Nailing the perfect shot doesn't always have to involve endless posing or complicated lighting. Sometimes you can capture a magical photo just by thinking outside the box and using an everyday item in an unexpected way.
Simply defined, gels are transparent colored material used to modify lights for photography (both stills and motion). Gels are placed over light sources to create colored effects. The two basic types are color correction gels and non-corrective (color effect) gels.
I love the challenge of shooting on location with wildly varying lighting situations and environmental conditions between sets. It can be an exciting way to exercise blending ambient light and existing light sources with your speedlights or OCF systems and modifiers.
There are two main approaches you can take in the studio or on location. And which lane you choose will have a huge impact on the outcome of your images. You could choose to emulate window light, or you could choose to simulate sunlight.
Headshots don’t have to be complicated. When it comes to lighting for women, soft and even light is key. So you want to make sure you have a decently-sized Octabox as the modifier for your main light. I chose to use the Westcott Rapid Box Switch Octa-M paired with the FJ200.
Being able to control and manipulate natural light will differentiate your brand in a congested market is essential to a profitable, sustainable business.
As a commercial fashion and lifestyle photographer, I always want to bring out the raw beauty and personality of my subjects! It is a good idea to focus on placing your subject in the best light and utilizing certain techniques that flatter faces.
Does the idea of using flash intimidate you? In this video Alissa Cincotta shows you two easy ways to elevate your studio portraits with just one light: the Westcott FJ200.
I found that the best way to use strobes is to either bounce it, diffuse it further, or even both. I would use that rule at any setup, with some adjustments depending on the concept itself. Here I will be talking about different ways of using your lights, which will keep your body of work looking consistent yet diverse.
You can create your own magic anywhere you want with a battery-powered light and a small softbox or umbrella. When shooting outside, I love using the sun as my hair light and a softbox as my main light. No matter how bright the natural light is, placing the sun behind your subject will either create a subtle rim light on a cloudy day or a brilliant one on a sunny day.
