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.

We’ll cover:

Why camera meters turn white into gray

Why dark scenes naturally lean left on the histogram

How to judge exposure properly

Highlight clipping and exposure warnings

How to enable highlight alerts in Canon, Nikon, Sony, Lightroom, and Capture One

Why tethering changes everything

When clipped highlights are actually okay

How I use histograms in professional studio photography

I’ll also show real-world portrait photography examples so you can see exactly where histograms break down in practical use.

Digital Downloads & The Photographer’s Journey:

https://johngress.com/downloads

GEAR

Capture One: https://link.captureone.com/91s

Use the codes JOHNPRO20 and JOHNAIO20 to save 20% on Capture One.

Sekonic L-858D-U SPEEDMASTER Light Meter Kit with RT-EL/PX Transmitter Module for Elinchrom

B&H: https://bhpho.to/41dCnXc

TetherPro Optima 10Gbps Gen 2 USB-C, 15’

Tether Tools: https://tethertools.com/product/tetherpro-optima-10g-usb-c-straight-to-right-angle-cable/?ref=231

Save 10% with the coupon code GRESS10.

Amazon: https://bhpho.to/4j1ZdvP

B&H: https://bhpho.to/48nNa8e

Canon R5 Mark II

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cJZyir

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3Yc4YyB

Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip for EOS R5 Mark II

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3B3Bg5f

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3XJFyaT

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 IS Macro STM

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3cYH6VB

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3ncETiG

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

01:13 – How camera meters & histograms work

03:44 – Real World Examples

04:47 – Exposure Warnings

06:44 – Do this instead

07:34 – Final Thoughts

The post Stop Trusting Your Histogram (Do This Instead) appeared first on Chicago Photographer & Director of Photography.

Thinking about building your photography portfolio but don’t have the budget to hire models? In this video, I’ll walk you through how to collaborate with models for TFP (Time for Photos) test shoots—for free. Whether you’re trying new lighting techniques, building your book, or just want to create fresh content, I’ll show you exactly how I reach out to models, what to say, how I structure my shoots, and how to keep things professional from start to finish.

I’ll also share how I find potential models on Instagram using local hashtags, how I plan to avoid last-minute no-shows, and how I handle image delivery, usage rights, and legal basics without getting into the weeds of giving legal advice. If you’ve ever felt unsure about test shoots or worried about doing it “wrong,” this video has the answers you need.

Want better shoots, sharper skills, and stronger work? It starts with practice—and this is how I do it.

Get equipment insurance & exclusive photography resources with PPA and receive $25 off your Full membership: https://www.ppa.com/join/john-gress

Join The Academy with John Gress: https://johngress.com/academy/

Get My Lighting Handbooks: https://johngress.com/lightinghandbooks/

Attend an In-Person Workshop: https://johngress.com/workshops/

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction
02:15 – 1. What is a TFP Shoot
02:47 – 2. Why I’m Upfront About It Being Unpaid
03:25 – 3. How I Find Models (and What to Look For)
04:06 – WPC
05:44 – 4. Slide into DMs
06:30 – 5. Scheduling
06:45 – 6. Wardrobe
07:37 – 7. Retouching
09:23 – 8. Model Releases
11:05 – 9. Modeling Agencies
11:55 – My Journey
14:21 – Final Thoughts

The post How to Collaborate with Models for Portfolio Shoots (For Free, No Budget Needed) appeared first on Chicago Photographer & Director of Photography.

Please click on the link https://www.elixxier.com/en/#v2=62cde650bb192 and Use Code JOHN-15 to save 15%

Click here for a full list of all the gear I use in the studio – https://shop.howl.me/JohnGress

Related Videos

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:11 The First time I used it
04:41 Problem Solving
05:31 Differences between Basic and Studio
06:20 Modeling my studio
07:00 Demo – Adding the model
08:13 Demo – Lighting options
08:52 Demo – Prop options
09:27 Demo – Adding the background
10:31 Demo – Adding the softbox
11:18 Demo – Adding the camera
12:25 Demo – Manipulating the light
13:36 Demo – Changing the models appearance and clothing
17:39 Demo – Posing
19:59 Demo – Altering the models appearance
21:08 Demo – Adjusting the lighting and pose to eliminate reflections in her glasses
24:12 Demo – Export Options
27:35 Conclusions

Music: Evolution and Going Higher and Birth of a Hero by Bensound http://bensound.com/

The post Set A Light 3D Review: Can you learn lighting in a computer? appeared first on Chicago Photographer & Director of Photography.

