Ashley Boring, Author at Westcott University https://westcottu.com/author/ashley-boring Lighting Education for Photographers and Filmmakers Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:30:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://westcottu.com/wp-content/uploads/icon-university.png Ashley Boring, Author at Westcott University https://westcottu.com/author/ashley-boring 32 32 5 Creative Beauty Lighting Techniques https://westcottu.com/5-creative-beauty-lighting-techniques Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:20:04 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=157428 Beauty photography is all about the fine details, the texture of the skin, the pop of the makeup, and how light shapes the face. In this session, professional photographer Ashley Boring demonstrates how to use Westcott studio lighting to transition from soft, natural portraits to bold, experimental art. The goal of this shoot was to […]

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]]> 157428 How to Create a Mirrored Lighting Effect In-Camera https://westcottu.com/how-to-create-a-mirrored-lighting-effect-in-camera Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:13:02 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=157350 We’ve all been there. You have a brilliant experimental lighting idea, you try it out, and the results are… fine. They’re not bad, but they aren’t exactly what you saw in your head. For Westcott’s own Ashley Boring, that almost there moment happened with a handmade mirror prism. Recently, Ashley decided it was time to […]

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]]> 157350 3 Creative Ways to Use Gels in Portrait Photography https://westcottu.com/3-creative-ways-to-use-gels-in-portrait-photography Fri, 26 Sep 2025 11:14:15 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156995 When you want to capture bold, dramatic portraits, gels unlock a world of creative possibilities. Few tools are as effective or as fun for transforming the mood of an image. In this session, Westcott Top Pro Ashley Boring breaks down lighting setups with gels in an approachable way, showing just how much impact they can […]

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]]> 156995 Getting Started with Studio Lighting https://westcottu.com/getting-started-with-studio-lighting Wed, 06 Aug 2025 20:03:53 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156917 If you’ve ever felt unsure where to begin with studio lighting, you’re not alone. In fact, one of the most common questions Westcott photographer Ashley Boring hears is, “How do I start using flash?” In this behind-the-scenes video, Ashley walks you through her full process, from evaluating ambient light and dialing in camera settings to […]

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]]> 156917 Creating Moody Portraits: Studio Lighting Breakdown https://westcottu.com/creating-moody-portraits-studio-lighting-breakdown Thu, 19 Jun 2025 19:50:59 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156775 Westcott photographer Ashley Boring shares how she transformed a simple studio into a warm, painterly environment using just a few props, carefully selected backdrops, and of course, creative lighting.

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]]> 156775 5 Creative Features of the FJ800 and FJ400 II https://westcottu.com/5-creative-features-of-the-fj800-and-fj400-ii Thu, 20 Feb 2025 13:40:32 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156489 If you love pushing creative boundaries, the FJ Wireless System offers much more than just TTL and HSS. In this video, photographer Ashley Boring from Westcott reveals some lesser-known—but super powerful—features that can add an extra creative edge to your shoots. Ashley uses the FJ400 II strobe, but many of these features work across the […]

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]]> 156489 Flash Power vs. Portability: Comparing FJ400 & FJ200 Strobes https://westcottu.com/flash-power-vs-portability-comparing-fj400-fj200-strobes Mon, 26 Aug 2024 15:23:59 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156234 Choosing the right off-camera flash can significantly impact the quality and efficiency of your photography. Whether you’re capturing portraits in a studio, shooting portraits on location, or covering events, the power and portability of your strobe matter. In this video, we compare two popular options from the Westcott FJ Wireless Flash System—the FJ400 and the […]

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]]> 156234 3 Techniques to Control Natural Light for Better Portraits https://westcottu.com/3-techniques-to-control-natural-light-for-better-portraits Wed, 08 May 2024 16:20:42 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156143 Natural light, while beautiful, can be unpredictable and challenging for portrait photographers. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, learning to control the intensity and direction of sunlight can significantly improve your portrait photography. In this tutorial, photographer Ashley Boring demonstrates three techniques for modifying sunlight to help you capture better natural light portraits. Diffusing […]

