In Monday’s video we tackle lighting shiny metal objects and the principles involved. Here was my challenge for this video: introducing a principle of physics (the law of reflection) while keeping everything simple and understandable. Now how was I going to tackle that? By photographing a cheese grater, of course. Doesn’t it all make sense? Tune in Monday to find …

In answer to another reader question: what’s better, an umbrella or a softbox? Well, they’re both light modifiers that soften light and in many situations they can give similar results. Here’s a quick video to show some features of each:
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In the video: on the right, the Calumet Genesis 200 1-Light Kit (the strobe, 8″ reflector, 10′ light …

In last week’s video we saw three different styles of one light portraits. I love one light portraits and there are photographers that have based their entire career on this style of lighting. Personally, I think it’s important to understand what just one light can do before moving on. But if you’re ready to move on…what if we add a …

It’s time to shoot portraits! This one is a must see, it provides a great foundation in portrait lighting whether you use a studio strobe or a Strobist setup. In Monday’s video we’ll explore three very different styles of portrait lighting, all using just a one-light setup. It’s amazing what can be accomplished with just one light.
See you on Monday…

A new contest has been announced that has special meaning for me, the “At My Home” photo contest put together by Udi at DIYPhotography.net. Imagine a beautiful, professionally illustrated coffee table book filled with images on the theme of “America at Home”. Now picture receiving a free copy ($39.95 value) with your own photograph of family, friends, pets – you …

On Monday we pay a visit to my friend Tom Uhlman, sports and nature photographer. Tom lives on the edge of the Mt. Airy Forest here in Cincinnati, and has turned his yard into a natural habitat for photographing wildlife. In Monday’s video he’ll show us some simple tips and tricks for photographing birds in our own backyards. I’m not …

Monday’s video will be one for the equipment junkies, a photo studio equipment and terminology guide. I’ll be showing you the equipment we use at Daylight Photo: the lights, grids, softboxes, booms, etc., and sharing our terminology. This is prep work for more upcoming lighting videos, so everyone can be on the same page and learn more about controlling light …