Fashion & Beauty Photography Archives — Westcott University

5 Creative Beauty Lighting Techniques

Ashley Boring — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:20:04 +0000

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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3 Point Lighting Setup for Bold Commercial Photography

Ian Spanier — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 16:58:07 +0000

Celebrity commercial photographer Ian Spanier began taking photographs at six years old when his parents gave him his first point and shoot camera. After majoring in photography in college, Ian worked in publishing as an editor, but making pictures never left him. Since re-entering the photography industry, Ian has mastered the commercial portrait and 3 […]

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Behind the Scenes of a Run-and-Gun Fashion Film

Team Westcott — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 13:50:25 +0000

New York City-based photographer/cinematographer Dave Geffin had a challenge – shoot a high-energy fast-moving fashion film in low light and at night, in two distinct locations in Manhattan, without falling peril to the limits of lugging around bulky stands and grip. A key concept was to have the models lit so they stood out from […]

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3 Ways To Use Plexiglass For Creative Portraits

Ashley Boring — Tue, 04 Jun 2019 16:30:44 +0000

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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Fashion Photography with Sal Cincotta and the Rapid Box Switch

Team Westcott — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:04:30 +0000

Renowned wedding photographer Sal Cincotta is a noted industry writer, author, educator, and publisher of Shutter Magazine, which industry pros turn to for cutting-edge technical and business insights from leading photographers. In this video review, Sal explores the possibilities of shooting with the new Rapid Box Switch softbox series with his preferred off-camera flashes while shooting on […]

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5 Tips to Quickly Improve Your Portraits

Craig Beckta — Mon, 16 Jul 2018 14:23:56 +0000

Halifax-based photography educator Craig Beckta offers an array of useful tips and tricks for capturing amazing images through his successful YouTube channel. Recently, Craig shared with us his top five tips to improve your portraits in any location… 1. Use off-camera flash. Using off-camera flash allows you to precisely control the direction of your lighting […]

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Using Long Exposure for Creative In-Camera Effects

Ashley Boring — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 14:03:39 +0000

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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Creating Glamorous High-Key Portraits with Jerry Ghionis

Jerry Ghionis — Thu, 14 Jun 2018 18:53:54 +0000

Jerry Ghionis is widely regarded as one of the top wedding and portrait photographers in the world. Based in both Melbourne and Beverly Hills, Jerry has developed a successful career based on his unique ability to capture the magic of individuals. In this tutorial, Jerry explains how he creates glamorous high-key portraits with just a […]

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Octabank vs. Deep Parabolic Softbox Lighting

Jerry Ghionis — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 15:53:40 +0000

Jerry Ghionis is widely regarded as one of the top portrait photographers in the world. His creativity and ability to capture the natural magic of individuals allows others to see the powerful visual story telling in his images. A master of lighting, Jerry uses many types of lighting techniques to create his timeless portraiture. Two […]

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Using a Mirror for Unique Boudoir Photography

Jen Rozenbaum — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 14:33:25 +0000

Professional boudoir photographer Jen Rozenbaum has plenty of experience flattering women in portraits. Jen utilizes a variety of interesting techniques to create sexy, appealing boudoir photography shots in cool environments. Shooting in a traditional hotel room, Jen discovers a full-length mirror that she can use to create a unique portrait. To help accentuate the model’s […]

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Behind the Scenes with Emily Soto and the Rapid Box XL

Team Westcott — Sun, 18 Mar 2018 15:04:41 +0000

Emily Soto is an internationally renowned fashion photographer based in New York City, New York. Emily’s style focuses on romanticism and high-fashion, with dreamy lighting that she creates with a simple Rapid Box XL setup. Her distinct vision and creativity have landed her work on the covers of magazines and in editorial spreads world-wide. Emily’s […]

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Creating Beauty Lighting with Scrim

Jerry Ghionis — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 18:07:32 +0000

When working in the studio, celebrated wedding photographer Jerry Ghionis uses the scrim to create beautiful beauty lighting. Invented over 20 years ago, the Scrim Jim system has evolved to become a go-to light control system for photographers and filmmakers. At the core of its design are interchangeable tubes and fabrics giving you the ability […]

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A Conversation with Boudoir Photographer and Breast Cancer Survivor Jen Rozenbaum

Jen Rozenbaum — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 15:58:31 +0000