I am really excited to get to work in this vintage loft space located on Chicago’s west side.

This video was shot with a
Canon Cinema EOS C70
https://amzn.to/3vkvy7X
https://adorama.rfvk.net/P0V3z6

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens
https://amzn.to/3o3BZK0
https://adorama.rfvk.net/DVEBMo

Items mentioned in order of appearance

Tennis Balls, 15 Pack Practice Tennis Balls for Beginners https://amzn.to/3ibbnYh

Hansong Large Vanity Mirror with Lights https://amzn.to/2ZHUZop

Insignia™ – 2.5 Cu. Ft. Retro Mini Fridge – Baby Blue https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia…

QEEIG Floating Shelves 36 inches Long – Wall Mounted Shelf Farmhouse Bathroom Bedroom Kitchen Living Room Large Extra Long 9.3″ D x 35.4″ W Set of 2, Rustic Brown (008-90BN) https://amzn.to/3VRQOxx

Bazaar Odessa Gray/Blue 7 ft. 10 in. x 10 ft. Indoor Area Rug
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bazaar-Odessa-Gray-Blue-7-ft-10-in-x-10-ft-Indoor-Area-Rug-813741/320898083?cm_mmc=ecc-_-THD_READY_FOR_PICK_UP-_-V1_M1_CA-_-Product_URL&ecc_ord=WP55850300&em_id=4354154481b488c4594072e4fb79789f1220bbdf6648dc8907f9d0109f268ddc#overlay

Albany Double Diamond Center Medallion Persian Style Rug – Threshold™
https://www.target.com/p/5-39-x7-39-albany-double-diamond-center-medallion-persian-style-rug-charcoal-gray-threshold-8482/-/A-83250170?ref=OpsEmail_Order_609&j=184960&sfmc_sub=504641894&l=20_HTML&u=133356721&mid=7284873&jb=5349867

Manfrotto 045- 6 Background Holder Hooks Holds up to 6 Backgrounds https://amzn.to/3X55MRW

Impact Deluxe Varipole Support System – Black (Pair) https://bhpho.to/3CriGSa

Impact Varidrive with Silver Metal Chain https://bhpho.to/3Iwx7s6

I would suggest you buy a Impact Wall Mounting Kit with Metal Chain for Roll Paper https://bhpho.to/3Iwx7s6

J-Hook https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-50-lb-Heavy-Duty-Wall-Mounted-Steel-Wall-Hook-in-Black-Mounting-Hardware-Included-69634/313672389

STUDIO TITAN 01-450 Mono Camera Stand https://bhpho.to/3OCjN6y

Studio Titan Camera Stand STA-01-360 MK2 https://bhpho.to/3cf4RfL

Benro 3-Way Geared Head (GD3WH) https://amzn.to/3ju7BFU

Studio Titan America Camera Stand Portable Side Kick 3-section STA-06-093 Full Option Kit https://bhpho.to/3PoL4Zl

Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro HDMI Live Stream Switcher https://amzn.to/3jYTL2k

Nanlite Forza 500 LED Monolight https://nanlite.pxf.io/e4MDVO

Nanlite Para 90 Quick-Open Softbox with Bowens Mount (35in)
 https://nanlite.pxf.io/jW3PoP
https://bit.ly/3wwH0xs

Saddle Stool Rolling Chair for Medical Massage Salon Kitchen Spa Drafting,Adjustable Hydraulic Stool with Wheels (Without Backrest, Black) https://amzn.to/3if5UiU

Nanlite Asymmetrical Stripbank Softbox with Bowens Mount (18x43in) 
https://nanlite.pxf.io/a1myyj
https://amzn.to/31SIuUW

