In this months member exclusive, go behind-the-scenes with me during my photoshoot with Christopher. I was focusing on using gels and different techniques for lighting the backgrounds. The format is a first as you will see multiple angles and my laptop and my after action commentary.
Read detailsIn this video, you will learn three key strategies for lighting backdrops in the studio and see the results from a test and in a real world photoshoot. Whether you’re using a paper backdrop for a fashion shoot, or a painted canvas for portrait photography, lighting and in this case gels, can make all the difference.
Read detailsWhether you’re a commercial photographer, a headshot photographer or just trying to perfect your lighting in the studio, tethering is a great way to elevate your work, keep your clients happy and increase sales.
Read detailsWhen I was 14 year’s old I wanted to be a lawyer or a naval officer and then I borrowed my mom’s camera and went to summer camp. Having that point-and-shoot in my hands gave me a reason to walk up to new people and make friends, something I couldn’t do at my school because the die was cast for this poor and overweight kid. I quickly realized photography was for me and I set out to make it my career, overcoming some big hurdles along the way as I transitioned from photojournalism to become a commercial photographer.
Read detailsAfter the critique we covered three strategies for getting more matte looking images with soft light.
Read detailsIf you’re new to photography or just getting into portrait lighting you’re probably wondering where to begin when buying your first studio lights. This video will cover the lights, modifiers and the details you need to know to get started as a portrait photographer.
Read detailsIn this VLOG I take you along with me to this year’s convention in Las Vegas, including taking you behind-the-scenes and introducing you to some of my dear friends.
Read detailsAfter moving in a few weeks ago, almost everything is in it’s place and ready to go! Plus more information about the Elinchrom One, the company’s newest flash.
Read detailsWatch in near real time as I go over three strategies for using flash on location outdoors.
Read detailsIn this review I will go over the specs and my experience using the One, Elinchrom’s first battery powered monolight which is capable of 725 full powered flashes (131 watt-second) on one charge, TTL & HHS.
Read detailsSlowing down and being deliberate can be the key to improving your work and precision framing can reduce time wasted in post.
Read detailsAfter carrying all of my gear up to the third floor with help from a friend and my husband, it’s time to get to work!
Read detailsWatch as I move my lighting gear and accessories from the Pelican Storm iM2975 to the Tenba Transport Air Case Attache, 3220W
Read detailsFor most of my career I have had a live/work space, but after buying a house I was forced to look for a stand alone photo studio.
Read detailsMember Exclusive: Lighting Tutorial with Christian
Read detailsHow I use automated booking on my website and streamline up-selling with minimal effort.
Read detailsI wanted to test out which hard modifier I prefer for headshots while comparing three Mola Beauty Dishes with a Parabolix 35D.
Read detailsThere 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.
Read detailsStep-by-step retouching using Capture One 21, B&W Beyond Film Style Packs, Photoshop, and Neural Filters Skin Smoothing.
Read detailsNKI Kenetic asked me if I would be interested in trying out and reviewing their 512gb CFexpress Type B memory cards for Canon EOS R5. So they sent me two of them to keep and after a month or so of using them, I made this video.
Read detailsThis video covers positioning, HHS (high speed sync) modifiers and more.
Read details11 Studio must haves, oops I forgot about a clothing rack, steamer and speaker.
Read detailsThree ways to light an interview and finding the best lighting for your subjects face.
Read detailsLive: Mixing flash with ambient light indoors June 5, 2021
Read detailsThe three places photographers can find inspiration for their next shoot!
Read detailsI have scheduled the first Academy with John Gress live Q&A and critique!
Read detailsThere are two ways photographers can grow and improve — practice and critique. But the feedback we get online is often all positive and unqualified or destructive and also unqualified. So in today’s video, James Quantz Jr. and I will go over 6 images, submitted by their makers, and give suggestions on how the photos could be improved.
Read detailsToday’s video gives an over view on how photographers can start building their business and making money with their camera.
Read detailsIn today’s video I explore how many watt seconds you may need in each situation so that you can make the right choice when you’re purchasing lights for your studio and on location.