Video and images courtesy of Jen Rozenbaum. Jennifer Rozenbaum is the founder of Jenerations, New York’s premier boudoir photography studio. Her artistic background lends an almost sixth sense when it comes to the aesthetics of boudoir photography, which is just half the reason for her extraordinary success and attention from organizations such as AOL, Good Morning […]

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Easy Lighting Setups for Boudoir Photography

Jen Rozenbaum — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 19:16:00 +0000

When shooting boudoir photography, having a go-to lighting setup is key to flattering your subjects. A simple 2-light setup allows photographers to use shadows and highlights to accentuate bone structure, build curves, and shape the body. In this video tutorial, New York-based boudoir photographer Jen Rozenbaum demonstrates how to use a compact 1 and 2-light […]

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How to Capture Pro Boudoir Photography with Natural Light

Jen Rozenbaum — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 20:41:45 +0000

Boudoir photography is often captured in a studio or home with artificial lighting. But when windows are available and the sun is shining, boudoir photographers can take advantage of natural light. While daylight is a beautiful (and free!) light source, a reflector is an essential ingredient for perfecting natural light. In this case, photographer Jen Rozenbaum finds a simple clean […]

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Capturing Dramatic Portraits with a Beauty Dish

Joel Grimes — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 15:40:54 +0000

Joel Grimes is renowned for creating clean and dramatic portraits. In this video, Joel demonstrates his two favorite dramatic portrait setups. These are both created with a strobe that is softened and directed with a Collapsible Beauty Dish. For his first setup, Joel directs his light from above his model, Vincent. The beauty dish’s white interior allows […]

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Creating Modern Portraits with a Deep Umbrella

Team Westcott — Wed, 05 Apr 2017 19:54:00 +0000

This article is courtesy of Atlanta-based portrait photographer and designer Alex D. Rogers. Whenever the situation allows, I love to use a simple one-light setup for portraits and fashion shoots. It’s a quick and easy solution that—when paired with carefully-placed bounce cards or reflectors—adds a no-fuss simplicity to the look of my photos. One challenge […]

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Controlling Harsh Sunlight for Glamorous Beach Portraits

Lou Freeman — Wed, 29 Mar 2017 21:05:30 +0000

Beaches are a common location choice for photo shoots. They’re beautiful, accessible, and offer plenty of sunlight. Sometimes, a little too much sunlight. In locations like this, many photographers default to dragging their expensive studio lights out on location in an attempt to overpower the sun. However, modifying available light is a much more cost […]

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Ad Campaign Photography (Part 1)

Lou Freeman — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 20:18:04 +0000

In part 1 of this ad campaign tutorial, talented photographer Lou Freeman discusses the dos and don’ts of a commercial photo shoot. Behind the scenes at Coyote Ugly saloon in Florida, Lou begins her shoot by reviewing the requests from the client. Commercial photography clients will typically give their hired photographer suggestions on mood, styling, […]

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How to Modify Bright Backgrounds with a Scrim Net

Joel Grimes — Wed, 03 Aug 2016 21:26:56 +0000

Have you ever had trouble shooting in full sun? It’s often hard to know if you should be exposing for your subject’s face or for the stunning and bright background behind them. Luckily, world-renowned commercial portrait photographer Joel Grimes is here to teach us exactly how to capture both your subject and your background in the […]

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Real Deal Review: The Rapid Box Beauty Dish

Team Westcott — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 20:24:29 +0000

This Real Deal Review of the Rapid Box Beauty Dish is courtesy of Jamie Boler of Red Elephant Studios in Scottsville, Kentucky. World-renowned photographer Joel Grimes designed the new Rapid Box Beauty Dish. The 24″ Rapid Box Beauty Dish is a collapsible, travel-friendly softbox for beauty, fashion, and commercial photography. This ultra-portable beauty dish directs […]

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Ice Light 2 Master Series with Jerry Ghionis

Jerry Ghionis — Mon, 02 May 2016 21:02:02 +0000

Join renowned photographer Jerry Ghionis on this 20-part behind-the-scene video series with the Ice Light 2. Nikon Ambassador Jerry Ghionis is widely regarded as one of the top wedding photographers in the world. Based in both Melbourne and Beverly Hills, Jerry has developed a successful career based around his unique ability to capture the magic […]

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Behind the Scenes with the Peter Hurley Kit

Peter Hurley — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 17:32:01 +0000

