For me, photography is all about light and having full control over that light. It is why I am obsessed with studio light. Being able to create a shadow here and a highlight there brings me so much joy! Lighting can make or break your image especially when it comes to portraits. That's why I think understanding lighting patterns is so important. What are Lighting Patterns? So what are lighting patterns? For me, it's the design the light creates when it shines on your client's faces and each pattern has a different name. There are 6 main … [Read more...] about 7 Portrait Lighting Patterns and How to Achieve Them
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Beauty Photography Basics
If your goal is to shoot beauty portraits, you must understand that not only does the model want to feel flawless, but the hair and makeup artists want their work to look beautiful in the final image as well. You may know a lot of various lighting setups but when it comes to beauty the main goal is to avoid creating unflattering lighting that either expose the subject’s uneven skin and hair texture (acne problems, fine line or wrinkles, coarse or damaged hair) or visually age them. For that reason, your choice of light modifiers and main … [Read more...] about Beauty Photography Basics
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
How to Make Money with Videography & Photography Webinar Today!
Learn how to make money with your videography and still photography by watching this live New Year's Resolution Webinar Today, Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Photofocus hosts Rich Harrington and Kevin Ames are joined by Adobe Stock experts Dennis Radeke (video) and Mat Hayward (still) to share ways of making money with your library of videos and photos. We welcome questions from those watching live at 3:30 pm EST/12:30 pm PST. https://youtu.be/LTMUIvqUx5E … [Read more...] about How to Make Money with Videography & Photography Webinar Today!
Free Webinar: Make Money with Video & Stills Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018
Learn how to make money with your videography and still photography by watching this live New Year's Resolution Webinar Wednesday, January 31, 2018. Photofocus host Kevin Ames is joined by Director/Producer Abba Shapiro and Adobe Stock experts Dennis Radeke (video) and Mat Hayward (still) to share ways of making money with your library of videos and photos. We welcome questions from those watching live at 3:30 pm EST/12:30 pm PST. https://youtu.be/LTMUIvqUx5E … [Read more...] about Free Webinar: Make Money with Video & Stills Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2018
Free Webinar: Make Online Portfolios
Photography has to be seen to be valuable for the photographer. Photofocus publisher, Rich Harrington, and managing editor, Kevin Ames host this tip-packed webinar on how to build a photographic portfolio and get it online. We'll talk about options for online portfolios including myportfolio.com also known as Adobe Portfolio. Learn how to make your photographs seen so they can bring in work. Having work online is key to generating new business. Sponsored by Adobe Stock. Join the live webinar January 24, 2018, @ 3:30 pm EST / 12:30 pm … [Read more...] about Free Webinar: Make Online Portfolios
New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Make Online Portfolios!
Photography has to be seen to be valuable for the photographer. Photofocus publisher, Rich Harrington, and managing editor, Kevin Ames host this tip-packed webinar on how to build a photographic portfolio and get it online. Learn how to make your photographs seen so they can bring in work. Sponsored by Adobe Stock. Join the live webinar January 24, 2018, @ 3:30 pm EST / 12:30 pm PST https://youtu.be/fzmeYG-rSfs … [Read more...] about New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Make Online Portfolios!
Free Webinar: I Will Get Model/Property Releases: Join In Tomorrow!
While editorial uses don't require model and property releases, commercial uses, like selling stock, do. It's always a good idea to keep release forms with you either electronically on your phone or tablet or paper versions. (Adobe Scan and Acrobat Reader make e-releases easy!) Moderator Kevin Ames and Adobe Stock expert Mat Hayward discuss the ins and outs of getting and managing model and property releases. During the live webinar, you can ask questions. The webinar airs on January 16, 2018, at 3:00 pm Eastern and Noon Pacific live from … [Read more...] about Free Webinar: I Will Get Model/Property Releases: Join In Tomorrow!
New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Get Model Releases!
While editorial uses don't require releases, commercial uses, like selling stock--especially if it is to be used to sell things and services, do. Moderator Kevin Ames and Adobe Stock expert Mat Hayward discuss the ins and outs of getting and managing model and property releases. Join them live from Nashville and Imaging USA. The webinar airs on January 16, 2018, at 3:00 pm Eastern and Noon Pacific. https://youtu.be/qKgRb2i2-CY View or attend the full schedule of New Year's Resolution Webinars for videographers & … [Read more...] about New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Get Model Releases!
