lighting 21 - Behind the Shutter

The Art of the Close-up

Post author:David Beckham
Post category:Senior Photography Shutter Magazine
Reading time:10 mins read

One thing that separates me from the other photographers in my area is the client experience I offer. We go places, plan setups, and use creative and exotic outfits and secret locations. We shoot with cars, horses, pets, guitars, guns, buildings, bridges and friends. But when we sit down with Mom and Dad to order, you know what they buy? Close-ups. The ones that show all of that beauty, the expressions, the smile they invested so much in, the sparkle, uniqueness and joy. This month, I show you how I incorporate close-ups with every outfit and location I shoot.

Off camera flash for dramatic portraits

Post author:Sal Cincotta
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:3 mins read

Off camera flash for dramatic portraits is something we are known for. If you are a wedding photographer, you are…

Creating Great Light

Post author:Michael Corsentino
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:6 mins read

What is great light and how do you create it? First, learn how to think about light and develop a lighting vocabulary. This will help you make informed decisions about tools and techniques. When you’re developing an understanding of lighting, the fundamental concept to embrace is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every situation or subject matter.

Studio Portraits With Flare: Creating Lens Flare with Studio Strobes

Post author:Michael Corsentino
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:6 mins read

Flare is perfect for adding drama and sizzle when creating images of actors, musicians and other entertainers. Think Dreamgirls, Beyoncé and countless other subjects where one or more lights behind the model creates a dramatic entertainment-oriented background effect. With a little know-how and a few lighting modifiers, flare in the studio can be harnessed as a worthy addition to your lighting repertoire. In this article, I look at creating flare using studio strobe.

Balancing Ambient Light and Flash

Post author:Michael Corsentino
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:9 mins read

We need all the tools, techniques and creativity we can muster to tackle whatever situations we encounter when we’re crafting killer images on location. Sometimes available light and a reflector, scrim or both get the job done. Other times, Mother Nature needs a helping hand from a flash. Balancing ambient and flash doesn’t mean each source contributes the same amount of light. In most cases, ambient light is the dominant source providing the majority of the illumination in a scene, while flash adds additional light where needed. You may need very little light from your flash to get the job done, while other more dramatic looks call for more flash and less ambient light. Having these creative options makes incorporating flash into your ambient shoots so compelling.

Lights & Props in Underwater Portrait Photography

Post author:Scott Vo
Post category:Shutter Magazine Underwater Photography
Reading time:8 mins read

The way gravity behaves underwater can help you create photographs you wouldn’t be able to on the surface. For underwater photography, you can use natural light or bring in strobes. With strobes, you create a mood that conveys a message or theme. Give your subject some interesting props and light to deliver it.

How to Keep Your Photography Style Consistent Outside Your Genre

Post author:Vanessa Joy
Post category:Shutter Magazine Uncategorized
Reading time:7 mins read

Whether you’re like me and try to stay within a niche or you’re a photographer who dabbles across the world, staying true to your brand can be difficult when you cross genres. Whether you’re shooting portraits, weddings, headshots, products or seniors, here are some ways to keep consistency throughout your photos.

Depth & Drama with Accent Lights

Post author:Michael Corsentino
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:6 mins read

Creating lighting styles is a lot like cooking. You start with an idea of what you want and season to taste, adding what you need as you go. Each step taken on the path to achieving the look you’ve visualized is a series of building blocks with an eventual whole that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Readers of this column know I’m a big fan of working with one light, but there are times when additional lights are called for. This month, I turn up the heat and show you what’s possible with four lights.

Why You Should Intentionally Shoot For Black & White

Post author:Nino Batista
Post category:Black & White Photography Shutter Magazine
Reading time:8 mins read

If changing an image to black and white is a careless afterthought, what are the chances that you’ve created a monochrome masterpiece? When we change our mindset from “I don’t know what else to do with this so black and white it is” to “I am going to create black-and-white photos today when I shoot,” a radical thing happens: Your monochrome images become more focused and striking.

Studio Lighting for Seniors: It’s Not Always Black & White

Post author:David Beckham
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:9 mins read

Finding the right light indoors can be just as difficult as on location. This article looks at a few setups for studio-lighting seniors. Each image has a pullback showing how the lights were arranged, the equipment used and the setting for camera and lights.