Award-winning photographer and headshot master Peter Hurley is known for creating flattering portraits with impeccable lighting. Earlier this year, Peter partnered with Westcott to bring photographers around the world a portable and powerful lighting kit. Meet the Peter Hurley Kit. The Peter Hurley Kit is a complete solution for high-quality, high-key portraits. This kit includes Westcott’s […]

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Lighting On the Fly with Dixie Dixon

Team Westcott — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 22:20:27 +0000

This article is courtesy of renowned beauty and fashion photographer Dixie Dixon. As a Commercial Fashion and Beauty Photographer, I am always focused on bringing out the real raw beauty and personality of my subjects! This requires placing them in the best light (no pun intended) and utilizing certain techniques that truly flatter faces. I […]

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Timeless Fashion Portraits with the Zeppelin

Team Westcott — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 16:45:24 +0000

This image is from fashion portraits I shot recently while testing out the incredible . This modifier is fantastic for full body fashion portraits because of its large size. This helps to maintain even, soft lighting while the modifier can stay far out of frame. A strobe was mounted to a on the Zeppelin. While I only […]

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Environmental Portraiture vs. Location Portraiture

Benny Migliorino — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 17:23:08 +0000

In this informative article and video, New York environmental photographer Benny Migs discusses the differences between environmental portraits and location portraits. Environmental Portraiture I get this question a lot: “What is an environmental portrait”? Environmental portraits are taken of people in an environment that they live, work, rest, or play in. The environment helps tell […]

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How to Overpower the Sun with Only 1 Softbox

Justin Van Leeuwen — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 17:59:19 +0000

While shooting on a roof top in Ottawa, Canada, Top Pro lifestyle photographer Justin Van Leeuwen experiments with diffusion and modification options to best overpower the sun to capture the best portraits of his client. First, Justin uses a with a . This method is super simple way to tame harsh sunlight, creating a soft, […]

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Controlling the Sun with the Omega Reflector

João Carlos — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 15:38:40 +0000

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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How to Pose for Portraits in Small Spaces

Jen Rozenbaum — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 17:20:19 +0000

In Part 2 of Sigma‘s boudoir photography series, Westcott Top Pro photographer Jen Rozenbaum discusses how to pose your client in a small location or studio. While scouting for portrait locations at a historical mansion in Long Island, boudoir photographer Jen Rozenbaum came across a beautiful but small dining room with floral wallpaper. Finding visually appealing […]

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The Must-Have Modifier for Studio Fashion Photography

Craig Beckta — Mon, 06 Jul 2015 18:54:07 +0000

In Westcott Top Pro photographer Craig Beckta’s latest behind-the-scenes video, he gives us a fantastic view of his studio fashion photography setup. For this photo shoot, Craig utilizes a 35″ Zeppelin Deep Parabolic softbox to modify his strobe. This setup creates a beautiful wraparound output, which is essential for high-key studio fashion photography. Craig places […]

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Creating Eye-Catching Portraits with the Eyelighter

Team Westcott — Tue, 12 May 2015 21:12:45 +0000

This review is courtesy of Canadian portrait photographer and digital artist Nikki Harrison. This is something I have been dying for – for a really LONG time. I use under light reflectors all the time, especially with women because it is such a flattering fill light. The way the bends the light and wraps it […]

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Softening Sunlight with Collapsible Diffusers

Jerry Ghionis — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 17:52:08 +0000

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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The Advantages of Shooting with 2 Speedlites

Craig Beckta — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 18:33:07 +0000

The Rapid Box Duo features the same instant setup and durable framework as the original Rapid Boxes, with the added ability to mount dual speedlites to the rear of the box. The Rapid Box Duo’s fully-adjustable dual shoe mount bracket is compatible with virtually all speedlites and is designed to give photographers effortless access to […]

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Modern Pin-Up Photography

Benny Migliorino — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 17:48:34 +0000

The shoot starts with the Yaphank Garage, a restored 1930’s-era gas and service station that these days is a museum. It’s about 15 minutes from my home in Long Island, New York, and I pass it countless times, each time thinking, I’ve got to do a shoot here. I get my chance this past summer […]

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Modifying a Key Light on a Budget

Craig Beckta — Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:55:32 +0000

Canadian portrait photographer Craig Beckta used a wraparound key light setup for this portrait. While it can often be expensive to create large key light source in-studio, Craig decided to use an affordable Westcott 7′ Parabolic Umbrella. These large modifiers are available in reflective white, reflective silver, white shoot-through versions. Here, Craig uses the reflective silver umbrella. […]

