Articles By Topic

Black and white two light portrait setup featuring model Lizzie on dark background

How I Build a Studio Portrait From Scratch

Two lights, a roll of black paper and a portrait built from scratch: here's how I light a moody studio ...
Black and white two light portrait setup featuring model Lizzie on dark background

Two Lights And A Kiss – A Moody Portrait On Black Paper

Pattern: Short side lighting from a big soft source, with a gridded kiss light coming back from behind. Mood: Dark ...
Lizzie in black lace dress beside glowing bare bulb portrait photography

A Single Bulb and a Seventeenth Century Mood

Pattern: Short-lit loop that tips towards Rembrandt, from a high, close, bare point source (an everyday LED light bulb!), with ...
Dramatic black and white single light portrait setup with moody side lighting

Five Portrait Looks with One Light

Want to know how many lights I typically use? Well, that's simple: just one. It's always been that way, as ...
Ordinary to Extraordinary: Portraits in Crappy Locations (The Societies Convention)

Ordinary to Extraordinary: Portraits in Crappy Locations (The Societies Convention)

There's a special kind of location photographers know all too well. Not a "location", really. More a "this will do" ...
Monochrome studio portrait of bearded man with arms crossed against black background

Rob | Monochrome Studio Portrait

Dive into a beautifully moody monochrome studio portrait of Rob, where lighting meets emotion. Discover how simple light positioning sculpts ...
Shooting portraits in direct sunlight: 3 tips

Shooting portraits in direct sunlight: 3 tips

Discover three practical tips for shooting portraits in direct sunlight, helping you tame harsh shadows, protect skin tones, and create ...
Ellis | Views of the Vale

Ellis | Views of the Vale

Exploring natural available light in a stunning Devon valley, Ellis shares his thoughtful reflections and practical insights on making the ...
Themyo | Creating Studio-Style Light With Two Windows

Themyo | Creating Studio-Style Light With Two Windows

Discover how to transform two ordinary windows into a dynamic natural light studio setup. This article breaks down the technique ...
Using Location To Avoid Portrait Fatigue

Using Location To Avoid Portrait Fatigue

Feeling stuck in a portrait rut? Discover how changing your location can reignite creativity and keep your sessions fresh and ...

Paul