Search results for: photography tips solutions softboxes light modifiers
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by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
First, a disclaimer: Like composition, lighting portraits is a subjective exercise. A setup that works for one situation may not work for the next, and lighting that one photographer adores might repulse another. Cultivating a personal lighting style involves an awareness of conventional approaches and willingness to go beyond what everyone else is doing. Study portraits
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Who doesn’t want to capture fun and creative portraits of our four-legged friends? We know we love it. In fact, pet photography may just be the most popular form of photography there is. Think of all the smartphone snaps of yawns, big stretches, and funny moments we all take of our cats, dogs, chinchillas, and beyond.
Quick snaps aside, you know what really ups the quality of our pet portraits? Lighting. Just as with any form of portrait, lighting unlocks possibilities that can be impossible without it. But what lighting system should we use?
by Luke Rollins · Posted
Subject and style may vary, but consistency is a quality shared by all successful photo studios. When working indoors, that begins with lighting. Strobes remain the bread and butter of many still photography studios. Unlike natural light, which can be finicky and unpredictable; on-camera flashes, which are not typically designed for studio use; or continuous lights, which can become costly as output increases; strobes are built to withstand the rigors of studio life while providing flexible and powerful light. But with so many options on the
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Good lighting is essential to creating a strong, visually pleasing image. This is as true for naturally lit outdoor shots as it is for studio portraits. For individual or even couples portraits, many photographers make use of on-camera flash or compact, battery-powered strobes to supplement natural light and fill shadows, but how do we situate these in the scene? What light shaping tools should we use? Groups alone can be tricky for a plethora of reasons. Whether it be getting everyone to smile, getting kids to look at the camera, or the
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Lighting is the key to all photography. While elaborate, multi-light setups may appear to be the standard, the creative photographer can produce a seemingly endless range of images using just one light source. This guide is designed to help those beginners out there build the perfect one-light kit for portrait photography.
Why One Light?
I completely understand why multi-light “studio in a box” kits are tempting to beginner and budget-conscience photographers. Why spend hundreds of dollars on one light when you can get three lights complete
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
One of the most effective ways to improve your portraiture is by controlling the light, and one of the most effective ways to control your light is to move it. Seems like a simple enough concept, but it can be daunting at first, especially if you're using a speedlight or an on-camera flash. Despite its misleading name, an on-camera flash can, very easily, be used off the camera. The "on-camera" part simply refers to its form factor
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Finding the right lighting solution on a budget can be overwhelming, even for the most seasoned shooters. To make things a little easier, we’ve put together a list of some our favorite lights and lighting accessories for under $100.
Speedlights
The Godox TT350 Flash is a small TTL speedlight available for most major brands. TTL stands for “through-the-lens” metering, which is as close to auto as flash photography can
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
For macro photographers, having the right gear is essential. Magnification and lighting are key, but you don’t necessarily need the biggest, priciest macro lenses out there to get close-up shots. If you’re a macro photographer yourself or buying a gift for one, we have some excellent recommendations for every budget.
Gifts Under $50
1. Close-up macro filters (like this Macro Lens
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Weddings are one of the most significant days in a couple’s life, and they often have high expectations of the way it’s recorded. Some couples desire to have their day photographed in a manner in which they barely know it’s even happening. Others might prefer the superstar treatment and choose to have their special day shot in a more manicured, glamourous way. The approach—or “style”—we take to photographing a wedding is highly personal, while also being dependent on client’s needs. Wedding photography styles sit on a spectrum. There’s
by Danielle Marsella · Posted
Wedding season is upon us, bringing clear skies and warm weather—the perfect backdrop for capturing stunning couple portraits and candid moments at ceremonies and receptions. For photographers tasked with capturing a once-in-a-lifetime event, high-quality lighting gear is a must. Learn more about versatile light and modifier options to elevate your couple’s special day.
Capture with an On-Camera Flash
A compact and often powerful tool, on-camera flashes offer wedding photographers versatility while documenting weddings spanning across multiple
by Cory Rice · Posted
In the world of portraiture, a light is only as good as the tools used to shape it. The three most common types of modifiers used for portraits are umbrellas, softboxes, and beauty dishes. Each of these
by Cory Rice · Posted
Is your studio a mess? Do you dread setting up photo sessions because you can’t remember where you put anything? An organized studio simplifies workflow, reassures clients, and allows you to focus on your work without distraction. Below are a few easy ways to keep your workspace organized.
Cases, Bags, and Inserts
Hard cases are not only for transporting gear. They are a great way to compartmentalize equipment. Cases designed
by Tim Ireland · Posted
Photography is often described as painting with light, and understanding how to manipulate light effectively is a fundamental skill for any photographer. While natural light has its place, using strobes and lighting modifiers can give you greater control over your lighting conditions, especially for product photography. Having a solid understanding of basic lighting gear and lighting modifiers will introduce you to simple yet effective lighting techniques, helping you take your product photography to new dimensions.
Understanding Strobes
by Cory Rice · Posted
There are countless ways to modify light sources to achieve the exact image you want to create. While softboxes, umbrellas, and beauty dishes (deservedly) get much love from portrait photographers, they are far from the only means of adjusting and shaping light. Scrims and
Posted
On bright, sunny days, taking flattering portraits can be difficult! Keydrin Franklin shows you how to use a speedlight and other accessories to improve your results. Have you used any of these techniques before?
0:00 - Introduction
0:19 - Variable ND Filter
1:17 - Diffusing with a Scrim
2:52 - Speedlight with Softbox
3:36 - How Choose a Softbox (and Where to Place it)
4:27 - How to Choose the Right Exposure
6:10 - Final Thoughts