Read detailsLearn how to upgrade your apple boxes in only 10 minutes and weather furniture in seconds.
Read detailsIn this video, we went over testing with models, building relationships with stylists and hair stylists, plus a run down of what to expect at my in person workshops.
Read detailsFollow along as I go to two of my favorite spots looking for treasure. Then at the end I give tips on where I you can find great pieces!
Read detailsIn this video I will share my process for retouching photos in Capture One 21. Including how the C1 Beyond Film style packs have changed the way I grade my photos in post.
Read detailsToday were going to go over how to mount a canvass backdrop with gaffer tape to a PVC tube so you can easily hang it from a background stand.
Read detailsThis video contains questions about using the Elinchrom Skyport System, using a light meter and fill while shooting in rooms with colored walls.
Read detailsI bought this modifier 2 years ago and I didn’t really know what I had until I tested it against my other modifiers and proved it has unique capabilities. Especially, when I removed the diffusion and put in a deflector disc, turning it into a giant beauty dish.
Read detailsI wanted to give you a behind-the-scenes look at my YouTube setup, including all of the gear I use to make my videos.
Nanlite provided me with these lights and modifiers. However, after using them, I decided to sell most of my Aputure gear and buy more Nanlite products.
Read detailsThanks again to everyone who participated in this weeks session.
Read detailsThis 40 minute class will cover everything you need to know about color effects gels!
Read detailsThese live sessions are one of the beast features of the Academy!
Read detailsAfter doing a critique for Gary’s YouTube channel a few weeks ago, we decided to record one for mine, which I will post publicly next week.
Read detailsThis video will help you learn essential techniques with basic equipment to create and control artificial light, so that you don’t have to worry about the weather or the time of day.
Read detailsIn this video I go over all of the hardware you might use to hang a paper or canvas backdrop, including stands, wall mounted racks and how to use two matching backgrounds to form a corner.
Read detailsLast night we had our very first live Q&A / critique! It was a lot of fun seeing and talking to everyone.
Read detailsThe new Elinchrom Bridge device allows you to speed up your workflow by controlling the brightness, modeling light, recycle time, photocell, and beep right from your phone or computer through the Skyport system. Then when you have everything dialed in you can save all of your settings and load them later.
Read detailsToday were going to cover everything you need to know about c-stands including some really cool hardware for the studio.
Read detailsIn today’s video I am going to show you how to tether your Canon EOS R5 to Lightroom Classic using EOS Utility.
Read detailsHow I retouch my photos in Lightroom Classic plus extending the background in Photoshop with content aware fill
Read detailsI can’t stress the importance of this topic enough, because coordinating all of the elements in your shot is ultimately things you will do on set as a photographer. This video will examine color theory and using a color wheel to match wardrobe, props and backgrounds.
Read detailsOver the last 20 or so years, I have acquired about 20 different softboxes, but I have never actually sat down and tested them out in the studio, one at at a time, to determine the quality of light produced by each modifier when shooting portraits.
Read detailsWatch as I unbox my new Billingham 445 (https://amzn.to/32igLwq) camera bag and move out of my old Think Tank Photo Retrospective 30 2.0 (https://amzn.to/2QrsweN) messenger bag.
Read detailsAfter owning the Canon EOS R5 mirrorless camera for six months, I wanted to update you on my experience with the camera as a commercial studio portrait photographer and an occasional videographer.
Read detailsPart of making a refined image in the studio is lighting your subject to preserve details in their hair or operate them from the background. In today’s video, I will teach you everything you need to know about hair lights. Including which modifiers to use, where and how to mount them plus how bright your lights should be.
Read detailsIn today’s lighting tutorial, I’m going to breakdown four looks that I created with our model Justin.
Read detailsFor the last few years, often times, I have used a parabolic style soft box as a main light. Last year I mentioned in a video that I liked using it because its quite directional and I feel like I can use this property to better control light. Some people disagreed with me, so I made this video to examine if it really is more directional than standard soft boxes.
Read detailsToday we’re going to talk about depth-of-field, not scientifically speaking, but practically speaking.
