How to practice lighting without models
I’m sure I’m not the only photog out there who gets the urge to setup the strobes and play with light now and then. Maybe you saw a photo in a magazine or online that you want to try and imitate, or you read about a new technique, or you’re just bored and want to [...]
So you’re going to an event
You’re going to an event. One of those arena-based performances that cost too much, where they try to hawk trinkets and cotton candy at you during intermission. Where you have to pass through a ridiculous bag check at the door, where they tell you that “professional” photo gear isn’t allowed. Which to the people running [...]
How to make a DIY Flash Extender
A flash extender, in case you’re wondering, is a device designed to extend the range of a flash (duh), most commonly a hotshoe-mounted Speedlite style flash. They are of particular use to bird and wildlife photographers, although they can be used by any photographer who works with telephoto lenses and needs some extra punch from [...]
Make any setting a portrait setting
Portraiture requires a number of specialized tools – and that number increases depending on who you ask, and how serious a portrait photog you are. At the most basic level, a lens well suited to portraiture work and some form of lighting are needed; at the other end of the spectrum are photos with huge [...]
Senior Studio Portraits – Review
Part two of my senior portrait shoot is now complete, which wraps up that project. It has been an interesting experience, trying some new techniques and returning to old ones, and I’m certain that the client will be thrilled with her images. The main portion of the shoot was studio-based and went pretty much as [...]
Senior Studio Portrait – Preview
On Saturday, I’m shooting part two of a senior portrait session. Part one took place outdoors and was where I started talking about the merits of lighting with a single strobe. Part two will take place in the studio (which itself is going to be setup in a computer room at a friend’s house). For [...]
One-Light Portraits
Monday night I did a senior portrait session down in Wilkes-Barre, PA. It went well. Very well, in fact. For both of us. My client got some unique photos, and I got to play with lights. Or more specifically, with a light. This was a new approach for me. My usual MO when lighting [...]
Light – Making the Most of What You Have
Not every sunrise or sunset is going to be spectacular. Depending on what part of the world you live in, execptional skys may truely be the exception, instead of the norm. Here in Northeast PA, we get a good number of the amazing ones, but still more that are average, or less. So what happens [...]
Birding Photography Continued
Back in PA after a rainy trip to Vermont, and I’m once more out at Fords Pond just before sunset, working with the birds. This latest session was the best yet; for the first time, I was able to place myself between the light (sun) and the critters, meaning that they were fully lit from [...]
