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 ...
Photographer demonstrating understanding continuous light techniques in a studio setting

Seeing Light Differently: An Evening Exploring Continuous Light

There’s a common misconception in portrait photography that better photographs come from buying better lights. Spend enough money on the ...
High key portrait of woman in white outfit against white studio background

White On White With Vicki

This was a simple studio test. I was exploring a high-key look for future client work, much like a chef ...
Video | Eight Lighting Patterns For Portraits Every Photographer Should Know

Video | Eight Lighting Patterns For Portraits Every Photographer Should Know

Learn how to master eight essential portrait lighting patterns – including Rembrandt, Split, Loop, and Clamshell – to create professional, ...
Low camera angle portrait of woman in black quilted jacket and mirrored sunglasses

Katalyn, Sunglasses, and the Power of a Low Camera Angle

Discover how a low camera angle and carefully crafted studio lighting can transform a portrait. Using Katalyn's sunglasses as a ...
Professional portrait setup created in a workplace environment using studio lighting

Video | Transform Any Workplace Into A Pro Portrait Studio

Discover how to transform any everyday workplace into a professional portrait studio using smart lighting, simple gear, and a creative ...
Abi And A Faux-Fur Coat | Shaping Light for Texture

Abi And A Faux-Fur Coat | Shaping Light for Texture

Discover how subtle shaping of artificial light brings out beautiful texture in a faux fur coat, revealing depth and detail ...
Black and white portrait of young woman leaning against stone wall using off-camera flash

Video | Five Ideas For Off-Camera Flash

Five creative ways to use off-camera flash to transform your location portraits — with practical tips, lighting setups, and real-world ...

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