Available light portraits
Available light portraits
A theme we have touched on regularly here is that “using the available light” is not a random decision. The best results with portrait photography in available light, is when we are deliberate. Deliberate in how we position our subject in relation to the light. This is the central idea in my book, Direction & Quality of Light - posing and lighting are inter-connected. With available light photography, it becomes a little harder to find light that is flattering - compared to using off-camera flash, where you can sweeten the light most of the time with the Read more inside...Available light: Boudoir photography & Feminine portraiture
Available light: Boudoir photography & Feminine portraiture
The direction of light is an elemental part of portrait photography. We can control how we pose and position our subject in relation to the light - and we might be able even control the direction of light, as we did with this sequence of photos of our model, Adrienne. To start off this personal workshop on Lighting for Feminine Portraiture and Boudoir Photography, we used only the available light that was streaming through the large windows in my studio. This painted canvas backdrop is on a roller stand. Read more inside...video: Intimate male portraiture – two perspectives
Intimate male portraiture - two perspectives
This video clip and photo shoot are the results of a discussion with a friend, Cate Scaglione, one of New Jersey's best boudoir photographers. At a photography convention, the topic came up whether male and female photographers approach their subjects differently (whether male or female). My take on this is that there is such a diverse range in styles and skill levels, that it would be impossible to make any clear grouping on styles depending on the photographer’s gender. Cate believes this does have an influence. And from that, the idea Read more inside...Portrait lighting patterns: Loop lighting & Butterfly lighting
Portrait lighting patterns: Loop lighting & Butterfly lighting
In the article on available light portrait photography, I mentioned how I posed Anastasiya, so that the spot of reflected sunlight created a butterfly lighting-pattern. While most of us associate lighting patterns with studio lighting, the thought-process in how to use available light or bounce flash or continuous lighting, remains the same. It has to do with how we pose and position our subjects in relation to the light. And it also depends on how we position ourselves. I want to show some straight-forward Read more inside...Available light portrait photography
Available light portrait photography
For a review of the Fuji X-T2, I met up with one of my favorite models, Anastasiya, in New York. Working with just the Fuji X-T2 and the kit lens that came with it, I wanted to work with just the available light. But I wasn't just on the lookout for soft, flattering light - I also on the lookout for interesting found light, such as unexpected splashes of light. Available light portrait photography with intent! These two articles will show how surprising it can be to stumble upon interesting available light to enhance a portrait: Observing and Read more inside...review: Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens
review: Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens
As Sony steps more firmly onto the market by adding new lenses for their mirrorless camera bodies, they have rolled out some spectacular optics. The Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM Lens (B&H / Amazon) is one of them. Just holding the lens, you will already be impressed by the weight, and how smoothly all the controls glide. It clearly has been designed to compete with the best optics available on the market, regardless of brand. During one of the photography workshops that I present at my studio, I took a few shots of our two Read more inside...How to photograph fireworks
How to photograph fireworks
Braving the crowds (and insane traffic) in Hoboken, I had a good view of magnificent 4th of July fireworks display on the Hudson River, overlooking New York. From this viewpoint, Manhattan is to my right, and barely visible on the edge of the frame. I wanted to include the reflections in the water as well, since the surreal blend of colors helped anchor the intricate fireworks. The photography technique is simplicity itself - a slow shutter speed, a low ISO and a medium aperture. In terms of photo gear - a tripod and remote release for the camera. Your Read more inside...Photography: Using light fall-off to illuminate your subject
Photography: Using light fall-off to illuminate your subject
John collects vintage … oh, everything. His entire house filled with collectibles – it is like stepping out of a time-machine into a different era. I joked with him that the only two things in his house from the 21st century is his fridge and his dog! Most impressive in a way, is John’s workshop where he maintains his two vintage era motorbikes and a Model A Ford. The tools in his workshop are all authentic to the era and are hand tools - no electric tools - and they work. The way John describes it, it actually makes sense Read more inside...Your camera doesn’t matter – except when it does
Your camera doesn't matter - except when it does
There's this specific narrative that gets pushed that your camera and photo gear don't matter all that much. That it is your imagination and your eye that counts for the most. Perhaps, perhaps ... but without the necessary gear to enable what you're trying to capture, you're lost. It seems so self-evident. I would even insist that you need photo gear that are better than your abilities - this way you're not constrained by your equipment. With this performance by Team Circus which they asked me to photograph for them, I had to Read more inside...- 1
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