Read detailsWhat’s my motivation? is a refrain that we often hear from actors, but that phrase can mean a lot to photographers, too. Especially when I am trying to simulate natural light.
Read detailsThree years ago I bought a Mola Setti and Rayo 15″ beauty dishes, because I wanted to upgrade from my Profoto Silver Softlight. While it was a step-up, I had no idea what I really had until I tested them a few weeks ago against my friends Mola Demi with an Opal diffusion disc.
Read detailsI wanted to share with you guys my top 10 favorite pieces of cool gear that I added to my kit in 2020!
Read detailsAfter watching several YouTube Reviews where people only shot these lenses at f2, I decided to make a review where we test everything from f1.2 to f16 while shooting Portraits of a model in my studio.
Read detailsWhether your new to lighting or you have been doing it for over 20 years, everybody started off in the same place and everybody made a bunch of mistakes. So if you’re just starting out and you do any of the things I’m about to talk about I’m not mentioning these things to make you feel bad and I’ve made all of these mistakes and occasionally I still make them.
Read detailsI actually think the AF in this camera works quite well. And I have owned a 1, 1n, 1VHS, 1D, 1D II, 1D III, 1DX2 and every 5D camera, and I’ve used many of them to shoot sports at a very high level.
Read detailsEveryone has a name for every position where they place a flash on location and in the studio. But not everyone agrees on every name and this jargon can be sort of confusing.
Read detailsSetting-up a test photoshoot is a great way to try out new ideas and hone your craft, but like many of my friends I still have models who don’t show up or come up with these lame excuses. It comes with the territory and you just have to laugh because they’re so ridiculous. So for today’s video I’ve compiled 10 of the lamest excuses that I’ve heard lately and maybe just maybe one of the models will watch this video and come up with better material next time.
Read detailsIn today’s video we’re gonna talk about why prime lenses are not just for bokeh.
Read detailsWe’ve all heard that medium format is better than 35mm, but is it really true? The purpose of this review was to test the cameras’ performance when resolving subtle color and detail sharpness while shooting a still life bouquet pf flowers. It’s not scientific but more practical.
Read detailsIn today’s video, we’re going to learn how to profile your camera to get accurate color in Capture One.
Read detailsA histogram is a graph that depicts your image’s brightness when you review photos on the back of your camera or computer.
Read detailsAfter upgrading to the Canon EOS R5 I ran into problems in Lightroom Classic so I decided to try Capture One. So far I am loving the results. This video will compare and contrast the two programs from my perspective as a commercial studio photographer.
Read detailsI tested Hasselblad’s 50MP mirorrless camera in the studio and put it though its paces for about a month. Here is how I set it up.
Read detailsPeople ask me about tethering all of the time. In Lightroom it was a struggle, even with Tether Tools cables, but when I started using Capture One, I wasn’t thrilled that the images were only written to my computer’s hard drive. So I set up this workaround so that photos would write to both my Canon camera and computer, creating an instant backup of my data and allowing me to review images in the EVF and on the LCD.
Read detailsI tested Hasselblad’s 50MP mirorrless camera in the studio and put it though its paces next to the 45 megapixel Canon EOS R5 while shooting portraits and flowers.
Read detailsThree steps photographers should take to book free models for their next practice test photoshoot
Read detailsTo celebrate the launch of the new ELC 125 and ELC 500 compact studio strobes, Elinchrom gathered together six amazing photographers and challenged them to shoot the same model in the same studio using the new ELCs.Elinchrom’s new studio flashes add High Speed Sync (HSS) and TTL to the manufactures compact monolight plug-in-the wall line-up.
Read detailsPeople always want to ask what power my lights were set at when I took the picture and I also see that people like me reporting this information on their BTS diagrams. Here is why!
Read detailsWe look up to people we admire and we look down on people we despise. This rhetorical convention provides us with a visual point of reference when it comes to our compositions.