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]]> 156143 Easy Portrait Lighting Setups with One, Two, and Three Lights https://westcottu.com/easy-portrait-lighting-setups-with-one-two-and-three-lights Thu, 25 Jan 2024 20:59:39 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156074 Join @heyashleyboring from Westcott as she masterfully guides you through the art of portrait lighting in our latest video, “Easy Portrait Lighting Setups with One, Two, and Three Lights.” Delve into the world of portrait photography where the right lighting can transform a simple image into a stunning masterpiece. Discover how starting with a basic […]

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]]> 156074 Three Ways To Use A Speedlight For Stunning Portraits https://westcottu.com/three-ways-to-use-a-speedlight-for-stunning-portraits Tue, 19 Dec 2023 16:21:34 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156041 In portrait photography, mastering lighting is crucial. Speedlights offer a valuable boost to natural light, enhancing portrait quality. In this video, Ashley Boring demonstrates three speedlight techniques to improve portraits, using the Westcott FJ80-SE Universal Speedlight. On-Camera Fill Light: Ideal for challenging lighting, the on-camera speedlight fills unflattering shadows, which is especially useful in backlit […]

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]]> 156041 How to Capture Dramatic Portraits with High-Speed Sync https://westcottu.com/how-to-capture-dramatic-portraits-with-high-speed-sync Wed, 26 Jul 2023 02:17:30 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155940 In this video, portrait photographer Ashley Boring goes on location to show how High-Speed-Sync on the FJ200 can help create some incredible portraits. Along with the strobe, she is using the Rapid Box Switch Octa-S and Pro Grip 2. Lighting Gear in Action

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]]> 155940 Learn How To Capture Beautiful Earth Tones In Your Portraits https://westcottu.com/learn-how-to-capture-beautiful-earth-tones-in-your-portraits Wed, 26 Jul 2023 01:39:11 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155934 In this video, Top Pro portrait photographer Ashley Boring breaks down a recent photo session where she captured earth tone portraits. Ashley works with FJ200 Strobe and FJ-X3m Trigger. She is also using the Medium Apollo Softbox, Collapsible 5-in-1 Reflector, and X-Drop Pro Stand with the X-Drop Pro Wrinkle-Resistant Backdrop – Light Moss Green (8′ x 8′). Lighting Gear in Action

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]]> 155934 The Best Lighting Modifiers for On-Location Photography https://westcottu.com/the-best-lighting-modifiers-for-on-location-photography Wed, 26 Jul 2023 01:09:25 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155917 In this video, in-house photographer and Top Pro portrait photographer Ashley Boring shows how lighting on location can be quick and easy with the right tools! She takes us behind the scenes using the portable FJ200 Strobe and FJ-X3m Trigger. Her modifiers are also ultra-portable and affordable options for on-location, including the Apollo Orb (43″) Halo Softbox, Rapid […]

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]]> 155917 Two Ways to Use Gels In Studio https://westcottu.com/two-ways-to-use-gels-in-studio Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:38:59 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155895 In this video, Ashley Boring breaks down two setups using gels on your strobe. Using the FlexiGels for the FJ400 strobe, she captures creative portraits in studio! Learn how Ashley uses the FJ400’s front and rear curtain sync functions to create light trails here. Lighting Gear in Action

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]]> 155895 How to Easily Control the Light and Color Tone on Your Backdrop https://westcottu.com/how-to-easily-control-the-light-and-color-tone-on-your-backdrop Thu, 09 Feb 2023 18:11:13 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155864 Photographer Ashley Boring explains how to use the Inverse Square Law to control the color shade of her backdrop. Take a deeper look into the video to see how the shade of the backdrop changes with the light 3 feet, 6 feet and 10 feet away from the background. Setting Up the Shot For this […]

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]]> 155864 How to Use a Speedlight for Portraits https://westcottu.com/how-to-use-a-speedlight-for-portraits Tue, 24 Jan 2023 23:06:16 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155859 There are a lot of great benefits to using a speedlight  on camera. It’s a quick and easy way to add light to your scene. Using a speedlight on camera is ideal for situations where you are constantly on the move. With it being fixed to your camera, you don’t have to deal with moving […]

