The Latest

The Academy with John Gress

The Latest

In this first video were going to use hard light to show off Danny's muscles.
03/01/2023
Exclusive Training Videos

Member Exclusive: Danny Look 1

In this months Member Exclusive Videos I am going to share three lighting strategies when photographing a shirtless male model. In this first video...

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In today's video I breakdown a a one light setup that will help you get a perfect silhouette with only on light!
02/13/2023
Lighting Technique

Exploring Rim Light – Breaking down this one-light studio setup from my Lighting Handbook Vol. 2

In today’s video I breakdown a a one light setup that will help you get a perfect silhouette with only on light! Lighting Handbook:...

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We had a great discussion this week about cropping, fill, the rule of thirds.
02/05/2023
Live

Live: Q&A and Critique January 30, 2023

We had a great discussion this week about cropping, fill, the rule of thirds.

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In this months member exclusive videos were going to explore fresnel looks with our model Jason. For the second look we created a cinematic portrait of Jason posing as a detective interrogating the viewer. For the third look I created a cinematic portrait of him rolling up his sleeves.
02/05/2023
Exclusive Training Videos

Member Exclusive: Jason Looks 2 & 3

In this months member exclusive videos were going to explore fresnel looks with our model Jason. For the second look we created a cinematic...

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In this months member exclusive videos were going to explore fresnel looks with our model Jason. For the first look we created a series of images that showed him falling in every pose with one layer of clothing coming off with each shot.
02/01/2023
Exclusive Training Videos

Member Exclusive: Jason Look 1

In this months member exclusive videos were going to explore fresnel looks with our model Jason. For the first look we created a series...

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In today's video I am going to discuss what a Fresnel is, and how it shapes light. Long a staple of the film industry, a Fresnel a great choice the next time you want to create hard light that resembles sunlight, yet is more forgiving – making it the perfect choice for a beauty photoshoot.
02/01/2023
Lighting Technique

Fresnel Portrait Lighting Tutorial featuring 3 B&W setups

In today’s video I am going to discuss what a Fresnel is, and how it shapes light. Long a staple of the film industry,...

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Come along as I give a tour of my new studio! Including a lot of the gear I have in the space!
01/07/2023
Gear , Pre-Production

Studio Tour: John Gress’s Chicago Portrait Photography Studio

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

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Follow along in this months member exclusive tutorial as I work with Derrick to update his portfolio with new body shots and suit pics.
01/03/2023
Exclusive Training Videos

Member Exclusive: Updating Derrick’s Portfolio

Follow along in this months member exclusive tutorial as I work with Derrick to update his portfolio with new body shots and suit pics.

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In this video I break down three unique one light setups step-by-step.
12/24/2022
Lighting Technique

Learn 3 One Light Setups in Only 10 Minutes!

In this video I break down three unique one light setups step-by-step.

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After working with Abena in Colorado, she came to my new studio to Chicago for a portfolio shoot. In the second half of the video I use my new set for the first time.
12/12/2022
Exclusive Training Videos

Member Exclusive: Helping Abena build her commercial portfolio

After working with Abena in Colorado, she came to my new studio to Chicago for a portfolio shoot. In the second half of the...

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Learn how I built this set step-by-step and then watch as I use it for the very first time during a photoshoot.
12/02/2022
Lighting Technique , Pre-Production

How to build this set from scratch!

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

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Professionals need to own 18 lights if they want to have gratuitous silly fun!
11/26/2022
Lighting Technique

Why a 3 light kit won’t cut it!

Professionals need to own 18 lights if they want to have gratuitous silly fun!

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