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Creating Soft Cross-Lighting with Joel Grimes

Joel Grimes — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:39:50 +0000

Successful commercial photographer Joel Grimes is known for creating dramatic lighting setups for eye-catching portraits. One of Joel’s go-to setups is soft cross-lighting. Cross-lighting is created by bouncing a large light source off of a large reflector or wall. To create an ultra-soft version of typical cross-lighting, Joel utilizes a large 7′ Parabolic Umbrella with […]

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Using the Ice Light as a Key Light for Portraits

Team Westcott — Thu, 18 Dec 2014 21:29:45 +0000

Dutch portrait photographer and educator Frank Doorhof creates key light Ice Light portraits in this behind-the-scenes video. Frank begins his photo shoot by having his assistant placing the as a key light to the left of his subject. He has his subject face toward the light, creating dramatic, yet classic portrait lighting. Frank then places his model […]

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Beauty Portrait Lighting with Hernan Rodriguez

Hernan Rodriguez — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 19:56:00 +0000

This article is courtesy of celebrity portrait photographer Hernan Rodriguez. Read the full article on Hernan’s photography blog. Simple Beauty Portrait Lighting There are endless approaches in creating beauty lighting. The most common which has been used throughout the ages, we can refer to as “Simple Beauty Lighting”. Here you can set a large soft box […]

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In-Studio with João Carlos and the Ice Light

João Carlos — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 20:17:44 +0000

This article is courtesy of Westcott Top Pro photographer João Carlos. You can read the full article and see more of João Carlos’ portrait photography on his website. For my second proper shoot with the , I decided to create some black and white portraits in the studio. I had recently been at Just Models […]

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Behind the Scenes with Craig Beckta and the Zeppelin

Craig Beckta — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 20:16:04 +0000

On-location in Halifax, Canadian portrait photographer Craig Beckta used the to modify his strobe for this beautiful sunset photo shoot. Craig uses this modifier as a fill light to fill in the shadows from the bright sun. To do this, Craig utilizes both of the Zeppelin Parabolic’s diffusion panels (a 1-stop outer panel and a […]

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Adjusting Light Positioning for Portraiture

Joel Grimes — Sun, 19 Oct 2014 15:47:58 +0000

Joel Grimes, a Westcott Top Pro Elite portrait photographer, creates a stunning overhead beauty shot in this lighting tutorial. Here, he discusses light positioning and how to capture both minimal and dramatic shadows by simply raising and lowering a single light source. Joel first begins this portrait session with just a single light source centered […]

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Real Deal Review: Andrew Foord and the Eyelighter

Team Westcott — Tue, 07 Oct 2014 19:29:43 +0000

New Jersey portrait photographer Andrew Foord shot with the innovative Eyelighter reflector in this latest Real Deal Review. The Westcott Eyelighter is the first curved reflector available for portrait photographers. Featuring a durable frame and highly-reflective silver surface, the Eyelighter produces a clamshell reflection with a beautiful catchlight. This arc-shaped reflector was inspired by the unique curved shaped of […]

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Beauty Portraits with Terry White and the Skylux LED

Terry White — Mon, 06 Oct 2014 14:24:32 +0000

Adobe expert and photography educator Terry White takes us behind-the-scenes of a beauty photo shoot in his Detroit studio. For this beauty shot, Terry utilizes 3 LEDs to light his subject. The Skylux LED by Westcott is a daylight-balanced continuous LED light source. The Skylux’s output can be adjust from 30% to 100% for precise control. The first Skylux is […]

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Mastering Location Lighting with Lindsay Adler

Lindsay Adler — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 13:00:05 +0000

This article on location lighting for photography is courtesy of renowned beauty photographer Lindsay Adler and SLR Lounge. Here I took my beautiful model on location wearing a dress and headpiece from Dream Shoot Rentals. (Recognize her face? She’s been a contestant on America’s Next Top Model and a model for Project Runway). I took the […]

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On Location with Joao Carlos and the Ice Light

João Carlos — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 22:15:39 +0000

Renowned fashion photographer João Carlos was able to use the Westcott Ice Light for the first time during this photo shoot for Rangefinder Magazine. Shooting on-location at night in a Parisian square, João needed a light the was portable while also producing a beautiful output. Joao uses two Ice Lights during this shoot to illuminate […]

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Neil van Niekerk Reviews the Rapid Box

