Quite often, I get messages from people asking me about how to understand flash power. There’s a disconnect, occasionally, when it comes to understanding the fractions of the flash output. When I talk about the fractional flash power readouts, I like to compare it to a pie. The number on top, which is always a…
I get asked about light position and lighting patterns regularly. I’ve been working on several articles to cover all the different lighting patterns etc. Here’s one of them.. ### Butterfly Lighting in Photography **Definition and Characteristics:** Butterfly lighting, also known as Paramount lighting, is a popular lighting technique in portrait photography. It creates a distinct…
Just about every day I am asked how do I get started? What should I do? How do I learn? Off camera lighting might feel intimidating. Especially if you’re new to it. However, don’t worry—it’s not as intimidating as it might seem. The key is to have the right equipment (FlashGear is here to help…
Transitioning to flash from continuous or natural light. When transitioning from continuous or natural lighting to using flash, photographers need to be aware of several key differences. Flash offers precise control over lighting but also comes with limitations that require a shift in mindset. Key Limitations of Flash: 1. Light Recycling Time Unlike continuous lighting,…
When photographing outdoors, the interplay between flash and ambient light can dramatically affect the mood and balance of an image. Many beginners wonder how to make their flash images look natural, and the key often lies in understanding light direction and balance. Here’s how you can use flash to create well-balanced outdoor photos. Why Match…
Understanding Depth of Field: A Beginner’s Guide to Creating Stunning Photos Depth of field (DOF) is one of the most powerful tools a photographer has. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or street scenes, understanding and controlling depth of field helps create more engaging, professional-looking images. In this guide, we’ll break down what depth of field…
When learning off-camera lighting, the placement of your lights is key to shaping shadows and making your subjects look their best. Here’s how you can approach light placement for both individual and group shots. Light Placement for Individual Portraits When photographing a single person, where you place the light affects the overall mood and how…
When photographers start using gels, it’s important to understand the creative and technical potential they unlock. Gels are flexible tools that allow you to add color for dramatic effects or correct color temperatures in different lighting conditions. This article will help you learn how to use gels effectively for both purposes, starting with the creative…
Mastering Rear Curtain Sync for Flash Photography: A Beginner’s Guide For new photographers, flash photography can sometimes feel like an overwhelming aspect of learning to shoot. One particular technique that often gets overlooked but can make a huge difference in dynamic scenes is rear curtain sync. This article will help you understand what rear curtain…
Photographing groups of people can be a challenge for new photographers, but with the right techniques and equipment, you can consistently capture flattering, well-composed images. In this article, we’ll break down why using a zoom lens with a longer focal length is better than using a shorter one, explain the effects of distortion and compression,…