Gear Guides Archives — Westcott University https://westcottu.com/category/gear-guides Lighting Education for Photographers and Filmmakers Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:02:28 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://westcottu.com/wp-content/uploads/icon-university.png Gear Guides Archives — Westcott University https://westcottu.com/category/gear-guides 32 32 The Best Holiday Gifts for Photographers in 2025 https://westcottu.com/the-best-holiday-gifts-for-photographers-in-2025 Fri, 05 Dec 2025 22:06:02 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=157208 Photographers are a special breed. We hoard gear. We complain about gear. We stay up to 2 AM researching more gear. Which makes buying gifts for photographers a dangerous sport. Lucky for you, here are photography gift ideas photographers will actually love instead of pretending they needed that novelty camera mug. This photography gift guide […]

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]]> 157208 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 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 Portrait Lighting in Challenging Locations https://westcottu.com/portrait-lighting-in-challenging-locations-with-ian-spanier Tue, 31 May 2022 18:24:35 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153766 In this video, Top Pro Ian Spanier is photographing a fly fisherman on location in two on-location settings with challenging lighting conditions. His mission is to showcase the different ways to use portable lighting in both scenarios. He also dives deeper into his thought process when shooting in a new location for the first time. […]

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]]> 153766 High-Speed Sync Portraits in Full Sun Using the FJ200 Strobe https://westcottu.com/high-speed-sync-portraits-in-full-sun-using-the-fj200-strobe Fri, 18 Dec 2020 17:35:03 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152981 Top Pro and photography educator, Eli Infante, walks us through a Texas-based photo shoot in midday sun using the FJ200 strobe to capture high-speed sync (HSS) portraits. Eli finds the FJ200 strobe’s exposed flash tube allows it to provide an even spread of light in the Rapid Box Switch Octa-M softbox to capture HSS portraits […]

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]]> 152981 Capturing Product Photography With The DigiTent Light Tent https://westcottu.com/capturing-product-photography-with-the-digitent-light-tent Tue, 08 Dec 2020 16:28:06 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152957 Created with e-commerce and marketplace sellers in mind, the DigiTent Light Tent provides a perfect compact diffused space to photograph jewelry, handheld items, and craft supplies. With the DigiTent Light Tent, any photographer, no matter the skill level, can capture professional quality images of products they’re selling online. This unique collapsible and translucent photography enclosure […]

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]]> 152957 Improve Your Lighting During Video Calls at Home Using the Ring Light Kit https://westcottu.com/working-from-home-with-the-ring-light-kit Fri, 13 Nov 2020 16:22:15 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152898 Have you been using window light as your main source for video conferencing and virtual interviews? The Bi-Color Ring Light Kit is complete with features to make your work from home virtual meetings stand out. This ideal key light comes with adjustable color temperatures to match your room’s lighting in Zoom or Skype meetings. The […]

