When using studio strobes or a hot shoe flash, you might come across a black gradient at the bottom of your images. This happens when you have too fast of a shutter speed, blocking part of the frame lit by your speedlight or strobe. There's an easy way to avoid this. Check your camera's manual for the "sync" shutter speed for flash. Then, keep your shutter speed set at that speed or slower when using speedlight or electronic flash. A shutter set at "sync" or slower ensures the light can fully illuminate the scene your camera captures. … [Read more...] about Quick Tip: How to Get Rid of the Black Gradient at the Bottom of My Photo
speedlight
What is a Softbox?
From the course: Improving Your Photography and Portraits with Lighting Modifiers on LinkedIn Learning What is a softbox? from Improving Your Photography and Portraits with Lighting Modifiers by Robert Vanelli What is a Softbox? A softbox is a term that describes an enclosure that surrounds a light source on all sides and diffuses the light that escapes from it. Now, when you open up or you pull back the diffuser, you'll look inside and you'll notice there's a silver reflector on the inside. What this is going to do, is take harsh light, … [Read more...] about What is a Softbox?
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 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
Using Speedlights for Glamorous Clamshell Lighting
Have you ever walked down the makeup aisle at a store and just stared at the images? Trying to understand what lighting setup they used to light that model/celebrities face? I do it all the time. In fact, sometimes I have to purposely avoid that section of the store so I won't get sucked in. The answer...clamshell lighting people! It will be your new favorite go-to lighting for women and I am going to help you achieve it using a speedlight. What Is Clamshell Lighting? Clamshell lighting setup is commonly used by fashion and beauty … [Read more...] about Using Speedlights for Glamorous Clamshell Lighting
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
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
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
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)
Avoiding the Harsh, Direct Flash Look
One of the biggest reasons why I don't like pop-up flashes is that it gives uneven, harsh lighting directed at your subject. Even with an on-camera speedlight, the same effect can happen. And while you can play around with the power output of your speedlight, there are other ways to avoid an unattractive look. With a few tricks, you can create a softer light that spreads across the environment you're shooting in — which in turn, creates a more natural photograph. Bounce Off a Ceiling I use this technique often at indoor events, and it … [Read more...] about Avoiding the Harsh, Direct Flash Look
Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Hallelujah! Lr Update Includes Picture Styles For Lumix
Update: I've changed the title of this article for those who are jumping to conclusions without reading the body. Lightroom has always supported RAW files for Lumix cameras as well as lens profile corrections. That's not what this is about. Read on. Three years ago I dove into the mirrorless world and started shooting full-time with the Lumix GH4, leaving my full frame Nikons aside. Ever since then, I've been saying that the only things I miss from Nikon are the speedlight controls and the camera color profiles in Lightroom. Well, … [Read more...] about Mirrorless Camera Maniac: Hallelujah! Lr Update Includes Picture Styles For Lumix
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
Gear Review: Vello Ringbox Ringflash Adapter
I have often thought about investing in a ringflash after seeing that unique, cool look, photographer's get in the eyes of their subjects accompanied by even shadowless lighting across the face. But that dream was not enough for me to justify the considerable cost of those high end units. Along comes the Vello Ringbox Ringflash Adapter which acts as both a softbox, providing diffused light, and a ringflash for that interesting catchlight in the eyes with minimal shadows. This product easily mounts to your shoe mounted flash, folds up nicely … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Vello Ringbox Ringflash Adapter
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
Studio Tip: How to Manually Control the Zoom Head on a Speedlight.
Controlling a speedlight's zoom head allows you to spread or focus a beam of light. Normally, this is automatic but sometimes you need to take control. Here's how to take control of a speedlight's zoom head. On Camera or TTL Mode Normally you don't need to worry about the zoom head. Placing the speedlight on the camera or using TTL will cause the zoom head to adjust based on the focal length of the lens. When you zoom your lens in, the speedlight's head narrows, allowing for light to travel a longer distance. When you zoom your lens out, the … [Read more...] about Studio Tip: How to Manually Control the Zoom Head on a Speedlight.
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
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
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
Want Natural-Looking Light? Use Gels.
You need great light to direct attention to your subjects and help your photos appear natural. If you want to make great light with flashes, you need gels. Gels simply color your flash's light which allows you to match the flash color to the light in a room. When the light from the flash doesn't match the ambient light, it stands out and looks like it was flashed. You'll make more natural-looking photos if you use gels. I recently made a photo for a pro bono ad in a local magazine. This fellow has started a food bank in town, and the local … [Read more...] about Want Natural-Looking Light? Use Gels.