Read detailsAfter using the R5 for a full month as a professional commercial studio and portrait photographer, who shoots some video, I have decided to fully switch from the 5D Mark IV. It took me a while to test everything from auto focus, to tethering to video (including overheating) and how to get the best color out of the new RAW files. This video also covers post production in DPP (Digital Photo Professional), Lightroom and Capture One 20. Please see a full summary of the time line below.
Read detailsWhile, there are a lot of really mean people online saying horrible things, in today’s video we’re gonna talk about overcoming the fear of posting your work, because the positive criticism that you will receive is going to help you become a better photographer.
Read detailsI was so excited last week when the Adobe applications updated and then I was so disappointed when I realized the Camera Matching Color Profiles were missing.
After searching everywhere I came across Color Fidelity (https://www.colorfidelity.com/canon.htm) , a third party vendor that sell packs of color profiles for Lightroom and Photoshop and plopped down $15 hoping they would work! Eureka! One of them emulates Camera Matching Standard or Picture Style Standard, giving you basically the same color you would get in DPP (Digital Photo Professional) but in Lightroom.
Read detailsWatch as I unbox my new Billingham 445 camera bag and move out of my old Think Tank Photo Retrospective 30 2.0 messenger bag.
Read detailsI wanted to share with you how I setup my Canon EOS R5 for videography. This video will take a deep-dive into the settings and features of the first Canon professional mirrorless camera and include detailed info for people who are new to video.
Read detailsI wanted to share with you how I setup my new Canon EOS R5 as a commercial studio photographer. My last camera was a 5DIV, so this video will take a deep-dive into the settings and features of the first Canon professional mirrorless camera and how it compares to its DSLR predecessor.
Read detailsThe three steps to booking models for free for your next practice photoshoot
Read detailsI wanted to test is the CF Express or SD cards cause the new Canon EOS R5 to overheat when recording externally, plus I wanted to explore if leaving the camera’s screen on while recording causes the camera to overheat.
Read detailsI wanted to test out the auto focus capabilities of the new mirrorless camera with a real world test featuring the EF 400mm f2.8 IS II USM.
Read detailsI got to play with my new camera on a Portrait shoot and the new eye and face detection auto focus rocks!
Read detailsI just got the grip and camera, which will replace my 5DIV. I will have a full review soon!
Read detailsI just got the camera and my first shoot starts in an hour! I will have an intial reaction video and a full review soon!
Read detailsWhen the topic of light meters comes up, many photographers are surprised to learn that I used them. While TTL and trial and error can be an effective way to nail an exposure, nothing can be more effective than manually and precisely dialing in your lights before fine tuning them on screen.
Read detailsBreaking down in depth how your camera settings and exposure work to record images.
Read detailsAn expandable Drobo backup system can be a great way to store and protect your images. The housing costs $699 and then you just need to buy two hard drives to get started, like two Western Digital WD Red 4TB NAS Internal Hard Drives
Read detailsWhen I was just starting out in photography, I really looked up to other photographers who had a lot more experience, because I realized right away that when you looked at their work, you could easily recognize that it was their work, because they had a sense of style.
Read detailsThe sun rises in the east with a hint of yellow; it casts unflattering colorless light at its zenith and it sets with a warm amber glow. Neon accents cityscapes at night. All of which are cues to photographers on how to employ colored gels on set.
Read detailsWhile using photo and film gear as props in portraits has been cool almost as long as there have been cameras, there are some unwritten rules you should follow. And when you violate these tenets, I feel like going off like Joan Crawford did about wire hangers in the 1981 classic film, “Mommy Dearest.”
Read detailsBreaking down how I use my 14 softboxes to modify my lights during my photoshoots
Read detailsYou can buy a professionally made one, or you can make your own for just a few dollars in about an hour.
Read detailsStudio lighting staples that every photographer should master.
Read detailsThere are plenty of reviews that will teach you how to use the Quickbooks. I just wanted to take this opportunity to share with you my personal experience because I know so many photographers who are using a make shift solution.
