Studio photography – Lighting simply for impact
Studio photography - Lighting simply for impact
This striking image is from a commercial gig, shot in my studio for a company launching a range of hair extension products. For this sequence, one of several different setups we did, the client wanted this view and this look - so I had to decide on the best way to light their suggestion. We really make the hair the focus of the image, so I had to shoot from above on a short step-ladder. The decision on how to light this, was based on the commonly accepted principle of starting with a single light first, and only then building it up Read more inside...More spontaneous portrait photography
More spontaneous portrait photography
A friend of my daughter sent me an email with a few observations and a question, which in turn, set of a much longer train of thought about portrait photography, and making it more spontaneous. My portrait photography tends to be controlled on some levels. I don't strictly pose, but I do control the pose and the lighting and composition - while still trying to retain some spontaneous reaction from my subject. Here's Terry's email (which was titled: Intrinsic Splendor) I was thumbing through one of your books to brush up on something Read more inside...review: Canon 50mm lenses – bokeh
review: Canon 50mm lenses - bokeh
This photo of a street performer in New York was shot with a 50mm lens. That should be fairly obvious from a quick scrutiny - the perspective (which is not wide, and neither tight); and the shallow depth of field. That sort of gives away that a 50mm lens was most likely used for this loosely composed candid portrait. Now, I have to admit that I have this strange love-disinterest relationship with the 50mm focal length. Not quite love-hate, but more a frustration at times with the 50mm as the main lens to use. It feels like it is either not wide Read more inside...The world’s best photographers use Profoto
The world's best photographers use Profoto
I'm super-chuffed by this - a mention in the big fold-out advert by Profoto as it appears in the latest Rangefinder magazine - a big photography industry magazine for portrait and wedding photographers. See if you notice any familiar faces there? I am an obvious fan of Profoto lighting gear. There's just something about the sleek elegance of the equipment, and of course the ease of operation and unfussy reliability. They make me look good when shooting gigs. I also use Profoto gear in my photo studio in New Jersey. Edited to add: I've Read more inside...My best advice for wedding photographers
My best advice for wedding photographers
An interesting conversation I had with another photographer a few years back, had a surprisingly energizing effect on him. At a get-together at one of the photo conventions we struck up a conversation, and he told me how as a newer photographer, he was completely intimidated by the magnificent images he sees on the best photographers' websites and on their FB pages. He felt he would never be able to match those. My comment was that he doesn't have to match those at every wedding. What we are seeing are the cherry-picked "hero" shots. We Read more inside...Rotational time-lapse video (example)
Rotational time-lapse video (example)
Testing a new time-lapse rig in Times Square that shoots rotational time-lapse sequences. The Dynamic Perception Stage R Motion Controller is a finely crafted machine that smoothly rotates the camera. It is a very slick setup that is controlled via an app from my iPhone, all the settings are entered and controlled via a bluetooth connection from my iPhone. No more guessing with an analog controller. Here is my very first test shoot with this set up - a 180 degree rotational time-lapse view of Times Square. It came out much better than I Read more inside...Boudoir photography with a Hollywood glamor feel
Boudoir photography with a Hollywood glamor feel
I managed to acquire a lovely (and massively big) lighted table for my studio. I picked it up for quite a low price at a photography studio auction in New York, and now it has a new home. It was a missing piece in my studio - especially since I also offer the place as a photography studio rental (NJ) . But I digress. In other studios that I've used, I've used the glow of the circularly arranged lightbulbs, as a light source. For example in this photo session with Jessica Joy - composition: working towards the final image. A number Read more inside...book review: Humans of New York – Stories
book review: Humans of New York - Stories
Humans of New York (HONY), is inarguably *the* best thing on Facebook. A bold statement, but the millions of fans of Brandon Stanton's labor of love, will agree. Brandon roams countless miles, photographing people on the streets of New York, and recording their stories. In the past two years, he has also visited various countries in the Middle East and in Central Africa. Photos and personal stories that connect us all. Photos and stories and anecdotes that are engrossing and moving and endearing. These touch us all. For example - no Read more inside...book: On-Camera Flash Photography (2nd ed)
book: On-Camera Flash Photography (2nd ed)
The extensively revised and updated book, On-Camera Flash (Amazon), is now available on Amazon. Based on the best-selling 1st edition, this is more than just a cosmetic overhaul. Combining older material which have been polished and streamlined, with lots of new material and trawling the Tangents blog for the best material on how to use your on-camera flash to best advantage. Details about the book: On-Camera Flash (2nd edition) You can either purchase a copy via Amazon USA or Amazon UK. The book will also available as Read more inside...- « Previous Page
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