The Academy with John Gress

Before the shoot

Most photographers are using their histogram completely wrong. In this video, I’ll show you why your histogram does NOT need to be centered, how your camera meter actually works, and why bright scenes should lean right while dark scenes should lean left.

Stop Trusting Your Histogram (Do This Instead)

05/19/2026

How to Collaborate with Models for Portfolio Shoots (For Free, No Budget Needed)

05/01/2025

Set A Light 3D Review: Can you learn lighting in a computer?

Set A Light 3D Review: Can you learn lighting in a computer?

05/11/2023

Come along as I give a tour of my new studio! Including a lot of the gear I have in the space!

Studio Tour: John Gress’s Chicago Portrait Photography Studio

01/07/2023

Learn how I built this set step-by-step and then watch as I use it for the very first time during a photoshoot.

How to build this set from scratch!

12/02/2022

In today's video I wanted to give you three quick tips that will help you master set design the next time you are choosing props in the studio for a photoshoot.

3 Quick Tips To Help You Master Set Design!

09/26/2022

In today's video I am going to go over how I travel with my gear, including may cases and everything in them! Then at 19:27 I share how I check my bags for free at the airport!

How I travel with all of my lighting gear and check my bags for free!

04/18/2022

3 places photographers can find inspiration!

Member Exclusive: Three places photographers can find inspiration!

06/05/2021

Learn how to upgrade your apple boxes in only 10 minutes and weather furniture in seconds.

MEMBER EXCLUSIVE – Staining and Ageing Props

05/15/2021