Three Tips for Better Portraits

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…

Are you confused by manual flash photography power settings? In this video, I’ll break down everything you need to know to understand how those numbers work, no matter what brand of flash you’re using. ✅ Why flash power settings matter for your portraits. ✅ How to adjust your flash from full power to the lowest…

Here’s one of my favorite flash photography setups that’s not only quick to set up but delivers magazine-quality portraits every time, once you get the hang of it. If you’re a portrait photographer looking for an easy lighting solution that works reliably in a variety of environments, this technique is one you need to know….

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…

There’s a misconception that softboxes and other diffusion modifiers produce soft light.  I address this in, The Correct Use of a Softbox for Portraiture.  I made this video in response to a question from one of my YouTube viewers about the Godox 24″ x 24″ vs. the Lastolite Ezbox.  Specifically, he asked about the contrast…

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…