An occasional muse
An occasional muse
It is exactly 10 years today, March 21, since the first time I photographed Anelisa. She responded to a casting call for someone to model at one of my photography workshops. She had a magical quality and was supremely photogenic ... and since then Anelisa has been my occasional muse. She is usually the first one that I contact when I need a model at a workshop. I posted photographs from that first session in this article - Effective on-location portraits. Over time I have worked with Anelisa numerous times, and she has also appeared on the cover of two of my books: Read more inside...Feminine portraits with dramatic flair
Feminine portraits with dramatic flair
Still exploring what the Profoto Spot Small light modifier can do in creating dramatic studio portraits, I had Lauren sit in for some test shots. I was curious to see if I could use this hard light source in a way that still work for a feminine portrait and be flattering. The best option so far for me is to add supplemental light that softens the overall harder lighting or the spot light. By adjusting the power on the big octabox behind me - see the pull-back shot below - I was able to control the contrast. This way I could still retain the Read more inside...Late night available light portraits in Las Vegas
Late night available light portraits in Las Vegas
During a chance connection at WPPI photography convention in Vegas, Lupita and I struck up a conversation ... and later that evening we ventured out on the Las Vegas strip for a few late night portraits. With a fast prime lens - the Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM lens (B&H / Amazon) - we were able to use just the light on the part of the Strip we explored. Here are a few of my favorite images. It's always an adventure using random available light like this -- there is such a wide range of nuanced shades of colors Read more inside...Dramatic portrait & headshot lighting in the studio
Dramatic portrait & headshot lighting in the studio
Working with the Profoto Spot Small (affiliate), I wanted to create portraits for my portfolio that showed a more dramatic light for portraits. I think these could even be used as secondary headshots in a portfolio. For this photo session, I had actor / model Andy Peeke (Instagram) in the studio. He has the cheekbones for this! For other results from the Profoto Spot Small light modifier, also check out this article: Dramatic studio lighting with the Profoto Spot Small In adapting the lighting setup Read more inside...Dramatic studio lighting with the Profoto Spot Small
Dramatic studio lighting with the Profoto Spot Small
For portrait photography, soft, flattering light is easy to work with. You can more easily pose your subject compared to when the light source is small. Also, it is more immediately flattering to you subject. You have to be really specific in how you pose and position your subject when you use a harder / smaller light source. This is true whether you use available light or studio lighting or off-camera lighting. For example, much of what I do with on-camera bounce flash, is to create directional soft light from what starts out as Read more inside...Video tutorial – High Speed Flash Sync (HSS)
Video tutorial - High Speed Flash Sync (HSS)
High Speed Flash Sync is a topic we have covered several times over time here. With this tutorial though, I wanted to visually run through the settings and discuss the implications of the settings, and what we see on the back of our flash. There is a certain consistency here that will help us evade guesswork, and that will help bring a systematic approach to our flash photography. So here it is -- a video tutorial on High Speed Flash Sync. As always, I welcome questions and further discussion in the comments. Two of the previous Read more inside...Photo gear for sale (and some for free)
Photo gear for sale (and some for free)
It is time again to clear out the shelves in the studio, and sell various pieces of photo gear - cameras, lenses, flashes and a bunch of random stuff. Have a look around. I'm only selling in the continental USA, and the shipping will be via UPS ground.Lastolite Ezybox 24 x 24
This sells for around $130 on B&H. I would like $80 for it, excl shipping. It is unused. Then there is this Lastolite Strobo Beauty Box - click through on the image for the larger version. It is like the Ezybox but with a Read more inside...Best photography purchases of 2019
Best photography purchases of 2019
It's that time of the year again, where we look at our best photography purchases. I have become increasingly careful with what I buy -- I mean, this stuff is so expensive -- that there isn't anything that really stands out that I was disappointed with. I have even cut down on the number of self-indulgent purchases. Most of what I bought are things that I can solidly justify for my photography work. However, a trend that becomes obvious, especially when I look over the previous years' entries for best photography purchases, is that even when I love Read more inside...Available light photography – looking for good light
Available light photography - looking for good light
When shooting for fun on location with a model, and have the time, I have this personal challenge - to find interesting sources of light. Those spots of found light where a little bit of magic happens. This photo of Anastasiya was taken in Grand Central, New York. While the station's architecture is impressive, the light levels there are very low, and quite flat. It's a place you want to take photos at, because it is so beautiful inside - but it is a challenge. The light there just don't lend itself to good portraits in an obvious Read more inside...- « Previous Page
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