High-Key Bodyscapes

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…

Let’s quickly go over some photography terminology. This is helpful if you’re a beginner who’d like to know what the following terms mean: Aperture, Shutter Speed, ISO, TTL, High-Speed Sync, Focal Length, and Field of View.

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…

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…

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…

Learning any new photography skill can be challenging, but there are strategies you can use to make it easier (and more effective). Here’s a good strategy for mastering new lighting techniques: Set aside time to practice regularly. Experiment with different lighting setups, try new techniques, and see how changes in angle and distance affect your…