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]]> 155859 How to Create Window Light in Studio https://westcottu.com/how-to-create-window-light-in-studio Mon, 28 Nov 2022 16:39:54 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155769 In this video, Ashley Boring walks you through her process of creating window light in studio. Using two 5’x7′ X-Drop backdrops and modified flash, she is able to achieve a photograph that mimics the lighting and shadows you would capture with window light. Lighting Gear in Action

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]]> 155769 Square Softboxes vs Octa Softboxes https://westcottu.com/square-softboxes-vs-octa-softboxes Fri, 25 Nov 2022 17:10:25 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155767 In this video, Ashley Boring explains the difference between photographing with an Octa softbox and square softbox using the Rapid Box Switch series. Lighting Gear in Action

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]]> 155767 Taking Your Photo Studio On-Location https://westcottu.com/taking-your-photo-studio-on-location Tue, 30 Aug 2022 18:07:42 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155732 In this video, Ashley Boring walks you through a creative on-location photoshoot bringing her studio setup outdoors. Inspired by floral themed shoots, Ashley captures unique portraits in a natural park. Pre-planning the On-Location Shoot The first step to every shoot is pre-planning. Ashley’s vision is to bring her studio outside for a hybrid photo on […]

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]]> 155732 5 Quick Tips for Capturing Night Portraits https://westcottu.com/5-quick-tips-for-capturing-night-portraits Fri, 12 Aug 2022 14:45:58 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155690 Portrait photography at night can be tricky, especially when balancing the ambient light with off-camera flash. Here are a few quick tips to easily accomplish on-location lighting at night. Tip One: Examine the Place and Time Shooting night portraits in a city is vastly different than shooting in a remote location since both provide different […]

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]]> 155690 How to Photograph Beauty Portraits Using the Eyelighter 3 https://westcottu.com/how-to-photograph-beauty-portraits-using-the-eyelighter Thu, 14 Jul 2022 17:34:57 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155655 Photographing Single Light Portraits with the Eyelighter 3’s Three Reflective Surfaces In this video, Ashley Boring walks you through a single-light portrait photography shoot using the Eyelighter 3. She demonstrates the unique benefits of the 3 included reflective surfaces when photographing beauty portraits. The Benefits of the Eyelighter 3 When you’re looking to photograph effortless […]

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]]> 155655 How to Balance Flash With Ambient Light for Portraits https://westcottu.com/how-to-balance-ambient-light-and-flash-for-portraits Fri, 10 Jun 2022 15:12:59 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155631 Blending Ambient Light and Flash Indoors and Outdoors Lighting for both indoor and outdoor portrait photography doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the lighting can be very similar with the correct exposure. In this video, Ashley Boring takes you through a lifestyle photography shoot while finding the right balance of artificial lighting and ambient […]

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]]> 155631 Colorful & Creative Lighting for Portraits https://westcottu.com/colorful-creative-lighting-for-portraits Thu, 19 May 2022 18:16:23 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153729 In this lighting breakdown, photographer Ashley Boring works with a colorful three-light setup using portable flashes and the for a portrait shoot. In collaboration with her model, the shoot is designed to mimic the HBO Max television series, Euphoria. When styling wardrobe and makeup for this shoot, Ashley wants a vibrant lighting concept that fits […]

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]]> 153729 Comparing Light Patterns Using Scrim Jim Cine Diffusion https://westcottu.com/comparing-light-patterns-using-scrim-jim-cine-diffusion Tue, 10 May 2022 14:47:57 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153660 Scrims are often considered one of the most versatile modifiers. Because they have convenient removable fabric, scrims can be used as a diffuser, a black block for negative fill, a reflector, or even a net for cutting out ambient lighting. In this video, Westcott Photographer Ashley Boring demonstrates how the scrim size, diffusion density, and […]

