Memories, a quick lesson in creating nostalgia and working in the studio with only one light source.
The "Sweetness" of Commercial Photography
It’s funny how a variety of work within our profession can either keep us enthused, make us feel bored, or in some cases inspire us like crazy. During this shoot for a local bakery/restaurant, I had an almost childlike energy as we were trying to really do this job well but did not have the luxury of time to stretch it out and make big styling changes on each different product. The baker from the restaurant was on set as well as the owner, as well as the world’s best food stylist, food photographer extraordinaire, Joe Glyda.
One of the lessons I have learned and have been teaching for many years is the ease of lighting I use for many different types of tabletop product shots. By simply lowering a medium or large softbox down and low directly over the products AND slightly behind the products, the soft shadows come forward towards the camera. Also, the highlights tend to do a great job on the edges of your subjects and will often be all of the lighting you need.
Of course, there will be times when you want to amplify the set by lighting a background separately from the table surface and the product. But overall, get used to working close with your lights and watch for opportunities to create this kind of work for a variety of subjects.
The Importance of Light AND Shadow
SHADOWS... There! I said it. There simply is not much emphasis out there on that crazy ol' shadow these days. Probably because light is more fun to talk about and more easily identified as a primary controller of the mood and style of a photograph. But the shadow is the exact and opposite reaction to the light. So, it might make sense to at least add it to the discussion.
The Studio Environment - The PROS and CONS
Over the past 40 years or so that I have been involved in professional photography, I have watched this pendulum swing back and forth more than once. And it changed back again a few years ago away from the studio. However, it would seem that this just might be the ideal time to find a way to stand out from the crowd. To do what all successful photographers have done over the years. Be the standout. Be the one photographer in your community doing something different than everyone else and offering clients the opportunity to feel confident that professionalism within our little industry, does exist.
Corbell and Harrington "Come Together" to Shoot The Stars
With more than 700 iconic music album covers to his credit Russ Harrington is at the very top of his game. With more than 700 workshops, seminars, and lectures on the topics of lighting and light control, Tony Corbell is on top of his game. Please join these two industry leaders for this very special three-day workshop in Tony’s beautiful new studio in downtown Muskogee, Oklahoma in September. Click here for details:
https://www.tonycorbell.com/calendar/2019/9/12/shooting-stars-with-russ-harrington
Look For The Second Picture And The Third
Over the years I have learned that the most successful photographers working will often look to see what else is there and really work the scene to see if there is another picture behind the picture. In other words, find another picture, possibly two more pictures, while you are in the same scenario with the same subject. Don’t stop just because you think you have it.
Exposures Made Simple - Without A Light Meter
Finding the Right Workshop
The Foundation of our Craft
Traditional DSLR or Mirrorless - Confused?
It has now been a few years since the first mirrorless cameras made their appearance in earnest in still photography with professionals using them either full-time or at least as a significant part of their arsenal of equipment. The reasons seem quite varied. Of course, size is at the top of the list as well as features. But before looking closely at the advantages and disadvantages, I'd like to talk about my own findings and opinions.
Knowing What or Who Your Subject Is
Goals for the Emerging Professional Photographer
Funny thing about our wonderful craft of photography. Once you begin mastering the camera and light techniques, along with a strong dose of composition and creating impact, you have to find a way to determine your future use of this craft. What do you want to do with this knowledge and your photographic ability?
Community Photo Challenge-Shooting "Your Home Town"
What's the Difference: Amateur vs. Professional
Creating IMPACT With Your Work is Key
The Exciting Life of a Live Event Photographer
It's The Little Things That Count
Travel photography can be one of the most personal and expressive aspects of photography. The notion of traveling to a new place, around the corner or around the world, can offer great rewards to photographers of all walks of life and skill level. In fact, we are almost all drawn to this kind of photography.
Never Forget The Basics of Camera Technique
The Energy of Motion
The first technique I tried to master with my new lens when I started out, was the zoom/blur. The idea was to shoot a very slow shutter speed while zooming the lens while the shutter was open. It produced the coolest effects and I often did this for personal pictures but never professional work. That is, until I needed to change the energy of a picture.
Is "Getting It Right In The Camera" Even Possible?
This is not an editing how-to post. But it is a little bit of a wake up call to remind us all that with a very slight bit of what I call "polishing", we can make improvements that we simply were never able to do in my film days. There were the usual filters we could stack in front of our lenses but we had no control over the amount of any filtration effect.