How to Use a Strip Softbox

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…

In the ever-evolving world of photography, certain lighting gear has gradually faded from use, a couple of examples: the optical sync slave attachment and the PC cord/cable for flash sync. These tools have been overshadowed by advancements in flash technology and wireless connectivity. Optical Sync Device Let’s start with the optical sync slave attachment. About…

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….

Think you need a strobe to shoot professional portraits? Think again. In this video, I’m breaking down some common misconceptions about strobes vs speedlights — and why sometimes, using a simple speedlight is actually the better option. Whether you’re upgrading your flash setup or just starting with off-camera lighting, this will help you make smarter…

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.

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…