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]]> 153660 Getting Creative with White Balance https://westcottu.com/getting-creative-with-white-balance Fri, 11 Feb 2022 14:25:59 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153616 Top Pro Photographer, Ashley Boring has an incredible eye for stylizing portraits. In this tutorial, she creates two very unique portraits by changing only the white balance on her camera. White balance plays an important role in photography and has the ability to dramatically change the look and mood of an image. Using the exact […]

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]]> 153616 Create Depth and Control Light with Softbox Grids https://westcottu.com/create-depth-and-control-light-with-softbox-grids Fri, 28 Jan 2022 12:20:56 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153607 In this video, Top Pro Ashley Boring breaks down the benefits of using softbox grids to help you create more impactful images and deeper shadows. A common way to use grids is to isolate your subject from their background. Using a white X-Drop backdrop, Ashley was able to make the background darker by adding a […]

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]]> 153607 Behind the Scenes of Three Unique Portrait Looks https://westcottu.com/behind-the-scenes-of-three-unique-portrait-looks Fri, 07 Jan 2022 15:40:31 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153592 Top Pro Photographer Ashley Boring is known for her creative and stylized portraits. Using very different lighting setups, she takes us behind the scenes in this one of a kind photo shoot that resulted in three unique looks. First Look In her first portrait, Ashley wanted a clean and classic monochromatic portrait. She compiled a […]

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]]> 153592 Using the Sun as a Backlight on Location with the FJ200 https://westcottu.com/using-the-sun-as-a-backlight-on-location-with-the-fj200 Mon, 01 Nov 2021 14:45:29 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153577 Knowing how and when to use the sun as a backlight for portrait photography is a useful technique to know, especially when working on location. Introducing off-camera flash as the main light and combining it with the sun as your backlight, makes for a more dynamic look. This will give you the look of using […]

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]]> 153577 Stylized Portraits Using the FJ Wireless Flash System https://westcottu.com/stylized-portraits-using-the-fj-wireless-flash-system Fri, 01 Oct 2021 15:10:04 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153494 Stylized portrait shoots open the door for photographers to really use their creativity. In this tutorial with Top Pro and Westcott’s in-house photographer, Ashley Boring, we’ll watch her breakdown a playful disco themed portrait photoshoot. The goal of this photoshoot is to capture two completely different looks for her model’s portfolio using a disco ball […]

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]]> 153494 Easy Tips to Create 3 Unique Looks in 1 Photo Shoot – Lighting Gear Breakdown https://westcottu.com/easy-tips-to-create-3-unique-looks-in-1-photo-shoot-lighting-gear-breakdown Wed, 28 Jul 2021 16:27:08 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153401 Are you looking to create multiple different shots in one photo shoot? In this tutorial, photographer and Top Pro, Ashley Boring, guides you through the lighting breakdown of three different looks from a floral inspired photo shoot.  In a fun turn of events, rather than planning the shoot around specific styles, Ashley asked the model […]

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]]> 153401 Portrait Lighting Tips to Avoiding Glare in Glasses https://westcottu.com/capturing-subjects-with-glasses-using-the-eyelighter-2 Fri, 23 Jul 2021 13:12:21 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153382 When photographing subjects that are wearing glasses, you often run into the issue of capturing a glare off the lens. In this tutorial, photographer Ashley Boring walks you through avoiding unwanted glare when using the Eyelighter 2. Lighting Preparation for a Subject with Glasses One of the most critical places to start is ensuring your […]

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]]> 153382 Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone As A Photographer https://westcottu.com/stepping-out-of-your-comfort-zone-as-a-photographer https://westcottu.com/stepping-out-of-your-comfort-zone-as-a-photographer#comments Thu, 24 Jun 2021 17:37:05 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153322 Your comfort zone provides you with a lot of great values when you’re in the groove of progress and success. It’s safe. It’s reliable. It gives you no reason to try new things. Being comfortable with your photography might make you believe that you’ve found your niche. If it’s not broken, why fix it, right? […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/stepping-out-of-your-comfort-zone-as-a-photographer/feed 1 153322 Beauty Dish Vs FJ200 Reflector https://westcottu.com/beauty-dish-vs-fj200-reflector Thu, 06 May 2021 18:47:33 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153304 Most strobes come with a small metal reflector to help you control and modify your light. It helps direct light output more than using a bare bulb, but using this reflector will give you hard light that often does not look natural especially when shooting outdoors. Since the sun can be a relatively soft light […]

