Before lighting a subject in a studio environment, start with an empty set, leaving the overhead lights on. Dial in your desired exposure settings and take the first shot. Your goal is to create a completely black image. This will prove the ambient light will not affect your image when you proceed to light the subject. Want to learn more? Check out this article, "Photography Strip Lighting" … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: Kill the ambient light
Portrait Photography
Portrait photographers: Save time, crop in camera
Most cameras — not including micro four-thirds — capture images in a standard 3:2 ratio, producing an 8x12 or a traditional 4x6 print. Normally this is fine, but did you know you can change the aspect ratio to 5:4 making it perfect for an 8x10 or 16x20 portrait? Here’s why you should consider changing the aspect ratio, essentially allowing you to crop in camera. Saves time when editing I shoot a lot of portraits and headshots. Instead of cropping during post-processing — an extra tedious step that adds up — I set my camera to capture the … [Read more...] about Portrait photographers: Save time, crop in camera
Beyond Technique Podcast with NashCo Photography | Photofocus Podcast May 16, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-with-nashco-photography-photofocus-podcast-may-16-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level! In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young dive deep into a discussion with photographers Leah Nash and Christopher Onstott. They are a fun-loving photography duo, both former photojournalists turned lifestyle … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast with NashCo Photography | Photofocus Podcast May 16, 2018
Beyond Technique Podcast | Photofocus Podcast April 18, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-photofocus-podcast-april-18-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level! In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young dive deep into a discussion with fashion, advertising, and portrait photographer Kristina Varaksina. We discuss in detail: being your own "art director" developing your own unique style the other … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast | Photofocus Podcast April 18, 2018
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast April 13, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-april-13-2018 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 renowned photographer Anne Geddes. We discuss in detail: How storytelling relates to photography How to be authentic in your work Finding your personal creativity and style, and the importance of being able to control light How to find the photographic "bliss" that will drive your work … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast April 13, 2018
Beyond Technique Podcast | Photofocus Podcast March 21, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-photofocus-podcast-march-21-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please, post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level! In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young dive deep into a discussion with editorial, corporate, and advertising photographer Todd Spoth. We discuss in detail: how paying attention to details about your client can help facilitate trust the role … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast | Photofocus Podcast March 21, 2018
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast March 9, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-march-9-2018 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 veteran photographer Lynn Goldsmith. We discuss in detail: Photography as a means of creative expression Having a holistic view of yourself as a person and photographer Being an idea-maker and spreading ideas Photography as a means of self discovery The role of photography in … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast March 9, 2018
Beyond Technique Podcast | Photofocus Podcast January 17, 2018
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/beyond-technique-podcast-photofocus-podcast-january-17-2018 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please post a review on iTunes. Welcome to Beyond Technique, a podcast empowering photographers to bring their businesses to the next level! In this episode, Skip Cohen and Chamira Young dive deep into a discussion about the benefits of having special photography projects with Stacy Pearsall. We discuss in detail: How Stacy was brought out of a dark place through the Veteran's Portrait … [Read more...] about Beyond Technique Podcast | Photofocus Podcast January 17, 2018
When to Use a Tripod for Portraits
From the course: Portrait Photography: Business Portraits on LinkedIn Learning Shooting on a tripod or off from Portrait Photography: Business Portraits by Robert Vanelli Course transcript Shooting with a tripod has many benefits, especially if you're new to photography. What it does is help you minimize camera shake. Now camera shake is when you take that photo and the eyes look blurry. But you know you're focused right on the eyes, you're at the dead center. But for some reason, it looks too blurry. Usually, that's because you're … [Read more...] about When to Use a Tripod for Portraits
Lessons from the Field: Coaxing a Smile Out of A Stubborn Portrait Client
One thing that has stood out to me over the years is the importance of having people skills in order to make great portraits. In my experience, learning how to use the camera has been the easy part. It's the people skills that can often make or break a portrait session. Below is a story from the field that taught me that lesson while shooting a small company's headshots at their office. "Gary tends to look like a serial killer in photos. Good luck." As soon as I arrived at the office that Monday morning for a small company's employee … [Read more...] about Lessons from the Field: Coaxing a Smile Out of A Stubborn Portrait Client
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast September 8, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-september-8-2017 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Please post a review on iTunes. In this episode, we chat with Lori Nordstrom about promoting your photography business. Specifically, we chat about: The importance of doing your research before reaching out to prospective clients The concept of "owning your zipcode" Picking up the phone for reaching out to businesses Using emails to reach out to individuals Building your network … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast September 8, 2017
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast July 14, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-july-14-2017 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. In this episode, we chat with renowned fashion photographer Lindsay Adler about: The pivotal moments in her life that influenced her career The importance of studying business in addition to photography Seeking wise council from others Knowing the technical reasons behind why an image is "good" or "bad" Finding your own style and seeing … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast July 14, 2017
Free Portrait Photography Class Ends June 1, 2017
