Photographers are always chasing fresh perspectives—but this time, I didn’t just change my angle, I completely flipped the rules. During a golf-themed shoot, I turned my light modifier into something it was never meant to be: the view from inside the golf hole itself. Here’s the story (and the shot) that came out of it.
Godox has announced the AD400Pro II, the follow-up to its popular 400 Ws all-in-one outdoor strobe. The original AD400Pro became a go-to for many photographers thanks to its balance of power, portability, and cost. With the new generation, Godox is adding refinements aimed at making the light faster, more flexible, and easier to use in multi-light setups. Here's everything new in the strobe.
Auto White Balance (AWB) works for some scenarios. Night photography is not one of them. Here are five solid reasons to ditch AWB—and how doing so can instantly improve your night photography game.
Yes, there's really a rock in the shape of a heart in Joshua Tree National Park! This is the story behind this night photo, including how I went about lighting it.
White balance is something most photographers know affects how colors appear, but a recent video argues that almost every camera, even high-end cinema models, is designed in a way that makes precise control harder than it needs to be.
If you have never looked into Gregory Crewdson’s approach to photography, this one is for you. Crewdson generally ditches the usual “capture the moment” process that many photographers might follow.
Shooting portraits in natural light, if you get it right, can be very rewarding. You can easily create beautiful, moody, and very natural photos—with just a camera in your hand and a willing subject in front of you. Here are some thoughts that may help you get the best possible results.
We take you behind the scenes to reveal how you can use handheld light to create photos such as this mysterious abandoned modern house in the Mojave Desert.
As a photographer and videographer/filmmaker, having a small LED light or two in my bag is essential. I’ve accumulated 5 or 6 over the past few years, keen to try out different brands and styles of lights. Recently, I came across a relatively new brand called Harlowe. They just launched a pocket-sized light called the Iris 5 Spectra.
The world of continuous LED lighting is more competitive than ever. In this landscape, Nanlite has carved out a place by offering powerful, reliable, and cost-effective lighting. The FS-300C brings a newer lighting trend—multi-color LEDs—along with high power ratings to an attractive price point. Does RGBW lighting really make a difference?
With power stations, everyone wants more capacity and longer life, but nobody wants to lug around a 60-pound brick. The Dabbsson 2000L aims to strike a balance by packing 2 kWh of energy storage into a surprisingly portable form factor at a very competitive price point. Is the Dabbsson 2000L an ideal entry point for creators looking for a large power station?
I’ve relied on power stations for outdoor shoots and location work over the past year because they eliminate battery anxiety and bridge the gap between studio and location setups. With the Power 2000, DJI elevates the power station with a high-capacity unit featuring user-friendly design and tight integration with their ecosystem. Is it worth adding to your gear?
Lighting can make or break your portraits, yet many people struggle with creating natural-looking illumination that flatters their subjects. The difference between amateur and professional-looking portraits often comes down to understanding just a few key lighting principles.
Unwanted shadows can significantly degrade your image quality. Here's how to fix them with better lighting.
Creating magazine-quality portraits doesn't require an elaborate lighting setup or years of experience. A simple two-light technique can consistently deliver professional results when you need to work quickly and efficiently.
Flash photography can dramatically transform your images, but beginners often trip over common mistakes. Knowing how to sidestep these pitfalls can make your photos stand out from the start.
Neewer has released a new contender in their Z series lighting: the Z2 Pro Round Head Flash. Being new to Neewer lighting, once the Nikon-compatible version was released, I grasped the opportunity to put this through its paces in an energetic portrait shoot. Could this be the quality-on-a-budget speedlight I have been looking for?
Backlighting is one of those techniques in portrait photography that can quickly elevate your work if you do it correctly. Understanding how different types of backlights work and how each impacts your image is crucial to creating portraits that have depth rather than feeling flat.
What LED lights are the best tools for you to light paint subjects at night? Let's start with the most inexpensive light painting choices and work our way up.
Portrait lighting isn't about gear; it's about control and intention. Getting consistent and distinctive images is about mastering one tool deeply enough to shape precisely the mood and emotion you want.
Photography’s power to freeze memories, creating timeless images, relies heavily on mastering precise lighting and thoughtful composition. Understanding these techniques can significantly improve your ability to make compelling photographs that stand the test of time.
Understanding how to effectively utilize natural lighting allows you to capture striking images without complex equipment. Here's what you need to know.
Using a large umbrella for lighting portraits can significantly change the mood and quality of your images. Whether you're after smooth, wrinkle-free skin or dramatic shadows, understanding this versatile setup is great for getting exactly the look you want.
You can learn how to light paint subjects in a matter of minutes. You'll learn how to do it well. And you'll learn how to do it inexpensively (if you want). Let's go!
If you’re a one-person crew or working with a small team on photo production, you’ll know the pain—especially when it comes to lighting setups. It can be one of the most frustrating parts of a shoot. It’s not just about turning a light on. It’s the constant need for micro-adjustments: tilt it a little more, feather it to the edge, raise it higher—only to realize the angle’s off and you have to bring it back down again. When your light is way up there, you never really know how much to tilt until it’s already in the air.
Godox has announced three new LED lights and light mats: the FL100R, FL200R, and FL200SR. The company positions these full-color LED panels as affordable lighting solutions for small studios and independent content creators, building on their existing KNOWLED F series.
Photographers talk about lighting all the time—how to shape it, soften it, bounce it—but we don’t talk enough about how lighting can tell a story. It doesn’t just illuminate a scene; it sets the emotional tone and builds the narrative.
Choosing between shade and backlighting for outdoor portraits can dramatically affect how your subject appears. Knowing when to use each can elevate the quality and style of your photography significantly.
This flash accessory pack is a must-have for anyone with the Neewer Q4 flash. Furthermore, they increase the versatility and, therefore, desirability of the flash. Here are some examples of what the modifiers do.
Understanding how light behaves is essential to taking control of your photos. Lighting not only elevates your technical skill but directly shapes how your viewers feel about your images.