Team Westcott — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 14:31:05 +0000

This article is courtesy of New Jersey portrait photographer Neil van Niekerk. Don’t you just hate it when something you use becomes obsolete? Well, you’d think that lighting equipment have a long lifespan. A softbox is a softbox. Well, if you can’t replace a damaged part of it because the manufacturer discontinued that part, then you’re […]

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Real Deal Review: Zeppelin Para 47

Team Westcott — Thu, 10 Jul 2014 19:01:20 +0000

Photographer Jim Tincher of Lexington, Kentucky discusses the features of the Zeppelin Para 47 softbox in this Westcott Real Deal Review. The Zeppelin Deep Parabolic modifier is available in 35, 47, and 59 inch models. All of these modifiers feature a vast profile creating a stunning, wrap-around light output. Each Zeppelin para-softbox is equipped with high-quality […]

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Balancing Sunlight with Terry White

Terry White — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 17:40:39 +0000

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, author and educator Terry White takes a photo shoot outside of his Detroit studio to demonstrate the best practices of balancing sunlight for portraits. Sunlight can create harsh shadows and unflattering highlights. Photographers can quickly balance this ambient light with a speedlite and a Rapid Box […]

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Outdoor Portraiture in Bad Weather

Bob Davis — Tue, 24 Jun 2014 19:53:16 +0000

Chicago portrait and wedding photographer Bob Davis is a 25 year veteran of photography, specializing in speedlite shooting. Here, Bob utilizes speedlites modified with the Perfect Portrait Kit to capture beautiful street portraiture in bad weather conditions. By adding the softened flash, Bob is able to highlight features and colors on his subject and balance the […]

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Lighting for Fashion with the Ice Light

Terry White — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 18:16:17 +0000

When shooting portraiture, it is often easiest to shoot with continuous lighting. Continuous lighting allows photographers to visualize their final image as they are shooting, giving the ability to adjust camera settings and lighting power instantly. While continuous lights are often bulky or heavy, the Ice Light LED weighs under 2 lbs for extreme portability. […]

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Modern Beauty Photography with Lou Freeman

Lou Freeman — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:38:14 +0000

Lou Freeman has practiced the art of fashion, glamour, fine interior and product photography for three decades. Her clients are among the most respected and recognized names in America and Europe. Her work is both powerful and visionary and has been recognized by both the publishing and advertising worlds, winning her the prestigious OBIE and […]

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Shooting in Harsh Sunlight

Terry White — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 19:45:59 +0000

Any good landscape photographer will tell you that you’ll get the best results if you’re up, out, and ready to shoot as the sun is coming up or as the sun is going down. Middle of the day is probably the absolute worst time to be outside shooting. However, if you’re shooting a wedding or […]

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In Studio with Joel Grimes

Joel Grimes — Thu, 15 May 2014 17:34:46 +0000

Westcott Top Pro Elite photographer Joel Grimes has worked as commercial and advertising professional for over 26 years. Specializing in bold, eye-catching photography, Joel has been the recipient of a variety of awards and accolades, including a dedicated 18-month exhibit at the Smithsonian American History museum. Joel strives to create beautiful conceptions with his photography and teaches […]

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Behind The Scenes: Fashion Photography with Clay Cook

Team Westcott — Wed, 14 May 2014 14:35:39 +0000

Go behind-the-scenes of this fashion photography editorial shoot with photographer Clay Cook and Westcott’s new 59″ Zeppelin Deep Parabolic light modifier. Introduced to the market in early 2014, the Zeppelin Deep Parabolic series of softboxes creating a very broad, wraparound light output. With the ability to drastically control light falloff, these new additions are a dream for […]

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Behind The Scenes with Hernan Rodriguez

Hernan Rodriguez — Tue, 06 May 2014 18:12:48 +0000

When I saw the Zepplin showcased at this year’s WPPI Convention, my creative juices began brewing on what project I could create to give this bad-boy a run. As I unpacked my Zepplin, just by looking at the silver inner baffle and the option of multiple scrim diffusers, I could envision the quality of light […]

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Real Deal Review: Rapid Box XL

Team Westcott — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 19:38:44 +0000

Portrait and fashion photographer Martin Howard of Columbus, Mississippi discusses the Westcott Rapid Box XL in this latest Real Deal Review video. For strobes and constant lighting, the 36” Rapid Box XL and the 48” Rapid Box XXL are designed for convenience. Durable materials are partnered with an umbrella-style frame, allowing for remarkably quick assembly. These […]

