In a portrait photography lighting setup, the key light is the foundation. This is the primary source of illumination for your subject. The “key” is also the light that provides the most information about your subject’s features and shape. It’s the way the key light casts illumination AND shadows across your subject’s face that gives…
Lighting modifiers come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Here, we’ll focus on modifiers that provide diffusion panels that effectively make the light bigger relative to the portrait subject’s head. Shoot-through umbrellas, softboxes and simple light panels can all do the job effectively. You just have to select the best options for the way you…
The Godox TT685 manual contains important information on safety, specifications, features, and usage. It’s recommended that you read it. Unfortunately, the manuals included with gear like this aren’t the easiest to read and understand. So, I’ve put together my own version of a Godox TT685 user guide. The full text is titled, Ed Verosky’s Guide…
Off-camera flash is an important skill set for photographers. It’s a game-changer in the truest sense. If you’re into portrait photography, you really — and I can’t emphasize this enough — you really should know how to build and use your own off-camera flash setup. And you should be able to do this in the…
If you’re new to flash photography, this post might just put you on the fast track to becoming a flash expert. At the very least you should see a dramatic improvement in your on-camera flash skills. Then it’s only a matter of taking a few more steps toward more advanced professional lighting setups. Amazing Portraits…
Here’s a quick demonstration of how to achieve so-called, soft light for portraits, still life, and other types of photography. In previous tutorials, we’ve used real people, as well as mannequins to show how to create different levels of contrast using one or more lights and/or reflectors. Here, we’ll use simple 3D shapes on a…
I’ve been using Godox flash units ever since I parted with the Yongnuo system (and expensive Nikon and Canon flash units before that). There are plenty of great Godox flash options for both indoor/studio and outdoor needs. But I’ve been pretty happy even with the ultra-affordable TT685. You can use any of the flash trigger…
Softboxes are one of the most popular, if not THE most popular type of lighting modifier, especially for portrait key lights. I’ve used many types of modifiers and many types of softboxes. Some come with pretty nice features, others, not so much. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to share some of my thoughts…
Softboxes are the preferred lighting modifier for many portrait photographers. This is especially true if the goal is to achieve a flattering, softer-looking light. A softbox allows you to create a nice, even, and relatively larger light throw than you’d get with a basic flash or strobe alone. By doing this, it reduces contrast and…