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]]> 152898 The Essential Guide To Photography Backdrops https://westcottu.com/the-essential-guide-to-backdrops https://westcottu.com/the-essential-guide-to-backdrops#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2016 21:05:49 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=149404 Selecting backdrops is one of the easiest ways to add personality and style to your studio photography and videos. Whether you are shooting portraits or products, the backdrop behind your subject can make or break your image. Cluttered backgrounds are distracting and draw attention away from your subject. And if you’re attempting to sell products […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/the-essential-guide-to-backdrops/feed 3 149404 The Essential Guide to Photo Umbrellas https://westcottu.com/the-essential-guide-to-photo-umbrellas https://westcottu.com/the-essential-guide-to-photo-umbrellas#comments Tue, 25 Oct 2016 13:56:08 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148919 Photo umbrellas are a portable and inexpensive way to modify a light source. But because there are so many sizes and color options, choosing one can be a bit intimidating. Photo umbrellas are a portable and inexpensive option for modifying a light source to a desired result. An umbrella can be used with virtually any style of light, including sunlight, […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/the-essential-guide-to-photo-umbrellas/feed 1 148919 The Essential Guide to Photo Reflectors https://westcottu.com/photo-reflectors-guide https://westcottu.com/photo-reflectors-guide#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2016 20:49:17 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148703 Reflectors are the most basic and essential lighting tool for photographers. In this in-depth guide, Team Westcott discusses the basics of photo reflectors, fabric colors and sizes, and when to use them. Reflectors give photographers the ability to reflect, block, and soften both available light (typically sunlight) and artificial light (strobes, continuous lights, or speedlights). They are ultra-portable […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/photo-reflectors-guide/feed 1 148703 5 Ways to Use the Scrim Jim DP Kit https://westcottu.com/5-ways-to-use-the-scrim-jim-dp-kit Mon, 28 Mar 2016 17:51:31 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148268 Featuring a unique and customizable design, provides the ultimate light control for on-the-go filmmakers, directors of photography, run-and-gun shooters, gaffers, and cinematographers. The DP Kit was developed by Westcott in partnership with Jem Schofield, founder and host of the popular filmmaking educational site theC47. This kit is easy-to-use and can modify, block, bounce, and diffuse […]

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]]> 148268 Parabolic Modifiers vs. Traditional Octabanks https://westcottu.com/parabolic-modifiers-vs-traditional-octabanks Wed, 24 Feb 2016 21:55:37 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148231 This article is courtesy of Santa Barbara-based photography educator Tim Meyer. True parabolic modifiers reflect light from a single point into parallel or collimated beams of light. The question is how this impacts the quality of light in a larger modifier. I had an opportunity to test the Westcott modifier. I wanted to compare it with […]

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]]> 148231 Controlling the Sun with the Omega Reflector https://westcottu.com/controlling-the-sun-omega-reflector Mon, 31 Aug 2015 15:38:40 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=147853 I was recently in the south of France teaching a workshop to a group of professional photographers. I prepared a class about shooting in natural light and controlling the Sun. This is the best way to understand and manipulate light. This was also a perfect opportunity to use 10-in-1 created by fellow Westcott Top Pro […]

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]]> 147853 Softening Sunlight with Collapsible Diffusers https://westcottu.com/using-the-omega-reflector-as-a-diffuser Fri, 24 Apr 2015 17:52:08 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=146992 In this article, world-renowned photographer Jerry Ghionis demonstrates cool ways to use the inner diffuser panel of the recently redesigned . This panel is an essential tool when shooting outdoors to diffuse harsh sunlight and can also be used indoors to soften harsh or bright window lighting. A suction cup hook is included with the Omega Reflector […]

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]]> 146992 Using the Omega Reflector as a Shoot-Through https://westcottu.com/using-omega-reflector-shoot https://westcottu.com/using-omega-reflector-shoot#comments Mon, 10 Nov 2014 06:55:54 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=142581 The Omega Reflector is the world’s first 10-in-1 shoot-through reflector. The 38″ x 45″ Omega Reflector combines the effect of a traditional reflector with the luxury of a beauty dish and a ring flash. This innovative reflector instantly produces a main light and backlight with a single light source, while also keeping the reflector out of […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/using-omega-reflector-shoot/feed 1 142581 How to Assemble the Westcott Eyelighter https://westcottu.com/assemble-westcott-eyelighter Mon, 13 Oct 2014 01:11:55 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=142428 Brandon Heiss, lighting educator with Team Westcott, discusses how to assemble the Westcott Eyelighter in this gear guide. The Westcott Eyelighter comes disassembled in its compact travel case. This includes the ‘s reflective fabric, 4 curved rods, the frame support bracket, a light stand bracket, and 2 straight rods. The first step in assembling the Eyelighter […]

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]]> 142428 The History of the Eyelighter with Larry Peters https://westcottu.com/history-eyelighter-larry-peters Mon, 06 Oct 2014 19:48:33 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=141736 Westcott, an industry-leading innovator of photo and video lighting products, teamed with photographer Larry Peters in early 2014 to pioneer a unique tool for portrait photography. The Eyelighter, designed by Peters, is the only curved reflector available on the market. This new partnership combined the highest quality construction with cutting-edge design. This truly brought Larry’s […]

