They have been lying to you about negative fill!
![In countless videos and classes I have seen people misrepresent this key lighting concept. Negative fill doesn't suck light out of the shadows, it blocks light from entering. Watch as I prove it to you in three demonstrations.](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2022/09/negative564.jpg)
In countless videos and classes I have seen people misrepresent this key lighting concept. Negative fill doesn’t suck light out of the shadows, it blocks light from entering. Watch as I prove it to you in three demonstrations.
MEMBER EXCLUSIVE: Elinchrom Litemotiv 120 review, Parabolic softboxes are truly better
![Elinchrom Litemotiv 120 Review](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2021/03/Litemotiv120_1200-720x405.jpg)
I 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.
What the hell is a kicker? What’s a key light? The names photographers use for studio lights.
![What the hell is a kicker? What's a key light? The names photographers use for studio lights.](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2020/11/thumbnail-720x405.jpg)
Everyone 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.
Lighting Tutorial: The Circle of Light
![Chicago headshot photographer mens fashion photography in 60602 60601 60611 60603 60604 60605 60616 60608 6-607 60606 60612 60661 60622 60610 60654 60614 60657](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2013/01/D0A0155-Edit-720x900.jpg)
You 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.
Lighting Tutorial: It’s a Hardbox Light
![A stunning headshot of a black male model near Chicago Illinois](https://johngress.com/wp-content/uploads//2023/08/Chicago_Headshot_Photographer__23A2191_3-720x900.jpg)
Over 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.