Read detailsStyling tips for photographers with an emphisis on working with male models and subjects
Read detailsI walk you through the process step by step as I use Adobe Lightroom, iPhoto, iTunes and my Apple IPhone to post to social media,
Read detailsHow I complete my photography portrait sets using wall paneling and tongue and groove flooring from hardware stores
Read detailsSome photographers have a reputation for being narcissistic micromanagers. Don’t be that guy. And I do mean, THAT GUY!
Read detailsDuring the 2008-2010 Great Recession, 50% of my business disappeared and to fill the time I practiced my lighting by working with aspiring models, which transformed my life and greatly improved my skill level. If it wasn’t for this hardship, I wouldn’t be where I am today. As we head into similar circumstances, I would encourage everyone to work on whatever they have been putting off, because if you put in the work during this time, you will emerge stronger than before you ever heard of Covid-19.
Read detailsUsing makeup will even out a subject’s skin tone, and reduce reflected light which may make them look oily or sweaty. Plus it will streamline your retouching process.
Read detailsElinchrom’s new studio flash adds High Speed Sync (HSS) and TTL to the manufactures compact monolight plug-in-the wall line-up. A technology pairing that was previously only offered with their battery powered ELB 500.
Read detailsAt the end of 2019, I purchased a RocknRoller Multi-Cart R12STEALTH. It’s called Stealth because everything on the cart is black. The casters and the main wheels are larger than the Rock N Roller Multicart Model R8 and the cart sits a little taller. But these design improvements don’t take up a lot more space when the cart is folded.
Read detailsProjecting patterns on your subjects and backgrounds with an optical snoot can be a fun way to boost your creativity and freshen your feed!
Read detailsA friend recently asked me how to bid on commercial jobs. This video will cover the entire process of working with commercial clients from bidding to delivery.
Read detailsPeople always ask me which cameras and lenses I use. Here are the answers!
Read detailsCreating this studio lighting series was a lot of fun! The challenge was to create three dynamic portraits using one Elinchrom light and modifier, plus two V-Flat World V Flats! Featuring model David Horton.
Read detailsHow I travel with my Elinchrom lighting gear, including my ELC500 Pro HD monolights, ELB400 and Quadra Ranger. Plus a ton of modifiers using Pelican and SKB cases.
Read detailsPhotographer John Gress shares how he built his business through building his personal network.
Read detailsGet John and Jason’s perspective on what its like to pose models and what it’s like for models when working with photographers of personality type.
Read detailsI was recently asked what the difference is between AC Powered Studio Packs & Heads, Monolights and Battery Powered Compact photo flash heads. We will also touch on flash duration too! Hopefully this is the right answer, but if I am wrong, please comment below!
Read detailsIf you’re new to photography or just getting into portrait lighting you’re probably wondering where to begin. This video will cover the lights, modifiers and accessories you need to get started.
Read detailsEveryone loves to say we’ll fix it in post! This video covers why I don’t think using Photoshop and Lightroom as your first resort is the best approach.
Read detailsWhen I started shooting video I had to use fluorescent banks & giant hot lights. But when I replaced everything with LEDs, I could light like a photographer again!
Read detailsYou never know where you’re going to find the inspiration for your next photoshoot, so it’s always best to keep your eyes peeled and your mind open.
Read detailsModifying a RocknRoller MultiCart R8 so the top shelf, Quick Set Shelf, assembles with ease in seconds rather than minutes when you get to your photoshoot.
Read detailsOver time, I have seen many images where a pattern is projected onto someone’s face, and I’ve always struggled to simulate this type of lighting. My attempts usually resulted in poorly defined shapes and not the sort of razor-sharp edges I was expecting.
Read detailsOver the course of my career I have used White Lightning, Elinchrom, Alien Bees and Profoto lights. I wanted to share with you today why I switched and what I learned along the way.
Read detailsI wanted to share with you a little about how I got to where I am, in hopes that it may help you get to where you’re going a little faster.
Read detailsEveryone has a light stand, even make up artists. Some photographers have boom arms but when you really want to refine your work, or make your life easier in the studio easier you’ll need an arsenal of hardware. And for the most part I am not talking about the durable goods you can pick up at Home Depot or Lowe’s.
