 1 transmitter Rogue XL2 Flashbender Rogue large Flashbender Rogue Grid set Rogue Gel set Click Props "Factory Floor" backdrop https://youtu.be/cIrX4qx8iUE … [Read more...] about Photographic Test Kitchen: 3 Light Setup
Looking For Light from MPB.com
(Editor's Note: This is a guest post from our friends at MPB.com. MPB is a great place to sell gear that's no longer in use as well as where to buy quality used photo and video equipment at much lower cost than that of new.) Photography is completely centered around light: it not affects your photo's mood, but it also dictates what your settings must be in the camera to record a picture and represent that mood in the picture. Let's talk about how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO setting affect your image, and then we'll dive into the … [Read more...] about Looking For Light from MPB.com
Turning a Boring Shoot Into an Inspired Photo Session
Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Cathy Seaver, a commercial photographer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She works primarily for Cull Group shooting product, corporate headshots, and other client needs. In her off time, Cathy enjoys getting out into nature to shoot what she sees around her. She is also an avid horseback rider, enjoying her time in the saddle on trails and playing around with a bit of dressage. Check out her work on Instagram. Shooting commercially, a photographer doesn’t necessarily get to choose what they are shooting, … [Read more...] about Turning a Boring Shoot Into an Inspired Photo Session
What is Kelvin White Balance, and How Do I Use It?
In today's digital cameras, there are a plethora of options in terms of setting your white balance. And many photographers I talk to just set it on the Auto setting and never think twice about it. But there are major benefits to not only setting your white balance but using a specific setting called the Kelvin scale. Why Worry About White Balance? I've found that, in most situations, Auto White Balance (often noted as "AWB" on cameras) does a pretty good job. The colors are well-represented, and I rarely get a weird cast when shooting. But … [Read more...] about What is Kelvin White Balance, and How Do I Use It?
Gear Review: Angler Circo LED Ring Light (19″)
Over the years I've been adding to my lighting equipment. I started out with a standard on-camera flash and then progressed into my AlienBee B800 strobes. And now, with the Angler Circo LED Ring Light (19"), I'm adding a bit of flair into my setup. I was initially intrigued to get a ring light in order to get a crisp look in eyes when photographing portraits. Instead of using umbrellas on my AlienBees, I wanted a more-focused light that would help to better show off a person's eyes. The Angler Circo LED Ring Light (19") is a great starter … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Angler Circo LED Ring Light (19″)
How Photographing Sports Changed My Life
Guest post by Erin Holmstead. Shooting sports changed my whole photography business! At the end of 2015, I met a gentleman, Rick Parker, who shoots sports photography for a local online news center. We were in the same photo club and he was presenting some of his work and during this time he mentioned that anyone could tag along and learn at one of the games coming up. I, of course, jumped right on that thinking, why not? The first game I attended with him was a local high school game and I left feeling like I should probably put my camera … [Read more...] about How Photographing Sports Changed My Life
Portrait Tips: Subtle Spice Not Ketchup
When people see your picture, they should say, "Wow, that's a great photograph," not, "Wow, that's a well-lit photograph." Once you start using flashes, it's like having a hammer in your hand: everything looks like a nail that needs to be lit. That's ok, and it's fun. The trap is feeling like you need to crank the flash up so that it's apparent and obvious in your photographs--and there's a place for that, and it's fun, too. But instead of using your lights to overpower the sun and the ambient light every time, try augmenting the existing light … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Subtle Spice Not Ketchup
Portrait Tips: How Do You Photograph People With Glasses?
A quick google search told me that at least 60% of people wear glasses or contacts, and that means your next client probably does, too. I wore glasses for many years (I had LASIK, so I don't anymore) and can attest that when you're a glasses wearer, photographs can make you a little more anxious than usual because you've experienced really bad glare in the lenses. The thing is, photographing people with glasses is simple. Let me show you how. Reflection Direction Glare in glasses comes from light reflecting off the lenses and into the camera. … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: How Do You Photograph People With Glasses?
Angler Silverbox 18″ Softbox Review
The Basics Okay, so awhile back I was asked to test and review the Angler Silverbox 18" Softbox and at first, given I have the Profoto version of this as well as the Beauty Dish, I was wondering just how useful or good this guy could be. Given it was 1/2 the price, (or less), of the Profoto version I was used too, I was pretty sure the quality would be less than great and i'd try it once, and throw into a corner never to be seen again. Well...lets just say I was pleasantly surprised! Check this out; Above is a shot I took using JUST … [Read more...] about Angler Silverbox 18″ Softbox Review
Portrait Tips: How Do I Choose White Balance For Portraits?
There are so many things to think about when making portraits that leaving your white balance set to auto is a tempting proposition. Especially when everyone raves about how good each new camera's auto white balance settings are. Don't fall into this trap, though. Auto white balance reads the colors in the scene before you take the picture and makes adjustments. But there are two things that foul it up, and there are two simple ways to ensure you get consistent color. Why Do My Pictures Look Different? The camera has white balance settings so … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: How Do I Choose White Balance For Portraits?
