Sometimes, you need just need a glimmer of inspiration — a seed that sprouts into an idea — and you’re back creating great images. Here are seven simple tips that might just be the poke in the right direction you need.
Natural Light
See How Peter Hurley Uses Natural and Continuous Light for Headshots
Most professional headshot photographers use strobes for their studio work, but of course, that does not mean you can’t use continuous or even natural light for your work. This excellent video tutorial from the one and only Peter Hurley will show you how to use both natural light and continuous lighting for taking headshots.
3 Subtle and Natural Off-Camera Flash Portrait Techniques
Photographers who are new to working with artificial light often think that strobes always look distinctly different from natural light. And while it is true that you can shoot creative, highly stylized images that would not be possible with just sunlight, you can use strobes to emulate natural light to make subtle, natural looks. This excellent video tutorial will show you three off-camera flash lighting techniques that will allow you to create effective and compelling portraits.
Off-Camera Flash for Beginners
You can do quite a lot with natural light, but if you want to truly take full control of your photos, learning how to work with artificial light is the way to go. If you are wondering how to get started, this excellent video tutorial will guide you through the process of shooting outdoor portraits using a speedlight and affordable shoot-through umbrella.
How to Balance Ambient Light and Flash for Improved Portraits
One of the most useful skills any portrait photographer can learn is the ability to balance both artificial and ambient light in a portrait. If you are learning how to work with artificial light and want to improve your skills, check out this great video tutorial that will show you how to balance natural light and flash to create better outdoor portraits.
Hard Light: It’s Big and Worth a Try!
Identifying trends in commercial photography is important. It helps you develop your practice and keeps you on your toes! One of those trends right now is hard light. Hit that subject hard, cast some shadows, and make it look like we’re all shooting poolside, sipping piña coladas!
How to Create High-Key Portraits With a Mix of Natural and Constant Light
The high-key look is quite popular in a variety of applications, as it produces a bright, punchy image that instantly draws the viewer’s eye to the subject. You do not always need powerful strobes to achieve it, however. In fact, you can do it with nothing more than natural light from a window and a constant LED source, and this excellent video tutorial will show you how it is done.