Nanlite FS 300B Bicolor LED Monolight https://nanlite.pxf.io/MXxZZP

Drapes
BGment Blackout Curtains – Grommet Thermal Insulated Room Darkening Bedroom and Living Room Curtains, Set of 2 Panels (52 x 120 Inch, Black) https://amzn.to/3imNGw8

BGment Fashion Sliding Door Curtain 100 X 120 Inches, Wide Thermal Blackout Curtains Room Darkening Room Divider Window Curtain, 1 Panel, Black https://amzn.to/3VZqyla

set.a.light.3D https://www.elixxier.com/en/#v2=62cde650bb192

Studio Titan Side Kick STA-06-090 https://bhpho.to/3UakUM1

Imapact Counter Weight https://bhpho.to/3ZcREb7

Elinchrom FIVE https://amzn.to/3Um6V61

Studio Titan Rack & Pinion Geared Crank Stand STA-06-200 https://studiotitanamerica.com/collections/shop-lighting-stands/products/sta-06-200

V-FLAT WORLD Foldable V-Flat, Set of 2, Black/White https://bit.ly/3fXqaid

Impact Wall Mounting Kit with Metal Chain for Roll Paper https://bhpho.to/3Iwx7s6

Music: Evolution and Going Higher by Bensound http://bensound.com/

The post Studio Tour: John Gress’s Chicago Portrait Photography Studio appeared first on Chicago Photographer & Director of Photography.

Model: https://www.instagram.com/the.spotted.zelephant/

Optional chairs
Wyton 33″ W Tufted Velvet Armchair https://amzn.to/3UMtWyQ

Materials

Wayfair

Ashford Scalloped 28″H x 24″W x 1/2″D Wainscot Wall Panel 23.29 8 186.32 15.84 202.16
Ashford 24″H x 16″W x 1/2″D Molded Classic Wainscot Wall Panel 21.82 4 87.28 7.42 94.70
Emery 3 1/4″ H x 94 1/2″ W x 3/4″ D Chair Rail 21.19 2 42.38 3.60 45.98

Menards

DPI™ Smooth 4′ x 8′ White Wall Panel 19.99 3 59.97 6.45 66.42
Murphy 4′ x 8′ Aged Planked Cedar Wall Panel 37.99 2 75.98 8.17 84.15

Home Depot

2 in. x 2 in. x 8 ft. Furring Strip Board Lumber 2.98 11 32.78
10 oz. Paneling and Molding Tan Construction Adhesive 4.98 2 9.96
3/4 in. Clear Soft Rubber Plastic Like Self-Adhesive Square Bumpers (12-Pack) 3.89
#17 x 1 in. Stainless Wire Nails (1 oz. per Pack) 2.68 1
#6 x 3/4 in. Phillips Flat Head Zinc Plated Wood Screw (100-Pack) $6.87 1
#8 x 2-1/2 in. Yellow Zinc Coated T-Star Plus Drive Flat Undercut Multi-Purpose Screw (133 per Box) 1
3/4 in. x 96 in. x 3-1/2 in. Primed MDF Colonial Casing Molding 7.24 2 14.48
1-7/16 in. x 4-1/2 in. ZMAX Galvanized Framing Angle 1.39 2 2.78
Glidden Premium 1 gal. Base 1 Flat Interior Paint 21.98 1
11 in. Plastic Tray Liner For Metal Deluxe Roller Tray 1.28 1
Better 9 in. x 1/4 in. High Density Knit Polyester Roller Cover 4.17 1

Tools

Drill https://amzn.to/3Ph8ZLx
Circular saw https://amzn.to/3VNR1Tp
Caulk gun https://amzn.to/3W1yCSI
Level https://amzn.to/3iQbzMi
Screw driver https://amzn.to/3VNAMFI
Hammer https://amzn.to/3FgFbKq
Drop cloth https://amzn.to/3W92Tii
Paint brush https://amzn.to/3Wa5EQN
Paint roller frame https://amzn.to/3W0mKjG
Paint roller stick https://amzn.to/3W9eMFh

More to watch

Music: Evolution and Going Higher by Bensound http://bensound.com/

The post How to build this set from scratch! appeared first on Chicago Photographer & Director of Photography.