As photographers, we all reach a point where it’s not just about mastering the techniques but understanding when to apply them. One question I recently received is about when to use the different traditional portrait lighting setups. You’ve probably practiced broad lighting, short lighting, Rembrandt, butterfly, and split lighting—so when exactly should you use each…
Understanding your camera’s modes is one of the key steps in evolving from a beginner to a more advanced photographer. In my latest video, I break down each of the primary camera modes—AUTO, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual—giving you a clear understanding of when and how to use each one. Whether you’re capturing…
Backlighting can be a game-changer in portrait photography, adding depth, dimension, and that extra “wow” factor to your images. In my latest video, I break down this powerful technique, showing you exactly how to use backlighting to make your subjects pop. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle hair light or a dramatic silhouette, I’ll walk…
How to put your first off-camera flash setup together using minimal, budget-friendly gear. In this video I’ll give you an overview of the basic setup and offer some examples of what you can do with a single light. Also, my recommendations about what you, as a portrait photographer should learn to master your portrait lighting…
As a photographer with a background in web development, I’ve noticed something interesting about learning. In the world of learning code via YouTube and other resources, there’s a term called “Tutorial Hell.” It describes a situation where people get stuck watching endless tutorials without ever putting what they’ve learned into practice. They gather tons of…
One of my favorite lighting techniques involves mixing flash with natural light, particularly when the natural light is strong and coming from behind the subject. This method creates a beautiful backlighting effect that adds dimension to your photos. The Basics Using natural backlighting alone can work if there’s enough illumination bouncing around to reach the…
Speedlights (shoe-mount flash units) or Strobes (larger units not meant to be used “on-camera”) for portrait photography? Each has its own perks and drawbacks. Some things to consider: Note: For no specific reason, I’ll use the term, “speedlight” to refer to shoe-mount flash units. Speedlight is what Canon calls its flash units. SPEEDLIGHTS (SPEEDLITES): Weight…
I wanted to talk about something I believe is important for portrait photographers to learn: mastering the use of artificial lighting. While natural light can be beautiful, gaining skills with artificial lighting, especially flash, is what’s really going to make the difference in your work. Here are a few reasons why understanding how to use…
Creating good silhouette figure images is fun and a neat type of image you can add to your portfolio. Silhouettes emphasize shape and form, stripping away details and letting the viewer’s imagination fill in the blanks. There are more than a few ways to create silhouettes. One approach involves using flash lighting against a white…