Light Controls Archives — Westcott University https://westcottu.com/topic/light-controls Lighting Education for Photographers and Filmmakers Thu, 13 Nov 2025 21:52:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://westcottu.com/wp-content/uploads/icon-university.png Light Controls Archives — Westcott University https://westcottu.com/topic/light-controls 32 32 Easy Lighting Setup for Action Sports Photo Shoot https://westcottu.com/lighting-actions-sports-photo-shoot Tue, 30 Jan 2018 15:00:10 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=125278 Orlando, Florida-based action sports photographer Chris Garrison is a pro at photographing on location. Because he often finds himself shooting in fast-paced environments outdoors, Chris uses quick and compact lighting gear to capture the perfect shot. During this photo shoot with professional wakeboarder Chad Sharpe, Chris uses modular Scrim Jims along with  collapsible Apollo Orb and […]

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]]> 125278 How to Capture Pro Boudoir Photography with Natural Light https://westcottu.com/boudoir-photography-with-natural-light Fri, 21 Jul 2017 20:41:45 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150287 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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]]> 150287 Controlling Harsh Sunlight for Glamorous Beach Portraits https://westcottu.com/natural-light-beach-portraits Wed, 29 Mar 2017 21:05:30 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=149978 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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]]> 149978 Reflecting Natural Light for Senior Portraits with the Omega Reflector https://westcottu.com/reflecting-natural-light-with-the-omega-reflector Mon, 03 Oct 2016 20:42:31 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150447 Capturing professional senior portraits doesn’t require expensive lighting equipment, especially when your client wants to shoot on location. In this video, Kentucky-based photographer Matt Hernandez demonstrates how to best use a portable reflector to perfect natural light. All collapsible reflectors are ideal tools for getting professional-quality lighting in location photography. They’re compact, easy to travel […]

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]]> 150447 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 How to Modify Bright Backgrounds with a Scrim Net https://westcottu.com/how-to-modify-bright-backgrounds-with-a-scrim-net https://westcottu.com/how-to-modify-bright-backgrounds-with-a-scrim-net#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2016 21:26:56 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148676 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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]]> https://westcottu.com/how-to-modify-bright-backgrounds-with-a-scrim-net/feed 1 148676 5 Ways to Use the Book Light Kit https://westcottu.com/5-ways-to-use-the-book-light-kit Wed, 08 Jun 2016 17:30:15 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148529 Featuring Westcott Page! a high-end customizable design, provides the ultimate light control for narrative and interview video productions. This is a must-have kit for filmmakers, directors of photography, run-and-gun shooters, gaffers, and cinematographers. The Book Light Kit was developed by Westcott in partnership with Jem Schofield, founder and host of the popular filmmaking educational site theC47. In this […]

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]]> 148529 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 The Essentials of Motivated Lighting for Cinematography https://westcottu.com/the-essentials-of-motivated-lighting-for-cinematography https://westcottu.com/the-essentials-of-motivated-lighting-for-cinematography#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2015 13:32:03 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=147649 In his second part of the ‘Storytelling with Cinematography’ series, DSLRguide‘s Simon Cade focuses on the way that filmmakers can use lighting to tell a story. He takes a deeper look at the different aspects of lighting, and how they affect an audience. Lighting Setup 1 Here I used just one light, an LED, and literally […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/the-essentials-of-motivated-lighting-for-cinematography/feed 1 147649 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 CLOSED: Enter to Win a Scrim Jim Kit https://westcottu.com/contests/enter-win-scrim-jim-kit https://westcottu.com/contests/enter-win-scrim-jim-kit#respond Mon, 20 Oct 2014 05:00:38 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=141759 Scrim Jim is a complete modular system offering the ultimate light control capabilities for both video and photo. The Scrim Jim frame is constructed of durable aircraft aluminum that sets up in seconds and is surprisingly lightweight. This 72” Scrim Jim Kit includes a detachable Scrim Jim frame, diffusion silk panel, silver/white panel, and travel case.

