The Concept Driven Lighting

Two photoshoots in one day, each one different from the other.

There was a time in my photographic career when my idea of a terrific lighting would always include an umbrella or a soft box.  It's a safe bet and you could almost never go wrong.  Everyone loves soft light.  It makes skin look creamier and softer because light virtually "wraps around" your subject, hiding some signs of aging and imperfections on almost anyone's skin.  Shadows blend smoothly to highlights, it's simply beautiful.

It's just a shame that a lot of photographers can't get past this stage.  To those, every light has to be soft.  I've seen a good number who would light in the same way whatever the concept is, wherever the location is and whenever the shoot is.  As if, it's the only lighting technique anyone needs to know.

Read more »

Available Light On A Gloomy Day

Overcast cloudy day acted like a giant soft box producing extra soft, wrap-around light.

This is a counterpoint to my previous blog.  Of course you can still take beautiful pictures with ambient light on an overcast and gloomy day.  Many of my friends at DPSC has proven that.  With so many models and so little time, many avoided the complication and time consuming task of setting up strobes.

Read more »

Spark of the Moment

"Do Not Put Off For Tomorrow What You Can Do Today."

Opportunities don't always come knocking at your door twice. Neither do ideas. In life, not just in photography, I've learned that when such moments come, opportunity or idea, you have to seize it, right there . . . right then. If not, it will just pass by, and most likely, you'll never get a second chance. If you can't, then of course, don't kill yourself over it. But if you can, like Nike says, "Just do it." Don't postpone. What is possible today may no longer be possible tomorrow.

Read more »

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.

Read more »