Understanding White Balance

In this video tutorial from our photography training library, we will not only explain the theory of creating a correct white balance for your digital camera but  will show you how to get the best color possible from your digital camera.

There are a number of factors that go into the making of a good portrait. One of the most important factors is good color.  You can’t get good color without a proper white balance.  You will learn why Auto White Balance (AWB) is easily fooled and not the best choice.

We will explain how color temperature affects white balance. As well as how other factors influence color temperature and, therefore, the quality of your images. We will cover all the different white balance options including when to use WHAT & WHY.

Next, we will look at the advantages of the raw file format. We will demonstrate why a Custom White Balance is the best choice and show you how to create a custom white balance in camera, while using your raw processing software. We will demonstrate this using Adobe Lightroom. We will also demonstrate situations when a custom white balance might not be necessary.

Next, working in LightRoom, we will show you how to use white balance as a creative tool to achieve a warmer look in your photographs or create images with a fashion flare.

In the last section, you will learn the proper techniques for creating a custom white balance in mixed lighting conditions. After watching this tutorial, you will have a complete understanding of white balance and know when to use what for the effect you want to achieve. You will also understand how to “trick” your camera’s digital white balance for creative results.

Check out the trailer below describing this video.

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Studio Lighting for High Impact

A new photography training video on studio lighting titled Lighting for Impact has been posted.     I got the idea for this video tutorial due to the numerous questions I get every day from photographers regarding studio lighting style and that’s actually what started the idea for the whole web site.

In this video tutorial, I go over all of the details of “Lighting for Impact” step by step.

For example, creating edge lights for impact, using a face light, hair lights, using grids, proper use of fill lights, and reflectors as a fill. These are photographic techniques that you will be able to learn and use in your photography.

Good lighting is what separates great photographers from amateur photographers. Quality of light is not something that can be achieved in Photoshop. You can enhance things in Photoshop, but the quality of light must be created before the image is taken. Is the light hard or soft? What about shadows?

We actually did 2 different shoots on this video with completely different lighting set ups on each shoot. In the first shoot, I will show you how we use hard lighting to create impact. In the second shoot I use a softer light source, but still create a high impact feel with proper positioning of the lights. We also use our handy dandy Roscoe smoke machine with some gel lighting in the second shoot for added impact.

Check out the trailer:

Are you ready to become the photographer you know you can be?

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This video has been posted on the members site and is also available for individual purchase.

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Learn to shoot photos like these with this video tutorial. 15

Are you ready to become the photographer you know you can be?

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This video has been posted on the members site and is also available for individual purchase.

Add to Shopping Cart – Lighting for High Impact Training Video – $35

Become a StudioStyles subscriber for just $195 per year or $19.95 per month.  (Your best deal.)  You will get full access to the largest library of photography training videos on the web ANDaccess to great instruction from our forum.  Learn Photography Online

Introduction to Studio Lighting

My new photography training video entitled “Introduction to Studio Lighting” is now available.

As a professional photographer, you must understand light to truly understand photography because light is the main tool photographers have to create a three dimensional world on a flat piece of photographic paper.

In this video tutorial, you will learn what is meant by quality of light – and how it defines our subjects form, shape, texture, and creates the desired mood of the portrait.

In the first section we will explain what makes light hard or soft, and the importance of specular highlights to create depth in the photograph.

Next, we will take a look at studio lights and all the light modifiers available

• Soft boxes
• Mono Spots
• Umbrellas
• Grid Spots
• Barn doors
• Gobo’s
• Parabolic
• Beauty dishes

You will learn the light characteristics and applications of each modifier and what results you can expect from each.

In the next section you will watch as we build a four light set step by step. We will explain the importance of the Main light, it’s proper placement, and a couple tips that will dramatically improve you portraits.

Next, we will look at the fill light and using reflectors as a fill light, background lights, hair lights, and accent lights. You will watch and learn proper positioning of each light for the best results as we photograph our model.

We will also demonstrate a more advanced technique I frequently use to create impact and variety in the session and add extra dollars to the final order.

In the last section you will learn proper light placement as we demonstrate the following different lighting patterns and the effect they have on your subjects.

• Loop Lighting
• Short Lighting
• Split Lighting
• Broad Lighting
• Rembrant Lighti
• Butterfly Lighting

For example, which lighting pattern should you choose to slenderize a subject face?

In this video tutorial you will learn the answers to all these question and more.

Watch this brief video trailer below describing the video tutorial.

Buy this video for only – $39 Individual Training Videos

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Here’s what fellow aspiring photographers have said about this video!

“I have been doing photography for a long time, just not in a studio setting. I recently decided to open a photography studio and was having a hard time finding the right lighting equipment and then using it effectively.

I purchased the video Introduction to Professional Lighting and it has helped me tremendously. In the video you will find that it explains the differences between lights and then how to use them. I would definitely recommend this video to anyone starting out in studio photography.“  ~ Mark – Dalton, GA

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“Your videos are absolutely amazing!! Before I found your website, I was having a terrible time trying to learn how to use my studio lights and achieving the correct color and lighting.  I was spending numerous hours in Photoshop correcting my mistakes.