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]]> https://westcottu.com/contests/enter-win-scrim-jim-kit/feed 0 141759 Real Deal Review: Andrew Foord and the Eyelighter https://westcottu.com/real-deal-review-andrew-foord-eyelighter Tue, 07 Oct 2014 19:29:43 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=141745 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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]]> 141745 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 Real Deal Review: Five-in-One Reflector Kit https://westcottu.com/real-deal-review-five-one-reflector-kit Mon, 25 Nov 2013 20:38:49 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=139436 In this Westcott Real Deal Review, we sent photographer Jennifer Jackson from Lexington, Kentucky a 40″ Five-in-One Reflector kit in exchange for her recorded opinions. Jennifer first discusses the contents of this Westcott Reflector Kit, which includes a white diffusion panel, a slip cover, the reflector holder, a 7′ light stand, and an educational DVD. […]

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]]> 139436 Full-Length and Head shot Portraits with The Rapid Box https://westcottu.com/full-length-and-head-shot-portraits https://westcottu.com/full-length-and-head-shot-portraits#comments Fri, 23 Aug 2013 19:32:12 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=139114 Westcott Top Pro Justin Van Leeuwen walks viewers through brief outdoor photo shoot using the 26″ Octa Rapid Box. Justin demonstrates how quickly this light modifier is set-up due to an umbrella-style frame. A single Rapid Box raised over his subject as able to illuminate a full-body portrait. For a classic head shot, Justin brings […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/full-length-and-head-shot-portraits/feed 1 139114 Inside Boudoir with Jen Rozenbaum https://westcottu.com/inside-boudoir-jen-rozenbaum Thu, 18 Jul 2013 18:20:35 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=136794 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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]]> 136794 Quick Tip: Using a Reflector Outdoors https://westcottu.com/using-a-reflector-outdoors Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:57:29 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=133297 Join Top Pro Elite Photographer Rick Sammon as he explains when it would be appropriate to use a 5-in-1 Westcott Basics Reflector. See a visual demonstration between a silver and gold reflector, as well as ambient light in this video. Westcott reflectors come in a variety of fabrics and sizes.  A reflector is referred to […]

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]]> 133297 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 Real Deal Review: Scrim Jim https://westcottu.com/review-scrim-jim Fri, 07 Jun 2013 02:05:58 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=133238 Photographer Melody G. from Virginia had the chance to review the Scrim Jim for us. The , and you can mount a variety of diffusion panels, multiple reflectors, and even full black blockers. See what she liked, disliked, as well as some photos taken with the Scrim Jim in this week’s “Real Deal Review”. The […]

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]]> 133238 Using a Reflector to Fill Light https://westcottu.com/erin-manning-using-a-reflector-pro-tip Thu, 06 Jun 2013 22:35:18 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=133215 In this video, Westcott Top Pro Elite Photographer Erin Manning shows us how to use a reflector to greatly improve the quality of her photos.  She uses a as her main source of light, with a as a fill light.  Erin also discusses what settings to use with the Home Studio Lighting Kit, as well […]

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]]> 133215 Bruce Dorn: Portraits with Speedlites (Part 5) https://westcottu.com/bruce-dorn-on-speedlites-5 Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:05:16 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=123669 Explorer of Light and Westcott Top Pro Elite Bruce Dorn has been teaching Speedlite techniques around the country for years through Canon Live Learning and his own workshops. With the Canon Digital Learning Center’s exclusive tutorials series on Environmental Portraits with Speedlites, now an even larger amount of photographers can watch and learn. The series was designed […]

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]]> 123669 Bruce Dorn: Portraits with Speedlites https://westcottu.com/bruce-dorn-on-speedlites Mon, 15 Oct 2012 08:38:20 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=123641 Explorer of Light and Westcott Top Pro Elite Bruce Dorn has been teaching techniques for speedlites around the country for years through Canon Live Learning and his own workshops. With the Canon Digital Learning Center’s exclusive tutorials series on environmental portraits with speedlites, now an even larger amount of photographers can watch and learn. The series was designed […]

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]]> 123641 The Art of Portrait Photography: Part 4 https://westcottu.com/the-art-of-portrait-photography-part-4 Tue, 25 Sep 2012 09:25:55 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=123255 Environmental Portraits Posing singer Melissa Phillippe in front of her piano adds context and helps create a portrait that reflects her passions. Shooting form a position above the subject has a slimming effect on the face, neck and body and can be a very flattering option when photographing women. Notice how her body is angled […]

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]]> 123255 The Art of Portrait Photography: Part 2 https://westcottu.com/michael-corsentino-part-ii-the-art-of-portrait-photography Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:14:23 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=123236 Executive & Business Portraits In this executive portrait the goal is the same but the approach is more subdued, formal and professional in nature. The look and feel for any portrait? is generally determined by the subjects needs and intended use for the image. In this case the subject was a tenured law professor and […]