Photographer of the Day: Neil Edwin Sinadjan
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "Hold on to hope" by Neil Edwin Sinadjan In photography, we often label photos by their genre and style. The beauty of the powerful image "Hold on to hope" by Neil Edwin Sinadjan is that it transcends these labels. This scene is from the Traslación of the Black Nazarene, a procession through the streets of the city Quiapo, in the Philipines, that attracts millions of devotees. The Black Nazarene is a carving made by an unknown Mexican artist in the 16th century, and transported to the Philippines. … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Neil Edwin Sinadjan
Free Webinar: I Will Register My Copyrights: Join In Tomorrow!
Photofocus and Adobe Stock are starting your photographic year off with an exclusive series of webinars to help your business. Resolution 2018 Webinar #2 I will register my copyrights - Thursday, January 11th, 2018 at 3:00 pm EST / 12:00 pm PST While your photographs are copyrighted when the shutter button is pressed they don't count legally until they are registered. Kevin Ames hosts this webinar on copyright registration. His guests are ASMP Atlanta board member John Slemp and intellectual property attorney Jeff Veal. Together, Jeff and … [Read more...] about Free Webinar: I Will Register My Copyrights: Join In Tomorrow!
New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Register My Copyrights!
Photofocus and Adobe Stock are starting your photographic year off with an exclusive series of webinars to help your business. Resolution 2018 Webinar #2 I will register my copyrights - Thursday, January 11th, 2018 at 3:00 pm EST / 12:00 pm PST While your photographs are copyrighted when the shutter button is pressed they don't count legally until they are registered. Kevin Ames hosts this webinar on copyright registration. His guests are ASMP Atlanta board member John Slemp and intellectual property attorney Jeff Veal. Together, Jeff and … [Read more...] about New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Register My Copyrights!
Free Webinar: I Will Organize My Photo Library: Join In Tomorrow!
Photofocus and Adobe Stock are starting your photographic year off with an exclusive series of webinars to help your business. Resolution 2018 Webinar #1 I will organize my photo library - Friday, January 5th, 2018 at 3:00 pm EST / 12:00 pm PST Photofocus publisher, Rich Harrington and managing editor, Kevin Ames are your hosts for a webinar on getting your photo library in order for the new year. And, for all the years to come for that matter. Our special guests on this webinar are Peter Krogh, author of the DAM* Book and Lightroom Expert … [Read more...] about Free Webinar: I Will Organize My Photo Library: Join In Tomorrow!
New Year’s Resolution Webinar Series for Photographers & Videographers
Photofocus and Adobe Stock are producing a series of webinar resolutions to help photographers and videographers boost their businesses in 2018. Here's the full schedule: Resolution #1: I Will Organize My Photo Library: January 5, 2018, 3:00 pm EST/12:00 pm PST New Year's Resolutions for Photographers from Photofocus • Sponsored by Adobe Stock This week's resolution is "I Will Organize My Photo Library!" Your hosts, Rich Harrington and Kevin Ames are joined by guests Peter Krough, author of the DAM* Book and Lightroom expert Tim Grey. … [Read more...] about New Year’s Resolution Webinar Series for Photographers & Videographers
New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Organize My Library!
Photofocus and Adobe Stock are starting your photographic year off with an exclusive series of webinars to help your business. Resolution 2018 Webinar #1 I will organize my photo library - Friday, January 5th, 2018 at 3:00 pm EST / 12:00 pm PST Photofocus publisher, Rich Harrington and managing editor, Kevin Ames are your hosts for a webinar on getting your photo library in order for the new year. And, for all the years to come for that matter. Our special guests on this webinar are Peter Krough, author of the DAM* Book and Lightroom Expert … [Read more...] about New Year’s Resolutions for Photographers ~ Organize My Library!