Learn Portrait Photography: The Basics with Levi Sim This course is free until 6/1/17. In this course, you'll learn simple techniques for creating great portraits. Join photographer Levi Sim as he shows you how to find and make great light with basic tools, and demonstrates the easiest methods for helping people look their best while remaining comfortable. You'll learn how to use reflectors, diffusers, and simple strobe setups to maximize existing light, and adjust your camera settings to get excellent raw results. Start watching and you'll … [Read more...] about Free Portrait Photography Class Ends June 1, 2017
The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast May 12, 2017
https://soundcloud.com/photofocus/the-mind-your-own-business-podcast-photofocus-podcast-may-12-2017 Get the show here or get it on iTunes — Don't forget to post a review on iTunes. In this episode, we chat with celebrity wedding photographers Bob and Dawn Davis about: Trends within the wedding and portrait industry Educating your clients The value of encouraging physical prints Understanding the importance of sharing your images with related wedding vendors Cultivating relationships with wedding vendors How to … [Read more...] about The Mind Your Own Business Podcast | Photofocus Podcast May 12, 2017
Free Portrait Photography Class Ends June 1, 2017
Learn Portrait Photography: The Basics with Levi Sim This course is free until 6/1/17. In this course, you'll learn simple techniques for creating great portraits. Join photographer Levi Sim as he shows you how to find and make great light with basic tools, and demonstrates the easiest methods for helping people look their best while remaining comfortable. You'll learn how to use reflectors, diffusers, and simple strobe setups to maximize existing light, and adjust your camera settings to get excellent raw results. Start watching and you'll … [Read more...] about Free Portrait Photography Class Ends June 1, 2017
Studio Tip: Nailing down your White Balance
Your camera’s auto white balance mode does a great job of reading the scene's color temperature and choosing a setting from its’ collection of pre-programmed adjustments. This is great for street photography or outdoor portraits when the light source is constantly changing. For studio work--where the light source is consistent--manually selecting your white balance will produce a more accurate color rendition. Here’s how to use a White Balance Card to match studio lighting conditions. In Camera Custom White Balance Creating a custom white … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: Nailing down your White Balance
Photographer of the Day – Igor Kovalenko
Photographer: Igor Kovalenko – Jay Happy Monday guys! It’s Kristi Sherk here, Washington DC headshot photographer and Shark Pixel retoucher, with your Portrait Photographer of the Day! I was blown away when I came across this photo by Igor Kovalenko while browsing the Photofocus Flickr Community, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! I think portraits are best when they tell a story, and everything in this image does that - from the background of the image to the wrinkles of the man’s skin to the sepia tone. I love how sharp every … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day – Igor Kovalenko
Photographer of the Day – KBT Images
Photographer: KBT Images - _DSC8448 It’s Monday again which means it’s time for another Portrait Photographer of the Day!! This week’s choice is a little more of a classic portrait, which is what I’m used to at my DC headshot studio. Kevin's whole photostream is filled with fashionable portraits, and I’m thrilled I came across this one in the Photofocus Flickr Community pool! The model in this image is beautiful, but what catches my eye the most is the soft quality of light he used. Also, being a professional retoucher myself, I love seeing … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day – KBT Images
Photographer of the Day – Xavier Guillaume
Photographer: Xavier Guillaume – Duality Hey everyone!! It’s time for another Photographer of the Day! As you may know by now, I am the retoucher behind Shark Pixel as well as a headshot photographer in DC. I love browsing through the PhotoFocus group for a little inspiration! This week’s choice is Xavier Guillaume. I love his creative portrait of this beautiful young girl. Her reflection in the window adds a very artistic element to the shot that takes it to another level, but it is soft enough to not take focus away from the actual … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day – Xavier Guillaume
Photographer of the Day – Paul
Photographer: Paul - Raphael Hey everyone!! It’s me, Kristina Sherk, back with today’s Photographer of the Day! Today I want to highlight a man named Paul. I came across a couple images by Paul in the Photofocus Flickr community and I am so impressed! He truly has a gift for capturing joy within his subjects. Each image has more emotion than the one before it. Awesome work, Paul! I love how sharp this image is, and all of the detail in the man’s face. As a DC headshot photographer myself, I love portraits that help you connect with the … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day – Paul
Photographer of the Day – Steve Lavelle
Category: Portraits Photographer: Steve Lavelle - Vietnamese Lady Since I’m a new contributor here at PhotoFocus, I’ve been perusing the Photofocus Flickr community in order to highlight some of the group’s fantastic portrait photographers. At our DC portrait studio, we shoot portraits every day, but this one totally stood out! Steve Lavelle has hit it out of the park with this one! All too often, portrait photographers go a little too far when smoothing skin in portraits. The reason why we love this image, is because of the overall … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day – Steve Lavelle
Photographer of the Day – Jeremy VanderMeer
Category: Portraits Photographer: Jeremy VanderMeer – Sad Man Calling this portrait ‘striking’ is putting it lightly! This portrait just stopped me in my tracks! While Jeremy VanderMeer seems to predominantly photograph babies and nature, he sure is a talent when it comes to portraits too. We can also see that he has a fabulous knowledge of the dodge and burn technique, as illustrated in this shot. We here at DC Headshots like to think we know a thing or two about portraits and retouching. Keep up the great work, Jeremy! As per … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day – Jeremy VanderMeer
Photographer of the Day – George Prapas
Category: Portraits Photographer: George Prapas - GP_MG_8774 Hey guys! My name is Kristina Sherk and I’m a professional retoucher and portrait photographer from Washington DC. At our DC headshot studio, we like to think we know a thing or two about photographing and retouching people, so I’m going to start featuring some amazing portrait photographers on Mondays, here on Photofocus! Here’s our first featured portrait photographer: Bulgarian photographer George Prapas has got a keen eye for photographing people and it absolutely … [Read more...] about Photographer of the Day – George Prapas
Update the Sports Grit Look: Add Dirt
The secret ingredient to produce the sports-grit look is to light the subject with harsh light. Harsh light produces strong shadows for a powerful photo. It sculptures the subject in such a way that when applying the Lightroom preset, the grit look is achieved. Style the shoot to change the mood I’ve been happy with the look for the past few years, but I felt it was time for a slight change. I wanted to create a different mood. Adding tape to the athlete's fingers and wrist symbolized injuries. Applying eye black added to the tough look. … [Read more...] about Update the Sports Grit Look: Add Dirt
