Beginner portrait photographers often freeze when the photo shoot is supposed to begin. If you get stuck wondering where to start with your lighting setup, here are a few things to keep in mind. And remember, we always want to start with the key light in a common sense placement.

In this Flash Photography for Portraits crash course (updated for 2025), I go over all the important things you’ll need to know to get started. The course will teach you about flash photography for portraits. Learn about different flash gear options (speedlites and strobes), flash synchronization, lighting modifiers, how to take advantage of TTL and…

If you have ever been curious about artistic photography that features the human form, this video walks through how to get started in a thoughtful, realistic way. Not from the perspective of someone who already feels completely confident, but from the place most photographers begin: interested, uncertain, and trying to understand what the work actually…

Photographers often ask me about getting into bodyscape, boudoir, or other forms of artistic figure photography. Not just the technical side, but the personal side. The hesitation. The discomfort. The feeling that you are curious about the work, yet unsure whether it fits within your own boundaries or values. In this video, I talk openly…

Beginner portrait photographers should understand how even small changes in the distance from the light to the subject can have major effects. This video also discusses how to control exposure on the background in basic portrait lighting setups.

Flash photography can seem a little overwhelming with all the concepts and techniques there are to learn. But, if you want to become a good portrait photographer, understanding these elements is necessary. Here’s a quick overview of five key aspects of flash photography that I cover in the video below. TTL: What Is It? TTL,…

If you’re new to flash photography and wondering what kind of flash to buy for portraits, this video should help. In it, I walk through all the essentials you should look for in your very first flash unit—especially if you’re just getting serious about lighting. I explain why a good speedlight (also known as a…

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when lighting a portrait is where you place your key light. Even if you’re only using one light, that key light is doing a lot of the heavy lifting. It’s shaping your subject’s features, setting the mood of the image, and even affecting how the background looks….

Ever wonder why some photographers seem to book better clients and make more money, while others just struggle? In this post, we’re going to cover five of the fastest ways to improve your portrait photography so you can become more profitable. 1. Attract the Right Clients by Showcasing the Right Work This is a tip…