After watching the first video ( Introduction to Professional Lighting ) I was amazed that I only paid $39.00 for it. It is worth at least 5 times as much. I have learned what lights to use, where to use them and how to use them correctly.   My $39.00 investment has already made me $5000.00 more this year. I know it doesn’t sound like a lot, but I do photography part time and it is a lot for me.

I have recommended all of your videos to my friends. To me they are priceless. To be able to have someone show me how to do something is much easier than me reading a book and trying to figure it out. Thank you so much.”  ~ Michael Sills – K.A.M.P Photography, Flemingsburg, KY

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Glamour Photography Lighting Tips Video

Learn how to take Glamour Photos like these!

The difference between shooting a typical head shot and creating a glamorous portrait involves a few simple steps.  The light positioning for glamor photography must be flattering, the skin tones soft and the make-up truly professional. It’s the execution of these principles that will set your work apart.

In this 25-minute video, we will demonstrate step-by-step how to create high fashion, glamorous head shots with some very simple, easy-to-follow lighting set-ups and metering techniques. In this video you will watch as we create four completely different looks and cover all the details step by step.

Session 1:  The White Background

In the first set-up we will create a high key and high fashion head shot with a simple three light set-up. You will learn the proper placement of the lights and the techniques we use to achieve this high fashion look and porcelain skin tones. Learn the exposure techniques used to achieve this look for the model and ensure a pure white background.

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Session 2: The Black Background

Next we will create a high fashion head shot against a black background. Watch as we demonstrate proper light and reflector placement and metering techniques to achieve these high fashion results. We will also explain the proper choice of outfit and explain the reasoning behind our choices.

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Session 3:  The Glamorous Lighting Set-up

In the next set-up you will watch and learn the few simple steps that give us the “Glamorous” look, as demonstrated in these photos. Learn how we achieve this flattering lighting set up and proper hair light placement. In this set up you will learn how to properly use color gels over the light source to coordinate the color of the light with the clothing color to achieve the mood desired.

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Session 4:  Tungsten Lighting

In the last set-up we will use one very in-expensive tungsten continuous light source to create a more dramatic look in each of these portraits. Watch as we shoot this very simple lighting set-up and achieve results that will make your work stand out from your competitions.

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Want to see how we shot these images?

Check out the trailer below!

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Photography Basics: Understanding White Balance

Photography Tutorial: Understanding White Balance

In this online photography tutorial, we show you how to white balance and create a custom white
balance – but, more importantly, we explain the theory behind white balance.
While this may not be as exciting as “Creating Glamorous Head Shots”
or “Lighting for Impact,” it’s VERY important and has a huge impact on the
quality of your final images.

As with most things in photography, once you understand the process, it just
becomes second nature. For example, I know if I’m working in the studio
I can “trick” the camera’s white balance into warming an image by manually
changing the color temperature or shooting on cloudy.

For this example we simply modified the white balance to get this look.

Check out the trailer: [display_podcast]

To see more on this new tutorial go here:

Video Tutorials

Studio Lighting for Greenscreen

The beauty of greenscreen technology is the fact that we can place our subject in front of any of 1000′s of backgrounds after the shot has been taken.

The right background can make or break a portrait.  It  is often the difference between a standard portrait and a WOW portrait.

In this video we will show you how to create a portrait with the WOW factor through the use of greenscreen backgrounds.

By using green screen technology you can create exciting images without all the expense of buying canvas backgrounds that can cost several hundred dollars each.

In this video, we will walk you through the process of creating green screen images from start to finish.

First, we will explain the technical aspects of photographing on a green screen by covering the proper lighting techniques, correct positioning of the lights, and proper subject positioning for best results.

Although the background can make or break a portrait and is often the difference between a standard portrait and a WOW portrait.

Then, you will watch as we photograph our model in a formal dress in front of the green screen and later replace that background with a very formal background that we captured digitally a fews months ago.

In the next shoot, we will photograph the model in her swim-wear and then replace the background with a beautiful sunset.

In the final section of this video we walk you through our process of removing the background from the image and show you step-by-step how easy it is to digitally replace the background and create that WOW factor in your images through use of greenscreen backgrounds.

Check out the video trailer below describing this video.

Ready to become a better photographer?

Buy this video for only – $35 - Individual Training Videos

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Here’s what one of our subscribers had to say:

“I ordered the green screen video when I was having problems with this concept.

The first time I viewed it I solved the problems and I got a lot of very good ideas I had not expected.  I had expected to have to order background images but I was told how to make my own.

I have just come back from a cruise with many backgrounds of Mexican (Spanish)buildings. Money well spent. Thanks ~Larry – Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada

Be sure to check out our digital background collection.

Learn to take photos like these samples from our shoot.