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Joel Grimes in the Studio with the Zeppelin Deep Parabolic

Joel Grimes — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 03:38:04 +0000

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Diffusing Harsh Sunlight with Clay Cook

Team Westcott — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 20:28:51 +0000

This article is courtesy of Louisville-based fashion photographer Clay Cook. I’ve been there, standing in the middle of a field on a hot day with a scorching sun, mulling back and forth on how to capture a quality shot. In the back of my mind, I’m wishing for some cloud cover or an overcast sky […]

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Shooting a Fashion Editorial with the Apollo Orb

Team Westcott — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 16:36:42 +0000

Starting fresh with a brand new blog in 2014. Over Christmas, my friend and fantastic model Mike Socozza, who was most recently on Americas Next Top Model cycle 20, and I wanted to collaborate on a shoot. Fortunately, so did a mutual friend Aaron Pierce, who is co-owner of bespoke clothing company; Commonwealth Proper. So a few phone […]

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Dance Photography with the Strobelite Plus

George DeLoache — Thu, 16 Jan 2014 20:26:58 +0000

This article is courtesy of Westcott Top Pro portrait photographer George DeLoache of Los Angeles, California. Dance is a phenomenal art form incorporating, music, movement, color and compositional forms. I had this image in my mind for quite a while until I met Roxane and Igor, who are competition Ballroom dancers. When I saw them move […]

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Shooting in Sunlight with Rick Nunn

Team Westcott — Fri, 03 Jan 2014 16:55:25 +0000

This article is courtesy of English photographer and designer Rick Nunn. When you are shooting with the sun, the time of day, location & your positioning are very important. Believe it or not THE SUN IS BRIGHTER THAN YOUR FLASH which can make it very hard to balance, especially since you can only use a limited range […]

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Stripbank Lighting for Dark, Dramatic Portraits

Team Westcott — Thu, 02 Jan 2014 15:24:33 +0000

This article is courtesy of renowned portrait and architecture photographer Thierry Dehove. Lea Vendetta is this kind of model you dream to capture due to her energy and her personality. I like her very much, so easy to work with. This photo was taken in Delray beach in Florida, my buddy’s house (I love this […]

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Erik Valind Showcases The Scrim Jim

Erik Valind — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 22:08:22 +0000

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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Creating Comfortable Boudoir Shoots with Jen Rozenbaum

Jen Rozenbaum — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 16:54:01 +0000

Westcott Top Pro and boudoir photographer Jen Rozenbaum discusses various techniques in creating a comfortable and beautiful boudoir photo shoot in this video tutorial. As a photographer, being able to successfully communicate with your models is necessary in achieving natural-looking images, especially when shooting intimate portraits. As Jen states, “communication is key”. When posing a […]

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Using the Rapid Box to Create Depth and Dimension

Rick Sammon — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 19:57:01 +0000

In this Westcott video, Top Pro Elite Rick Sammon discusses the dimension and depth that proper lighting can create in portraits. As Sammon states, “light illuminates, shadows define”. He uses the Westcott Rapid Box shining from a 2 o’clock position, slightly above eye-level, onto his subject. This lighting technique is often used by photographers and […]

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Matching Sunlight using HyperSync

Jim Schmelzer — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 14:35:39 +0000

Midday on top of the Detroit Opera House, Westcott Top Pro and award-winning photographer Jim Schmelzer illustrates how matching sunlight is easily attainable utilizing HyperSync and Westcott lighting . Jim prepares for the photoshoot by determining which direction the sunlight is shining. He wants to place sunlight behind his subject. Not wanting the Detroit skyline to appear dark […]

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Using Flour and Speedlites for a Warehouse Photo Shoot

Team Westcott — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 16:26:12 +0000

The following lighting diagram and blog is courtesy of photographer Taryn Truese of Art Factory Studios in Paterson, New Jersey. One of my favorite hobbies in photography is to “test” with new faces from agencies. I love being able to practice my skill and also contribute portraits to models with budding careers. I had just signed […]

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Going Retro with Hernan Rodriguez

Hernan Rodriguez — Mon, 26 Aug 2013 17:09:42 +0000

Top Pro and Celebrity photographer Hernan Rodriguez takes us back in time with a retro photo shoot in this video. Hernan uses a variety of layers to create some fantastic images. First, Hernan discussess the overall setup involving Westcott’s , and the across a . This combination adds depth to the image. Follow along as Hernan […]