Photographer of the Day: Dawna Moore
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "GMC Christmas" by Dawna Moore If you would like to experience a beautiful vision of a vintage holiday, look no further than this image, "GMC Christmas" by Dawna Moore. Part holiday cheer, part nostalgia, it's a warmly lit scene featuring Christmas decorations along with a nice slice of Americana. Beyond these elements, the composition and lighting are excellent, from the technical choices with aperture to create the starbursts on the Christmas lights, to the balance of complimentary colors with … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Dawna Moore
Photographer of the Day: Mark Meyer zur Heide
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "Oslo No. 1" by Mark Meyer zur Heide What is particularly compelling about this image, "Oslo No. 1" by Mark Meyer zur Heide, is it let's you imagine nearly endless stories for the scene, what this place is, and who the person is passing through it. The anonymous silhouette could be anyone, on their way to or from anything, passing through a seemingly futuristic place, where the light and patterns are almost hypnotic. The strong lines, reflections, and color gradients capture your eye, and lead you … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Mark Meyer zur Heide
How to Replace a Portrait Background Easily with Adobe Stock
A portrait against a neutral background is great as a headshot. It lacks excitement, concept, and story. Here's an easy way to turn a simple portrait into a show stopper--change the background. Drop out the background Use your favorite method to make the background transparent with a layer mask. Solid objects can be outlined with the pen tool. Others, like the portrait shown here, might be done with the Quick Selection tool. No matter. Use Select & Mask from the Select menu to make the hair look more realistic. The file has to be saved a … [Read more...] about How to Replace a Portrait Background Easily with Adobe Stock
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
Photographer of the Day: Jim Sollows
Category: Street Photography Photograph: "I’m sure there are many stories behind this old bike!" by Jim Sollows It is often easier to say that you like an image versus trying to explain why you like it. For me it usually comes down to a few simple tests. Does it make me feel something? Does it make me imagine the story of the scene? Jim Sollows' photo, "I’m sure there are many stories behind this old bike!" does both, and his title captures perfectly what we are all probably thinking when taking in this photo. His composition pulls you … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Jim Sollows
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast December 8, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-december-8-2017 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please post a review on iTunes. In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young chat with photographer and educator Tony Corbell about running a brick and mortar photography studio. We discuss in detail: - The in’s and out’s of having a studio space - The advantages and also challenges of running a brick and mortar studio - Work/life balance - Realistic pricing when running a physical … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast December 8, 2017
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
Photographer of the Day: Dave Cheresna
Category: Street Photography Photograph:Neon Nights by Dave (Dave Cheresna, @dscphoto) Street photography is so often about scaling down and capturing the small scenes and moments. Dave’s image, “Neon Nights”, is a great example of this, capturing a riot of color from a hotel sign reflected in a car window. The rainbow colors and rippled distortion of the sign in the reflection play a cool contrast to the sleek lines and deep red of the car. Seeing and shooting this small scene shows off the photographer’s ability to find and isolate … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Dave Cheresna
Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast | October 2nd, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/problem-solving-photofocus-podcast-october-2nd-2017 This month we focus on... focus! That is, right after our eclipse wrap-up. Links from the show: Photomatix Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/hdrsoft Pepper’s San Francisco Eclipse Photos: www.pepperazzi.photos The story of the epic eclipse photo by Andrew Studer and Ted Hesser is here. Levi Sim links www.levisim.com instagram.com/photolevi Pepper's links. www.panoramanetwork.com instagram.com/rpepper Have suggestions or … [Read more...] about Problem Solving | Photofocus Podcast | October 2nd, 2017
Photographer of the Day: Emanuele UbOldi
Category: Street Photography Photograph: Untitled by Emanuele UbOldi You can’t help but be drawn to the face of the child in this untitled image by Emanuele UbOldi. Everything in the scene focuses your attention there, and although small in the frame, this little one becomes the center of attention. There are two subtle but strong concepts at play. First, the child is “sub framed”, with the steps acting as a frame, an effect repeated by the entryway and doors, creating a series of pictures within a picture. The other is color, the … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day: Emanuele UbOldi
Sunday Comics: No Discount
Thanks to the Shoppe for today's laugh... … [Read more...] about Sunday Comics: No Discount
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
Fujifilm X100F – Star of the Street
The Camera that's Just Enough for Most Everything I had the great fortune to beta test the newest iteration of Fujifilm's X100, the X100F — the little camera that could! This camera occupies an odd niche in that its a fixed lens mirrorless, that is much more than just a point-and-shoot, but not an interchangeable-lens "system," with a cool, retro "old school" vibe reminiscent of the Leica rangefinders. The new X100F is pretty much the same size as the original, with the same 23mm ƒ2 lens. Most of the changes are under the … [Read more...] about Fujifilm X100F – Star of the Street
9 Tips to Put More Life into Your Wildlife Photos
As the (insert amazing wild animal of choice here) steps out of the edge of the woods into view and you imagine getting award-winning images of it, countless choices face you for how to make those images. "What aperture should I use...what ISO...should I try to move closer...should I shoot it as a vertical...should I put on a teleconverter...should I take off the teleconverter... should I switch my car insurance to that company run by a lizard…?" In wildlife photography, things happen fast. Deep, right? You can quote me on that. When … [Read more...] about 9 Tips to Put More Life into Your Wildlife Photos
Photographer of the Day – Fitz Crittle Photography
Photographer: Fitz Crittle Photography – No Timeouts Here we go again, Photographer of the Day time!! It’s Kristina from Shark Pixel and I must say, I am loving all of your submissions and I want to thank the members of the Photofocus Flickr Community for allowing me to browse and share their images! I love having the opportunity to pick out images that motivate me to be more creative with my portraits, and today’s image does a fantastic job of that. Check out this awesome shot by Fitz Crittle. I don’t know what I love more, the color or the … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day – Fitz Crittle Photography