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Understanding Light Metering & Exposure

In this digital age, light metering is becoming a lost art. Many new photographers seem to be relying on the back of the camera for determining metering and correct exposure. However, as an aspiring professional photographer, mastering proper metering techniques is essential for achieving consistent repeatable results.

In fact, proper light metering techniques are more important with digital that with they ever were with film.   (Film actually had more latitude than digital)  That’s why it’s so important to get it right!

Incident vs. Reflective

In this video, we will discuss the two different metering techniques and when you should use each.

We will also explain when to use the disk and when to use the dome for proper metering.

We will also explain explain how light meters are calibrated and why. By the end of this section you will understand the importance of 18% Gray and the significance it has in metering and proper exposure.

Metering Techniques

In the next section of this video, we will cover proper Metering Techniques. For example, where to place the meter for proper exposure. The goal of this section to show you proper metering techniques so you will know what effect you will get before you make the exposure.

We will also explain lighting ratios in a straight forward, easy-to-understand manner.

Practical Application

In the next section we will go through metering an actual photo session, step-by -step.

We will start with the main light and show you where to position the light meter for proper results, then meter the fill light, background light and hair light. We will establish a lighting ratio and show you how to determine this with proper metering techniques.

In the last section we will be working with a dark skinned model in the studio.

There seems to be a lot of confusion as to how to properly light and expose dark skin. What exposure do I use? How do I meter properly?

Do I open up and additional half stop? Full stop?  Do I move the light closer?
What’s the best light to use?

Join us in this training video as we answer all your metering questions.

Check out the video trailer below describing this class.

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Creating Digital Composites

A couple weeks ago I did a photography lighting class in the studio for photographers and had a lot of questions regarding how we did our Creative Digital Images for seniors. Which got me to thinking…. why don’t I do a photography tutorial showing how we do these step by step. So that is exactly what I have done.

I have created a photography training video showing the process step by step. I start with the session and then spend about and hour walking you through the entire Photoshop process.

This is our most popular product with high school seniors and is now quickly becoming one of our best sellers for the younger age groups as well.

I start off this online photography class with lesson with a portrait session of a baseball player in the studio. We will guide you through the lighting setup and techniques we use when shooting our Creative Digital Images. Proper lighting is critical and makes the production process much easier. Watch as we photograph the session and the posing process we use for this style of photography.

Next stop, Photoshop! Watch and learn as we guide you through the post-process of combining the images to create this very cool composite. We will begin by covering the placement of the photos on the stage to create a dynamic final image.

After that, we cover the Photoshop tools and tricks necessary for our composite. You don’t have to be a Photoshop pro — we will take you step by step and carefully cover and describe these techniques for even the Photoshop novice. We will also take you through an in-depth discovery of the multiple possibilities one has with the masking and blending options found in Photoshop.

Finally, we will add a logo and show you how to create some finishing touches to spice up your final product.

This video has been posted on the members site and is also available for individual purchase

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Here’s some samples from this Creative Digital Session as well as a couple others.

[display_podcast]

Studio Lighting Techniques: Painting With Light

In this studio lighting video tutorial you will learn how we create very dramatic portraits through our painting with light techniques.

You will learn how to precisely paint light in areas that we want to emphasize and remove light from areas that we don’t want to draw attention to.

After watching this video you will be able to create very dramatic portraits and never have your portraits lack impact again.

We will cover all the equipment needed for this style of portraiture, including

• Barn doors
• Snoots
• Gobo’s
• and other accessories.

You will be pleasantly surprised by how simple and inexpensive the equipment needed for this style of portraiture really is.

Always remember… it’s not really about the equipment, it’s about you and how you use it.

In this studio lighting style, the emphasis is on placing light where you want it, not blasting with a large soft box (not that’s there is anything wrong with that).

After going through all the equipment and theory behind our painting with light style of photography we will go through a full shoot, start to finish.

In this video we will be doing a character study of a man, but this lighting style also works well with seniors, glamour, couple and fine art work.

Check out the video trailer below describing this class.

Ready to become a better photographer?

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Learn to make photographs like these with this video

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Studio Lighting Technique: Lighting With Gels

In this video tutorial, we will focus on a studio lighting technique using gels to add impact to your images. We will photograph our model in three different sets and use color gels to create the desired mood and add a bit of fantasy to the images.

We will cover proper positioning of gels for best results and what material and backgrounds work best when working with gels. We will also cover a cool little technique we use to make metering gels easier and results more predictable.

In the first set with our model we will create a real fantasy set by using our smoke machine and adding blue a red gels on the back ground lights to illuminate the smoke.

In the next scenario we will working with our model in a Mosquito Netting. Watch and learn as we create the mode and add impact to the image by backlighting the mosquito net with a blue gel.

The last scenario is all about COLOR, we will be working with red and blue gels over our edge lights that will be accenting the model. We will also be using colored gels on the background light.

Next we will introduce a third light covered with an amber gel to illuminate the smoke and actual use this light as a prop in the final image.

This video has been posted on the members site and is also available for individual purchase

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Some images from the shoot.

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