Image Critique 9 Another four images under the loupe (well, on the screen anyway). Two studio portraits, two out on location – plenty to enjoy! If you would like your images critiqued, please use the Image Critique menu option above to submit a file (or more than one of you wish). Your image will then appear in one of the future episodes! JOIN NOW to view this and hundreds of articles, videos, critiques and discussions dedicated to the art, passion …
In this video, I talk through how to clean up a white background. The image in question is of two puppies taken for the Hearing Dogs where I shoot pretty much every week. The priority for this particular technique is the balance of speed to quality, something that is often missed: all too often, photographers think quality is the ultimate goal but, of course, it’s only the goal for an appropriate price, JOIN NOW to view this and hundreds of …
Want to create corporate headshots but not sure how? Scared of studio or location lighting? Wondering how to work with windowlight? This video shows how you can create striking, flattering and professional-looking headshots no matter what your lighting set-up is. First, Paul talks about the importance of eye contact in corporate headshots. He explains what to consider when planning what orientation to use (upright or landscape format), and talks about how the confidence of both photographer and subject develops over …
I am frequently asked to advise on what would I buy if I started from scratch so, as I drink a last coffee (decaf of course!) before heading out to shoot a glorious, sunny wedding, I ponder on those initial purchases: what and why. And it includes good shoes. Who knew?
This podcast concerns just one image: Bruno. Simple is always best (in my opinion at least) and this image epitomises that approach: simple light, simple pose, simple finish, simply gorgeous. A good day in the studio! During the podcast I mention that is was originally intended to be used as part of a composite of the two brothers together – here is that composite:
Achieve the soft, gentle and natural look of a window-lit portrait using carefully positioned studio flash. If you want to replicate the look and feel of natural lighting after the sun has set or when the window-light is just too weak, here’s how you can do it with flash. I’ve used two studio lights: one to light my subject, and another to throw enough light around the room to subtly separate her dark outfit from the black paper behind her. …
Create strong, masculine and characterful portraits by controlling your light and shadow areas. I see WAY too many studio portraits with flat lighting. In this video I explain why I hate images where light is thrown from every direction on to the subject and background. Don’t be scared of shadows. They bring shape, depth and character to portraits. In fact, when you bring shadows into play, you can effectively capture subjects in white clothes on white backgrounds, JOIN NOW to …
Create a film-poster style portrait of two guys with contrasting physical characteristics. My team challenged me to take a portrait of Rob and Matt (our video editor) together, using just one studio light. The point to prove was how to flatter both of my subjects when they each have very different heights, skin tones and face shapes. As I explain in this video, the strategies I apply here can be used in any situation where you are photographing two people …
Add shape and depth to portraits of dark-skinned subjects by manipulating the highlights on their face and body. Whereas shadows create definition in portraits of pale-skinned subjects, for dark-skinned subjects the opposite applies. Instead, you create shape and depth by focusing on the highlights. This approach to lighting dark skin applies whether you are a studio or natural light photographer, so make sure you watch this video to understand the concept. JOIN NOW to view this and hundreds of articles, …
Amelie (aged three-and-a-half) brought her own creative ideas (and demands) to her portrait session – who am I to argue?! We had a spring-themed, outdoor portrait session planned with Amelie, but she turned up with a plan of her own… to wear her princess outfit. Everything goes smoother when you work with your client, rather than fighting against them, so I went with the flow and started the session by capturing Amelie in her golden dress in the studio. JOIN …