lighting 25 - Behind the Shutter

5 Steps to Easy Headshots

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

Headshots are becoming higher in demand with the rise of social media. In the age of startups, more and more people need to have a professional photo that represents them and their brand. If you’re not taking advantage of this exploding market in photography, I highly suggest you start. There are five steps to creating easy headshots that I implement in every single session that comes through my door at www.nj-headshots.com. Whether or not you have a studio, you can take these are steps to create the best possible headshot for every client.

Creating Editorial-Style Lighting for Bridal Sessions

Post author:Michael Anthony
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:10 mins read

I have always been attracted to the work of Annie Leibovitz, Mark Seliger and other modern fashion/editorial photographers. A long time ago, I decided to incorporate some of the inspiration they have given me into my wedding photography. Everyone who follows this type of work knows that creating studio editorials can be a big production. Getting the best results requires complex lighting setups, large modifiers and a set with either a regal feel or an industrial look. We don’t usually get all that at the local banquet hall.

Moody One Light Male Portraits

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

It never ceases to amaze me what’s possible with just one light, whether it’s a strobe or constant, plus a little know-how and creativity. A recent assignment I shot for one of Orlando’s top modeling agencies is a perfect example of the magic you can create with one light. I’d been asked to shoot promotional images of Kino, a newly signed model. The agency wanted dramatic edgy shots that highlighted his chiseled features and ripped physique. It was the perfect assignment for a couple of cool one-light setups.

Creating Window Light with Strobes

Post author:Michael Corsentino
Post category:Black & White Photography Commercial Photography Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:7 mins read

Nothing beats window light. It’s broad, diffuse, indirect, soft light that’s flattering to anyone in its path. But what do you do when the sun has set, there is no window or Mother Nature isn’t cooperating? With the right tools and techniques, you can re-create it. I’ve seen this sun-drenched looks-like-daylight-but-isn’t look used often in Gap ads. The light created for these images has the open, airy quality you get from daylight streaming in through a large window. It’s perfect for Gap’s brand. I’ve always loved this quality of light and wanted to use it in my own work. How they did it was the big question mark.

Dog Photography: Lighting for Dogs

Post author:Allison Shamrell and Terran Bayer
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:10 mins read

If you’ve never photographed a dog before, it’s an experience fairly similar to photographing a toddler—except we think it’s way more awesome, because dogs give kisses and have wiggly butts. What makes photographing dogs different is that their bodies are low to the ground, they have fur of all colors, some listen better than others and, because of all these factors, we have to think a little differently about lighting.

Mastering Natural Light Photography

Post author:Twig & Olive Photography
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:8 mins read

In this issue, you’re reading exceptional advice on shaping light with strobes, softboxes and speedlights. But what if you’re limited to available, natural light? There are unique challenges. What you gain in reduced gear, setup and purchases, you lose in flexibility. Yet there’s a distinctive beauty in using only the sun. With care, it can produce timeless imagery.

Creative Lighting for Self-Portraits

Post author:Sarah Clements
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:7 mins read

Self-portraits are not easy. They’re hard mentally and emotionally for myriad reasons, and they’re hard physically (especially if you don’t use an assistant). Lighting doesn’t have to be difficult, though. On the contrary, lighting your self-portrait should be a fun challenge. I’m going to outline some ways I’ve lit my own self-portraits to give you a good foundation.

3 Go-To Lighting Setups for High-Volume Headshots

Post author:Gary Hughes
Post category:Commercial Photography Headshots Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:10 mins read

My first paying gig as a photographer was shooting headshots of doctors at a medical convention, packed into a tiny corner of a trade show booth. Back then I didn’t quite understand the impact that type of situation would have on my methods of lighting. Every technique I developed over the next decade was based around learning to shoot a great, professional portrait quickly and in just about any location. I’ve since refined the process, and have found that most of my lighting for high-volume headshots can be categorized into three main techniques.

Choosing the Best Off-Camera Lighting for Your Budget

Post author:Michael Anthony
Post category:Lighting Product Spotlight Shutter Magazine Wedding Photography
Reading time:9 mins read

We are currently going through a lighting revolution. Off-camera flash technology is progressing quickly. The technology for low-noise, high-ISO sensors has improved over the past five years. Flashes are becoming less expensive and coming with more features. If you are not using off-camera flash, there has never been a better time to start. Here are a few of my recommendations for equipment.

Using Off-Camera Flash to Create Dramatic Images

Post author:Raph Nogal
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine Wedding Photography
Reading time:7 mins read

Light is pretty much everywhere, you just have to find it. Just because you find light doesn’t mean it is good light. As a full-time wedding photographer, it’s part of my job to find the best light to flatter my subjects. My groom wants to look cool and my bride wants to look beautiful. When good light is available, I’ll certainly use it, but it’s not always there. But guess what is always available? My off-camera flash.