Read detailsAdapting the look of LED or Fluorescent tube backgrounds for still photography with a DIY approach using softboxes, a v-flat, a knife and three Profoto lights.
Read detailsAs photographers we might obsess about this modifier or that one, believe me I have, but often times we fall short when it comes to shadow detail. This is something I struggle with from time to time when shooting in a new room and every shoot poses its own set of problems, so the purpose of this post is to share some basic concepts that I hope will help you maximize dynamic range and develop more details in your depictions.
Read detailsLet’s pretend for a moment I am sitting inside a reality show confession booth. Instead of disparaging the other characters on the show, I’m going to disparage myself (not really, actually. In my garage I have a garbage can full of modifiers. It looks like an episode of Hoarders in miniature, only instead of holding on to teddy bears and half-full beer cans, I collect things that make hard light look soft and in turn, make me look good.
Read detailsOne of the most popular questions I am asked is: what are those lights in the background of my portraits? Aside from the one time that I used a Profoto Monolight unsuccessfully, every other occurrence I can recall featured a vintage light designed by Mole-Richardson.
Read detailsAfter being inspired by Sophie Palmer’s portrait depicting boredom with a Catholic priest inside the confession booth, below, I decided to try my hand at projecting divine patterns on model Alex Mitchell’s face by making a custom Cucoloris.
Read detailsAfter picking myself up off the floor following my discovery of the sticker price for Canon’s C200 batteries, I decided to look at other options. I have seen people using V-Mount and Anton Bauer Gold Mount batteries for while, but they remained a mystery to me until push came to shove once my new camera was on its way.
Read detailsI recently purchased the new Canon C200 and decided to shoot some test footage to compare it with the Canon C100.
Read detailsThe first time I showed my old assistant my Profoto D1 Air 500 Monolights he remarked how sexy they were…. that’s all he kept saying… “these lights are so f&*king sexy!” I can only imagine his sophomoric reaction if he got his hands on the more attractive Broncolor Siros, which comes in multiple flavors from the battery powered 400ws and 800ws Siros L to the 400ws and 800ws Siros S.
Read detailsIf you were expecting a side-by-side head-to-head comparison of these modifiers, this review is not for you. Over the course of 10 or so years I have owned 6 different octaboxes made by Profoto, Elinchrom and Photoflex. I will discuss below why I changed horses midstream to arrive at where I am today and how I felt about using each modifier.
Read detailsWhen I received a Photek Softlighter II for Christmas in 2015, it quickly became one of my most treasured tools. I first became aware of this miraculous modifier when I discovered my favorite photographer, Art Streiber’s work on Instagram and I noticed him using a ten sided umbrella while shooting Placido Domingo for Vanity Fair. I loved the way it looked and rather than just asking him in a comment what he was using, I went on a day long journey to find it and once I did I never looked back.
Read detailsA few weeks ago I had the great pleasure and honor of spending the lunch hour chatting with Simeon Hendrix, and recording an interview for his Steady Focused web series. Which covers photography, filmmaking, lighting, lenses, cameras, etc…. discussing how to identify weak points, overcome struggles, how to succeed and how to live a fulfilled life. Their most important rule is to work hard, love yourself and have fun!
Read detailsAfter buying three new softboxes I had two questions: 1. What are the color temperatures of all of my modifiers? 2. Do Kelvin temperature shifts really matter?
Read detailsTest results & review showing if using a Profoto Glass Cover dome or a Profoto Acute or Pro head makes a difference compared to using a D1 500 air monolight head.
Read detailsIt’s an exciting day! Right before I left town I got a call from Adorama saying two Canon 5D Mark III cameras were on their way and now they are here!It’s an exciting day! Right before I left town I got a call from Adorama saying two Canon 5D Mark III cameras were on their way.
Read detailsAnyone who knows me, knows that I am the clumsiest person on earth. After I finished shooting the Kentucky Derby Saturday I knocked over a bottle of water onto my laptop. Luckily for me, the computer was off at the time. My friends helped me dry it off and disassemble it on the spot. Water was everywhere inside the case.
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