The Beginner Photography Podcast Lighting and Composition Mega Episode: Photography’s Ultimate Essentials
Dec 10, 2024
Join Cris Duncan, a portrait and lighting specialist, Alanna O'Neil, a visual storyteller, Matt Payne, a landscape photographer, and Ave Pildas, a veteran street photographer, as they delve into the essentials of light and composition. Cris discusses mastering light for flattering portraits, while Alanna emphasizes infusing personal emotion into photography. Matt shares tips on authentic landscape shots and the importance of spontaneity, and Ave highlights the value of archiving and editing to craft meaningful projects. This engaging conversation offers actionable insights for all photographers.
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Create Depth With Off-Camera Light
- Move flash off-camera and place it ~45° from camera to create highlights, midtones and shadows that render depth in portraits.
- Use a large modifier (umbrella/softbox) close to your subject to soften shadows and flatter skin.
A Lighting Hierarchy To Judge Success
- Cris Duncan uses a lighting hierarchy: workable contrast, shape/depth, and story enhancement.
- Achieving those three makes the image satisfy both photographer and client needs.
Carry A Reflector First
- Start lighting on location with a reflector and a translucent/diffusion panel before adding flash to control shadow density.
- Use the white side to fill, black to deepen shadows, and translucent to soften harsh sunlight.