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]]> 141736 Understanding a Beauty Dish https://westcottu.com/beauty-dish Mon, 21 Jul 2014 17:30:02 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=141445 Westcott creates a vast amount of products for photographers of all varieties. One of the most versatile products for speedlite shooters is our .  The Rapid Box series is a compact light modifier (measuring under 15 inches long when closed) that pops open to its full size by simply sliding the center shaft.  The ability […]

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]]> 141445 Bob Davis on the ProGrip Speedlite Handle https://westcottu.com/bob-davis-progrip-speedlite-handle Fri, 21 Feb 2014 15:09:55 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=140200 Westcott Top Pro Elite photographer Bob Davis discusses the use of the new ProGrip Speedlite Handle in this video tutorial. An avid speedlite shooter, Bob is an expert in creating beautiful images with off-camera flash. The Westcott ProGrip Speedlite Handle is available both on its own or two kits, the ProGrip Umbrella Kit and the […]

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]]> 140200 Zeppelin Deep Parabolic: Assembly Tips https://westcottu.com/zeppelin-assembly-tips Sat, 08 Feb 2014 19:39:06 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=140590 Team Westcott walks photographers through the assembly process of the latest large modifier in this product how-to video. The Zeppelin Deep Parabolic softbox series is an essential item for commercial, fashion, and portrait photographers. The Zeppelin is available in 35, 47, and 59 inch models, all featuring a deep parabolic construction creating a stunning even, […]

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]]> 140590 Erik Valind Showcases The Scrim Jim https://westcottu.com/erik-valind-showcases-scrim-jim Wed, 04 Dec 2013 22:08:22 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=139502 In this video, photographer Erik Valind discusses the many uses of the Westcott Scrim Jim. Shooting mainly outdoor lifestyle portraits, Erik finds the Scrim Jim to be one of the most versatile tools in his photography gear line-up. He uses this light modifier to both reflect and diffuse light, bring in shadows and add in […]

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]]> 139502 Creating Sports Composite Portrait with Photo Key https://westcottu.com/sports-composite-photo-key-6 Wed, 20 Nov 2013 16:29:05 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=139349 Westcott Top Pro Matt Hernandez, who specializes in sports photography, uses Photo Key 6 to remove a green background for a sports composite.  Watch how Matt sets up his lighting for this green screen image, and quickly brings it in to a football field background. With Photo Key 6 Pro, Matt was able to make […]

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]]> 139349 Quick Tip: How to Fold a Reflector https://westcottu.com/how-to-fold-a-reflector Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:48:47 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=133279 This video tip features Brandon from Westcott and it shows two easy methods on how to fold a reflector. The first method Brandon will show is referred to as the “Twist” and this is done by taking the reflector on opposite corners and twisting the reflector until it naturally folds up.  The second method shown […]

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]]> 133279 Comparing Large vs. Small Photo Umbrellas https://westcottu.com/large-vs-small-photographic-umbrellas Thu, 09 Aug 2012 09:02:39 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=122779 Photographic umbrellas come in so many sizes nowadays, perhaps even more so than the common rain variety. Let’s set aside those and the for a moment and discuss some key differences and techniques, when selecting and shooting with the versatile photo umbrella. Benefits of Each Small Umbrella Easier to fit on tight sets or locations […]

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]]> 122779 Using Shoot-Through Photo Umbrellas https://westcottu.com/tog-tuesday-lighting-spill-differences Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:19:41 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=3378 Umbrella are a quick and easy - not to mention affordable - way to produce soft light. One of the main differences between an umbrella and a softbox though, is their ability to control where that soft light spills. Or more precisely where the light goes and where it doesn't. Lets walk through a couple different kinds of umbrellas and what kind of spill you can expect when using each.

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