lighting 23 - Behind the Shutter

3 Elements of Impactful Images

Post author:Michael Anthony
Post category:Shutter Magazine Uncategorized
Reading time:10 mins read

We have many decisions to make during client sessions. Many of us tend to overuse clichés in our storytelling. If we’re going to call ourselves storytellers, we should be able to come up with an original vision and execute it in a way that best helps tell the story. Whether you are a wedding or portrait photographer, you have the ability to influence the mood of viewers of your work, which is the first step in creating an impactful image and a lasting connection with the viewer. There are three elements that are essential to creating this connection: light, composition and story.

Advanced Beauty Lighting

Post author:Michael Corsentino
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:8 mins read

I covered the basics of beauty lighting several months ago. This month I take you on a deeper dive into beauty lighting. We’ll look at a more advanced setup I used recently to produce two killer looks for the same model. There are constants in beauty lighting: a strobe with a beauty dish acting as the keylight, a reflector or second strobe to fill in the shadows from the keylight, and classic clamshell lighting. Add a stellar creative team, additional accent lights to amp up the look and maybe some colored gels for that extra wow factor.

Profoto A1 vs the Godox v860II with Sal Cincotta

Post author:Sal Cincotta
Post category:Lighting
Reading time:10 mins read

Yes, my name is Sal Cincotta and yes, I was the first photographer in the world to really put the…

Product Review | Westcott Flex LED Mats

Post author:Sal Cincotta
Post category:Product Spotlight Shutter Magazine
Reading time:2 mins read

I love Flex lights. They are easy to use, very powerful, cost-effective, they throw great light and they’re extremely portable. They are not just for video. Read my article on commercial shoots in this issue, where I talk about how we used two of the 1x1 Flex Panels to light some food photography.

5 Steps to Easy Headshots

Post author:Vanessa Joy
Post category:Headshots Shutter Magazine
Reading time:7 mins read

Headshots are becoming higher in demand with the rise of social media. In the age of startups, more and more people need to have a professional photo that represents them and their brand. If you’re not taking advantage of this exploding market in photography, I highly suggest you start. There are five steps to creating easy headshots that I implement in every single session that comes through my door at www.nj-headshots.com. Whether or not you have a studio, you can take these are steps to create the best possible headshot for every client.

Creating Editorial-Style Lighting for Bridal Sessions

Post author:Michael Anthony
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:10 mins read

I have always been attracted to the work of Annie Leibovitz, Mark Seliger and other modern fashion/editorial photographers. A long time ago, I decided to incorporate some of the inspiration they have given me into my wedding photography. Everyone who follows this type of work knows that creating studio editorials can be a big production. Getting the best results requires complex lighting setups, large modifiers and a set with either a regal feel or an industrial look. We don’t usually get all that at the local banquet hall.

Moody One Light Male Portraits

Post author:Michael Corsentino
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:9 mins read

It never ceases to amaze me what’s possible with just one light, whether it’s a strobe or constant, plus a little know-how and creativity. A recent assignment I shot for one of Orlando’s top modeling agencies is a perfect example of the magic you can create with one light. I’d been asked to shoot promotional images of Kino, a newly signed model. The agency wanted dramatic edgy shots that highlighted his chiseled features and ripped physique. It was the perfect assignment for a couple of cool one-light setups.

Creating Window Light with Strobes

Post author:Michael Corsentino
Post category:Black & White Photography Commercial Photography Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:7 mins read

Nothing beats window light. It’s broad, diffuse, indirect, soft light that’s flattering to anyone in its path. But what do you do when the sun has set, there is no window or Mother Nature isn’t cooperating? With the right tools and techniques, you can re-create it. I’ve seen this sun-drenched looks-like-daylight-but-isn’t look used often in Gap ads. The light created for these images has the open, airy quality you get from daylight streaming in through a large window. It’s perfect for Gap’s brand. I’ve always loved this quality of light and wanted to use it in my own work. How they did it was the big question mark.

Dog Photography: Lighting for Dogs

Post author:Allison Shamrell and Terran Bayer
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:10 mins read

If you’ve never photographed a dog before, it’s an experience fairly similar to photographing a toddler—except we think it’s way more awesome, because dogs give kisses and have wiggly butts. What makes photographing dogs different is that their bodies are low to the ground, they have fur of all colors, some listen better than others and, because of all these factors, we have to think a little differently about lighting.

Mastering Natural Light Photography

Post author:Twig & Olive Photography
Post category:Lighting Shutter Magazine
Reading time:8 mins read

In this issue, you’re reading exceptional advice on shaping light with strobes, softboxes and speedlights. But what if you’re limited to available, natural light? There are unique challenges. What you gain in reduced gear, setup and purchases, you lose in flexibility. Yet there’s a distinctive beauty in using only the sun. With care, it can produce timeless imagery.