Lighting To Suit Subject and Mood

I think that every photographer has a magic formula for lighting - you know - that particular setup that always works and is always the first one he pulls out of his "bag of tricks".  I do.  But there comes a time when you are presented with something different - something that calls for a different strategy.

After 3 years since learning about strobes and lighting in general, a vast majority of my photographic subjects have been beautiful women - model types.  I can now light them in a snap and direct with confidence.  I've done a few male portraits but they are more of the corporate and formal type of portrait.  Headshots and full body shots in casual or formal clothing. 

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Lighting A House Party

Many people, even the casual party snappers, are now aware of the horrible results direct flash gives.  And so with this, people will either shoot without flash or just put-up with with direct flash.  Either way, results cand't be that good.  Without flash, you get the risk of blurry pictures.  With direct flash . . . well, need I say more?

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ND Grad Filter for instant HDR

A simple neutral density graduated filter, or ND grads as they are more commonly called, is the simplest solution to the dark-foreground-bright-sky problem.  The photo above shows details both on the street and the beautiful cloudy sky above.

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Believable Light

"Have a cup" by alexdpx

Everyone - or at least almost everyone - is into off-camera flash photography these days.  It 's the new thing.  "Hey, you're a strobist!!  Great!!" 

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