First Impressions: Hasselblad’s Mirrorless X1D
Hasselblad has made some of the finest cameras since the 1950's, and their newest camera looks like it fits with their reputation for quality and simplicity. The recently announced X1D stands out from all other medium format cameras because it is mirrorless and includes all the latest technology treats I've come to rely upon. Today I got my hands on it at Pro Photo Supply in Portland, OR, and I'm ready to share my initial impressions. You can check out all the specs here, so I'll tell you about the stuff you don't get reading the brochures. To … [Read more...] about First Impressions: Hasselblad’s Mirrorless X1D
How to Use On-Camera Flash for Events
Using a flash at an indoor event is a probably the simplest way to make pictures of small groups look their best. At weddings, parties, and fundraisers, friends and families are together for a short time and they are surprisingly willing to be in a photograph. It's best to use a speedlight, not your camera's pop-up flash, but the speedlight alone will probably give you faces that are too bright, backgrounds that are too dark, and light that is too harsh. There are lots of camera settings listed below, but if you'll do the following it'll make … [Read more...] about How to Use On-Camera Flash for Events
Modifying Speedlights & Magmod
Making great light is essential to making great portraits. And I mean that: you've got to make great light. You can find a good source of available light, but I've rarely seen any available light that couldn't be made better, either with reflectors and flags or by adding light somewhere with a flash. When you need to use a flash, you also need to modify the light coming out of it, and my favorite new modifier for small flash is the Magmod system. Let me share a few ideas about modifying light, and why I like Magmod. Why Modify? Modifying … [Read more...] about Modifying Speedlights & Magmod
Photofocus Photowalk: San Diego’s Embarcadero with Levi Sim and Erika Thornes
This is a hands-on shooting time when you can practice various techniques, like dragging the shutter, long exposures, and light placement for the most flattering portraits. All skill levels are welcome! Here are some pictures I've made during other photowalks. We're really pleased to team up with Perfectly Clear for this event. This is a free event, and we've got several raffle prizes, including a license to Perfectly Clear. The photowalk is a hands-on shooting time: bring your camera and tripod with fresh batteries and empty memory card, … [Read more...] about Photofocus Photowalk: San Diego’s Embarcadero with Levi Sim and Erika Thornes
Photofocus Photowalk: Lighting Up the Night in Chicago with Levi Sim & David Crewe
This is a hands-on shooting time when you can practice various techniques, like dragging the shutter, long exposures, and light placement for the most flattering portraits. All skill levels are welcome! Here are some pictures I've made during other photowalks in Chicago. We're really pleased to team up with Perfectly Clear and the gang at Out of Chicago for this event. This is a free event, and we've got several raffle prizes, including a license to Perfectly Clear, and a complimentary ticket to Scott Kelby's Shoot Like a Pro Reloaded Tour … [Read more...] about Photofocus Photowalk: Lighting Up the Night in Chicago with Levi Sim & David Crewe
Photofocus Photowalk: Lightless in Seattle, or Speedlighting the Fremont Troll
Seattle is calling! So let's make pictures in one of the best places in the country. We'll start with portrait practice under the bridge on Aurora Ave where the Troll lives. We'll use speedlights, so bring 'em if you have 'em, and if you don't have any flashes, well then come on down and see what can be done. We'll work together and make some frames. After the portraits, I'll probably seek out a cityscape or two as well. This is a hands-on shooting time when you can practice various techniques, like dragging the shutter, long exposures, and … [Read more...] about Photofocus Photowalk: Lightless in Seattle, or Speedlighting the Fremont Troll
Photofocus Photowalk: Portrait Practice with Speedlights, Livonia/Farmington, Michigan with Levi Sim
I'll be in the area of Livonia, Michigan this week for Scott Kelby's seminar happening Wednesday, so I'd like to take some time and make some photographs while I'm in the area, and I'd be so happy if you'd join me. Let's go to the character-rich town area of Farmington and have some fun on Grand River Avenue. We have a photo shoot Tuesday night. This is a hands-on shooting time when you can practice various techniques, like dragging the shutter, long exposures, and light placement for the most flattering portraits. All skill levels are … [Read more...] about Photofocus Photowalk: Portrait Practice with Speedlights, Livonia/Farmington, Michigan with Levi Sim
Photofocus Photowalk: Evening Portraits in Washington, D.C. with Levi Sim and Lisa Robinson
We're really pleased to team up with Perfectly Clear and the PAC for this event--check out their groups around the world. This is a free event, and we've got several raffle prizes, including a license to Perfectly Clear, and a complimentary ticket to Scott Kelby's Shoot Like a Pro Reloaded tour on Friday (here's an interview with Scott detailing some of the things you'll learn there) This is a hands-on shooting time: bring your camera and speedlight/flash if you've got them, as well as triggers you use (or would like to start using). Normally, … [Read more...] about Photofocus Photowalk: Evening Portraits in Washington, D.C. with Levi Sim and Lisa Robinson
2 Photowalks: Models & Lighting in Phoenix, AZ with Levi Sim and Robert Vanelli
We're really pleased to team up with the PAC for this event--check out their groups around the world. This is a free event, we've got several raffle prizes, including a license to Perfectly Clear, and a complimentary ticket to Scott Kelby's Seminar on Tuesday! This is a hands-on shooting time: bring your camera and your speedlights/flashes. Don't worry if you don't have any lights, we'll share tools. The retouching demonstrations will not be hands-on (it just isn't feasible), so you can leave your computer at home. We'll show you how we use … [Read more...] about 2 Photowalks: Models & Lighting in Phoenix, AZ with Levi Sim and Robert Vanelli