Lighting Green Screen Video/Photography
This is our first post in a multipart series on greenscreen video and photography. Check out Adobe Stock if you need backgrounds or other greenscreen elements. The popularity of green screen (or chromakey) technology has grown immensely, bringing the technology and tools within reach of most content creators. By color keying (or removing) a colored background, an alpha channel can be created for the foreground footage layer. (Editor's note: More on alpha channels can be found in Rich's "The History of the Alpha Channel.") This allows … [Read more...] about Lighting Green Screen Video/Photography
Use A Telephoto Lens And Good Light For Holidays
There are two kinds of photographers at family events: those you know are making pictures and those you don't. My mother-in-law is really good at the former. She captures every grouping at every party and gets most of the people to look. I'm really bad at that kind of picture and am trying to get better at it. But I'm pretty good at the candid shots. I do two things when I'm making pictures: I look for good light and I use a telephoto lens. Good Light Good light is usually coming from the side, and it's usually coming from a window. If … [Read more...] about Use A Telephoto Lens And Good Light For Holidays
Gear Review: Vello Octa Softbox for Portable Flash (Large, 12″)
As I start to travel more, I look more and more at small gear options, specifically surrounding lighting. One of my must-haves has been a portable softbox that would be quick and simple to setup, and give me satisfactory results. The Vello Octa Softbox for Portable Flash (Large, 12") is a decent option but falls a bit short in some areas. Setting Up The Vello Octa Softbox is pretty much what I expected — a 12" collapsible softbox that attaches to any flash with velcro. While it fit my Nissin i700a flash, it was somewhat cumbersome to put … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Vello Octa Softbox for Portable Flash (Large, 12″)
Skating The Ramps With Platypod Max And MagMod
A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon a photo I selected for Photographer of the Day. It was of a skateboarder at a skate park, doing some tricks. Needless to say, I was inspired. I really had never tried to capture skateboarding in action, but I knew that with a few extra tools, I could do so in a unique and different way. Enter the Platypod Max and MagMod system. I had recently purchased a complete MagMod set, and was really excited to try out some of the less-traditional tools for lighting a scene. I talked to a local photographer friend, … [Read more...] about Skating The Ramps With Platypod Max And MagMod
Natural Light Studio in Your Backyard
It’s pretty easy to make your own natural light “studio” for just a little money and a little time for set up. “Portraits Unplugged” is what I call shooting with ambient light and it’s important to understand the direction, quality and depth of light in order to make a portrait that is effective. Learning to see the light is a process that requires practice. Controlling the light to create your mood is imperative. My favorite natural lighting is what we call Porch Light or Garage Door Light, which means there is no light coming from above … [Read more...] about Natural Light Studio in Your Backyard
Portrait Tips: Soft Light vs Hard Light
I'm always talking about soft light and how great it looks for portraits. But what does it mean? If there's soft light, is there hard light? Let me show you what it means and you'll see that yes, there is hard light, and soft light is waaaaay better. Soft/Hard = Big/Small Hard light comes from small lights, and soft light comes from big lights. The important thing to remember is that the softness depends on the size of the light in relation to your subject. So even if your light is the size of a bus, unless your subject is close to it can … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Soft Light vs Hard Light
Gear Review: Impact Large Clip Clamp with Ball Head Shoe Mount (a.k.a., Justin Clamp)
The very first lighting tool I ever bought was a Manfrotto Justin Clamp because Joe McNally highly recommended it in his books. I loved it and I've used it all around the world. It's small and light and can place a flash just about anywhere. However, it had some flaws--the rubber pads on the clamp melted off in the sun and the cold shoe couldn't hold all types of speedlights securely. Well, this version of the Justin Clamp made by Impact answers all of the flaws my old one had. The only issue I found is the knob to tighten the ball head is … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Impact Large Clip Clamp with Ball Head Shoe Mount (a.k.a., Justin Clamp)
Portrait Tips: Pose The Nose To Contain The Lobe
Anytime you turn your subject's face away from the camera, you run the risk of emphasizing the size of her nose, and in all the pictures I've ever made, no one has ever said, "I wish you'd made my nose look bigger." The most important thing in a portrait is usually the eyes but placing your camera in the wrong position will make the nose distract from the eyes. Beware the Nose Lobe The trouble is that a person's nose may stick out past the profile of the cheek. When it does, it sticks out a little bit, kind of like the way the lobe of the ear … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Pose The Nose To Contain The Lobe
Gear Review: Impact Collapsible Oval Reflector Soft Gold/White
When it comes to reflectors, I prefer large oval shaped tools and the Impact Collapsible Oval Reflector Disc is a good one. In this video, I show you the things I like about it. The unit I show has a reflective white side and a soft gold side. I like this tool and I'd recommend it in any of the configurations sold at B&H. Be sure to check out this related article on how to use a gold reflector. https://youtu.be/lrwTHde_NnM Here's another video about how to fold the reflector. https://youtu.be/GdaFA7r2mUY … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Impact Collapsible Oval Reflector Soft Gold/White
Portrait Tips: Deep Drama With One Light
Every time you make portraits you should make one shot that pushes your limits or gives you a little thrill. The client may not like it, but it will help fill your soul. I usually use one light from the front to make portraits, but it's amazing how much impact moving the light can have, and that's the case with the following picture. It's made with just one light, and it's the kind of portrait I love to make even though I know my client probably won't love it. Big Light To make this kind of lighting, you just need to get your subject very … [Read more...] about Portrait Tips: Deep Drama With One Light
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Take Advantage Of Silent Shutter
Many DSLR's have a Quiet Mode. One way this is done is by separating the sound of the shutter from the slap of the mirror. When you press the shutter button the mirror flips up and the shutter is fired, exposing the image. But then the mirror doesn't flip down until you remove your finger from the shutter button. This works surprisingly well to make your camera not sound like a camera and it's far less distracting in quiet situations--I've even photographed live ballet performances this way without ruining the show. Silent Mode Trumps Quiet … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Take Advantage Of Silent Shutter