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]]> 153304 Making On-Camera Flash Look Natural Using the FJ80 https://westcottu.com/making-on-camera-flash-look-natural-using-the-fj80 Tue, 30 Mar 2021 19:02:10 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153101 In this video, Westcott’s in-house photographer, Ashley Boring discusses the many reasons why a photographer might want to make on camera flash look natural. When you are working in a tighter room or shooting with limited space, on-camera flash is a convenient way to capture your subject without having to move gear around as you […]

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]]> 153101 Using Photography Gels On Location with the FJ80 Touchscreen Speedlight https://westcottu.com/using-photography-gels-on-location-with-the-fj80-touchscreen-speedlight Fri, 22 Jan 2021 15:50:30 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153019 When it comes to using color gels for photography lighting, there are two main reasons why you would want to create a setup with this simple strobe accessory. The first reason is technical, allowing you to balance your light source to ambient light. If you are not focused on balancing your light source, then you […]

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]]> 153019 Benefits Of Off-Camera Flash Vs Natural Light For Outdoor Portraits https://westcottu.com/benefits-of-off-camera-flash-vs-natural-light-for-outdoor-portraits Fri, 06 Nov 2020 19:36:07 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152883 As a portrait photographer, it’s important to be aware of the lighting conditions that you face in natural environments. Whether you are looking to use natural light or off-camera flash when shooting outdoor portraits, understanding the effects of both will provide you with your desired result. While there is no definitive answer for when to […]

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]]> 152883 Freezing Motion with Precision: FJ400 Freeze Mode Explained https://westcottu.com/freezing-motion-with-precision-fj400-freeze-explained Fri, 11 Sep 2020 15:39:20 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152854 When working in the studio in most situations, 1/280th of a second flash duration is more than enough to freeze your subject. But sometimes you need to photograph something that is moving much faster; a spinning dancer, a burst of powder, or in this case, splashing water. In these situations, you really need to think […]

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]]> 152854 Using Flash to Mimic Any Time of Day in Portraits https://westcottu.com/using-flash-to-create-any-time-of-day-in-portraits Fri, 21 Aug 2020 14:38:24 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152798 As photographers, we all know that you don’t always get to shoot at the exact time of day you would like to. However, thanks to off camera flash, you are not tied down by mother nature. Using flash can convincingly allow you to recreate different times of day and lighting situations. There are many reasons […]

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]]> 152798 Flash Photography: Front Vs Rear Curtain Sync https://westcottu.com/flash-photography-front-vs-rear-curtain-sync Wed, 11 Mar 2020 17:49:58 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152482 In flash photography, mixing the light trails from constant lighting with the freezing power of a strobe can create a sense of motion and get really cool effects in-camera. One of the most important things to consider when using this technique is how your shutter is syncing to your strobe.  There are two curtains in […]

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]]> 152482 3 Ways To Use Plexiglass For Creative Portraits https://westcottu.com/3-way-to-take-creative-portraits Tue, 04 Jun 2019 16:30:44 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=151877 As a portrait photographer, it can often be difficult to keep things interesting in the studio. Adding a unique element to your images can help them stand out while also allowing you to have little fun. The unique element that I added for my most recent shoot was just a simple piece of plexiglass. Here […]

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]]> 151877 Using Long Exposure for Creative In-Camera Effects https://westcottu.com/using-long-exposure-for-creative-in-camera-effects Tue, 03 Jul 2018 14:03:39 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=151037 There are tons of ways to spice up your images with unique and eye-catching effects created in-camera. This summer, Team Westcott explored playing with sparklers, gels, and long exposure in the Westcott Soundstage to learn the best ways to mix continuous light and flash for some super festive portraits. How It Works Most strobes sync […]

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