Landscape photographs are among the most beautiful photos you can produce. But it isn’t easy! To get decent results, you have to know, understand — and follow — tons of rules. Individually, none of them are a very big deal, but they combine to create powerful landscape photos. Today’s two photo tips are each another of those […]
We’ve discussed showing less skin and using long sleeves on our models to avoid the viewer’s eye being pulled out of the frame. Why? We want all of the viewer’s attention to be focused on our subject. We want the subject to be the undisputed star of our photo. Your background can also be a […]
While most of you know what a portrait photography catch light is, bear with me. At some point, it was a new idea for you, just as I’m sure it is for some of the other readers. In the interest of being thorough, in today’s photo tip, let’s have a quick look into the catch […]
We all know that photography is about capturing light. We all know that the basic setup for a portrait requires three lights. Now for the ugly part: buying good quality studio portrait lights is expensive! Enter photography reflectors. If you can’t afford to get a top quality three light system, the best option is to […]
Today’s portrait photography photo tip begins our discussion of specialty lights — specifically, the hair light. We will explore what it is, how to use it, and some precautions. So far, in our study of portrait photography lighting, we’ve learned that the majority of the time, we will use a three-light setup: the main light, […]
The photo tip for today is about using “short lighting” and “broad lighting” patterns in your portrait photography. Flat lighting will ruin your portrait photography! Caution: An on-camera flash aimed at the subject will produce flat lighting. Bounce the flash off the walls, ceilings, off a reflector or something else. Never aim it directly at your […]
Today’s photo tip is about pet portraits and how to get the animal’s attention. Pet portraits can be some of the most fun photography you do. As an added bonus, it’s a great photography training ground. “Never Work With Kids or Animals!” Or so says the old show business expression… Why? Because they steal the […]
Use the “halo light” pattern in your photo lighting. Here is a photo tip I’ve recently read that I disagree with: “When photographing people, always make sure to avoid direct sunlight in the background of the photo. This will make odd shadows and add an undesirable element to the picture. Position the people so the […]
In a previous article, I discussed shooting with the light at the subject’s back, creating a “halo” lighting pattern. Aside from being a particularly stunning light pattern, it automatically eliminates one of the biggest problems we have as photographers: squinting and closed eyes. With the light coming from the rear, the face is in shadow, […]
Today I have a photo tip that actually breaks the rules. I’m going to talk about including hats in portrait photography. Hats can say a lot about a person’s personality and are a good prop to use – if they actually DO fit the subject’s personality. But, be careful of the lighting. You don’t want […]
No, my photos are the best, close this forever