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Inside Boudoir with Jen Rozenbaum

Jen Rozenbaum — Thu, 18 Jul 2013 18:20:35 +0000

New York boudoir photographer Jen Rozenbaum believes in the power of femininity. Her wildly successful boudoir studio, Jenerations, is focused on empowering women, embracing both inner and outer beauty, and encouraging all women to embrace their sexiness. Jen’s style is modern, seductive, and classy, and her clientele continuously leave her studio both fearless and confident. […]

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On-the-Go Lighting for Street Photography

Bob Davis — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:17:16 +0000

Join Top Pro Elite Photographer Bob Davis as he heads to the streets of the New York City to during a rainy modern fashion photo shoot. Bob Davis uses the Bob and Dawn Davis Perfect Pair Kit by Westcott in this video, showing how versatile off-camera speedlite use can be. Chicago wedding photographer Bob Davis recognized his […]

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Compact, Versatile Lighting Setups

Hernan Rodriguez — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:16:20 +0000

I’m sure everyone has had one of those moments when it would seem the planets have aligned in synchronicity… but not in your favor. This was one of those times. In all honesty, I can’t remember a bigger challenge than this one. I was commissioned to shoot a Singer/Songwriter with her cello in my […]

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Continuous Lighting Tips with the Spiderlite TD6

Terry White — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 12:07:33 +0000

Terry White, Professional Photographer and Westcott Top Pro, talks about one of his favorite products – the which offers a continuous lighting solution. He walks through how he uses the Spiderlite TD6 in his shoots in the studio. He considers the Westcott Spiderlite TD6 as one of his “go-to” lighting options paired with the Westcott […]

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Between the Sheets with Jen: Ice Light Review

Jen Rozenbaum — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:11:31 +0000

“My answer is YES YES YES. I love the Ice Light. The first thing that attracted me to it is the quality of light. It really blew away any of those cheap video lights out there.” – Jen Rozenbaum I often get asked what I do in my free time. Usually my response is, WHAT […]

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Diffuse Light and Alter Light using the Scrim Jim

Erik Valind — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:16:30 +0000

Erik Valind, Professional Photographer and Westcott Top Pro, talks about his favorite product—the Westcott Scrim Jim. He walks you through how he uses each of the Scrim Jim panels to diffuse light and alter light in his shoots. The Scrim Jim allows photographers to use diffusion panels, reflectors, black blocks and even black netting to […]

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Directing Speedlites for Portraiture

Bob Davis — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 13:41:19 +0000

For this portrait shoot, Bob Davis had two speedlites in Group B manual mode 1/8th power with the flash heads manually zoomed to 200mm. One camera left and one camera right. The main speedlite was in Group A with the flash head manually zoomed to 200mm. The Apollo Strip is a light modifier used in […]

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Behind the Portrait with Strobist Rick Nunn

Team Westcott — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:52:36 +0000

This behind the portrait blog is courtesy of strobist photographer and design Rick Nunn. Last Saturday I headed to Tokyo to do a shoot for a friend. This first set up needed to be super dramatic so I had two on the left, one high one low, and a light behind on to some very […]

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Behind the Scenes: Strobist Portraits in a Warehouse

Team Westcott — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:06:59 +0000

This article is courtesy of designer and strobist photographer Rick Nunn of Lincoln, England. It’s been a few weeks since I’ve done a lit portrait, so I text my friend Leah & arranged something for today. I’ve had this location in mind for a while but hadn’t had the chance to use it. It was a […]

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Joel Grimes’ Dramatic Composites with Blake Griffin

Joel Grimes — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:58:00 +0000

When renowned Canon Explorer of Light Joel Grimes photographed Detroit Piston’s basketball star Blake Griffin, he knew he wanted to create a grungy, dramatic set of images despite their pretty standard gym location. So Joel opted to photograph Blake on a simple white seamless backdrop, enabling him to composite in more interesting backgrounds in the […]

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Using Natural Light Outdoors for a Romantic Concept Shoot

João Carlos — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:21:44 +0000

In these works, Portugal-based fashion photographer Joâo Carlos pairs the literature of love tragedies through the ages with these stunning outdoor fashion portraits. These images have a composition and balance inspired by the masters of painting. Centuries-old castles and palaces in Portugal create a fairy tale setting for the characters to play out their doomed […]

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