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]]> 123236 How I Captured This Image at Boot Hill Cemetery https://westcottu.com/how-i-captured-this-image-at-boot-hill-cemetery Thu, 06 Sep 2012 09:47:29 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=123126 This image was taken in Tombstone at Boothill Cemetery following the Tombstone Trolley Ghost and Murder Tour with Parson George and Lee. The cemetery is one of the stops during the tour. At the time this image was taken the sun was setting and the cemetery was about to close. The trolley driver, Lee, who […]

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]]> 123126 Diffuse Light and Alter Light using the Scrim Jim https://westcottu.com/diffuse-light-and-alter-light-using-the-scrim-jim Wed, 29 Aug 2012 14:16:30 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=123164 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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]]> 123164 Scrim Jim: Thinking Outside the Box https://westcottu.com/thinking-outside-the-box-with-scrim-jim Wed, 15 Aug 2012 13:11:00 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=122853 The Scrim Jim: Like a Swiss Army Knife When talking about different lighting modifiers I like to point out the basic features and benefits of each. Equally important though, is the outside of the box thinking that allows us to apply these tools differently to fit each scene. After all there is no wrong way […]

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]]> 122853 Black-and-White Action Shot Lighting Setup https://westcottu.com/action-shot-using-scrim-jim Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:53:25 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=122707 Black-and-White Action shot by photographer João Carlos using a The Medium Scrim Jim Kit is a useful photography tool that allows photographers to diffuse, reflect, cut down, or completely block light.  With the variety of available fabrics, the Scrim Jim is one of the most diverse tools in the photography industry.  In this action shot […]

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]]> 122707 Shooting Outdoors: Headshots in the park https://westcottu.com/shooting-outdoors-erik-valind-on-headshots-park Tue, 24 Jul 2012 13:38:09 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=121888 Shooting Outdoors Rocks When given the choice between shooting in a studio or shooting outdoors in the world, I’ll drag my camera gear and subject out that door any day of the week. The sheer volume of different backgrounds and locations can be overwhelming if you’re just starting out though. Thankfully every city out there […]

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]]> 121888 Interview with Erik Valind on Environmental Portraits https://westcottu.com/interview-with-erik-valind-on-environmental-portraits Fri, 15 Jun 2012 15:23:48 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=121489 Commercial, portrait, and lifestyle photographer Erik Valind joins Henry’s TV host Mark Shannon on the Henry’s TV stage at Exposure Spring 2012 to share some tips and tricks on creating better environmental portraits as well as other tips on how to become a better photographer. Erik mentions the versatile Scrim Jim in this video as […]

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]]> 121489 Outdoor Portrait Shoot using a Scrim Jim https://westcottu.com/outdoor-portrait-shoot-using-a-scrim-jim Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:30:07 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=121438 Outdoor Portrait shoot by photographer Erik Valind using a Westcott Large Scrim Jim. The Large Scrim Jim Kit is a useful photography tool that allows photographers to diffuse light, reflect light, cut down light, or completely block light.  With the variety of available fabrics, the Scrim Jim is one of the most diverse tools in […]

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]]> 121438 Outdoor Football Portrait using a Scrim Jim https://westcottu.com/outdoor-football-portrait Mon, 11 Jun 2012 15:56:36 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=121379 This lighting setup and final image was provided by photographer Jim Schmelzer.  Jim used the Westcott Medium Scrim Jim overhead his subject so that there were no shadows on the football player, and that he could completely control the light that reached his subjects.  Jim then used a 50″ Mega Apollo to fully light the […]

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]]> 121379 Product Shoot: Super Bowl Ring Shot with Strobelite Plus https://westcottu.com/strobelite-plus-product-shoot Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:09:00 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=120953 Take a look behind the scenes at this product shoot of a Super Bowl ring shot by photographer Hernan Rodriguez using two Westcott Strobelite Plus units, two Westcott Scrim Jims with 1-1/4 Stop Diffusion Fabric and two 42″ Silver/White Illuminator Reflectors. The Westcott Strobelite Plus allows photographers to preview light patterns with an adjustable modeling […]

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]]> 120953 Using Natural Light Outdoors for a Romantic Concept Shoot https://westcottu.com/outdoor-fashion-setup-using-westcott-reflector Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:21:44 +0000 http://fjwestcott.com/?p=116782 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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