portrait photography Archives — Westcott University https://westcottu.com/topic/portrait-photography Lighting Education for Photographers and Filmmakers Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:49:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://westcottu.com/wp-content/uploads/icon-university.png portrait photography Archives — Westcott University https://westcottu.com/topic/portrait-photography 32 32 4 Essential Portrait Lighting Patterns https://westcottu.com/4-essential-portrait-lighting-patterns Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:41:00 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=157482 Starting out with photography lighting can feel a bit like learning a brand-new language, and it is completely normal to feel a little intimidated. In this guide, photographer Jake Collins walks you through four essential portrait lighting patterns using Westcott gear to help you master the basics. By the time we’re finished, you will have […]

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]]> 157482 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 Using Flash to Mimic Natural Window Light for Portraits https://westcottu.com/using-flash-to-mimic-window-light-for-portraits Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:59:40 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=157333 Window light for portraits is beautiful when you have it, but that is not always the case. Maybe the room has no windows, or the light is hitting from the wrong side, or the sun has already set. In this video, portrait photographer Julie Gayler shows how to fake window light, so it still feels […]

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]]> 157333 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 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 Mastering Flash Photography: 5 Lighting Principles for Beginners https://westcottu.com/mastering-flash-photography-5-lighting-principles-for-beginners https://westcottu.com/mastering-flash-photography-5-lighting-principles-for-beginners#comments Mon, 19 Aug 2024 13:58:43 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156211 Photography is often described as painting with light, and for good reason—light is the foundation of every photograph. Whether you’re shooting in natural light or using artificial sources like flash, understanding how to control and manipulate light is crucial to capturing stunning images. However, the thought of using flash can be intimidating for many beginners.  […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/mastering-flash-photography-5-lighting-principles-for-beginners/feed 1 156211 High Fashion Maternity Portraits https://westcottu.com/high-fashion-maternity-portraits Wed, 17 Jan 2024 16:21:03 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156065 In our latest video, we dive deep into the art of maternity portrait photography with a high-fashion twist! In this video, Karen Dominguez shows the transformative power of lighting to elevate your maternity shoots. We start by exploring the dynamic use of hard light combined with The Optical Spot by Lindsay Adler. This technique is […]

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]]> 156065 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 How to Create Depth with Color Gels on the Pro Light Mods https://westcottu.com/how-to-create-depth-with-color-gels Wed, 17 May 2023 16:00:50 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155899 In this video, James Quantz uses color gels and Pro Light Mods to create depth and contrast in this photo shoot. Pro Light Mods are designed to fit the Westcott Rapid Box Switch and third-party softboxes. The black fabric attachment, similar to an egg crate grid, is made of a durable material that ensures long-lasting […]

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]]> 155899 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 Retro Photo Shoot using High-Speed Sync with the FJ-X3 Trigger https://westcottu.com/retro-photo-shoot-using-high-speed-sync-with-the-fj-x3-trigger Thu, 13 Oct 2022 14:14:01 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155749 In this video, Top Pro Eli Infante walks you through a retro-themed photo shoot using the FJ-X3 Trigger. At this on-location portrait shoot, Eli demonstrates how quick and convenient communicating with an FJ Wireless Flash is with the FJ-X3 wireless trigger. For this outdoor setup, Eli is using an modified with a . Eli wants […]

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]]> 155749 4 Pin-Up Portraits using Portable Flash Photography https://westcottu.com/capturing-4-shots-with-portable-flash-photography Fri, 19 Aug 2022 17:19:58 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155711 In this video, Top Pro Eli Infante travels all the way from Texas to capture vintage portrait photography in Bowling Green, Ohio. Go behind the scenes to learn about helpful gear and some lighting tips for on-location photography. When you’re photographing on-location, having a compact and portable lighting setup is ideal. For this outdoor setup, […]

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]]> 155711 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 Blending Flash with Ambient Light https://westcottu.com/blending-flash-with-ambient-light Thu, 28 Jul 2022 13:58:57 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155674 Portable Flash Setups for Portrait Photography In this portrait photography video, Ian Spanier uses portable lighting for on-location photography to blend his flash with ambient light. When you’re photographing on-location, having a compact and portable lighting setup is ideal for traveling. For this studio setup, Ian is using an FJ200 off-camera flash modified with a […]

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]]> 155674 Capturing Creative Portrait Photography On-Location https://westcottu.com/capturing-creative-portrait-photography-on-location Fri, 24 Jun 2022 14:00:18 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155639 Portable Flash Photography Photoshoot with the Manny Ortiz Beauty Dish In this 5-minute outdoor photoshoot, portrait photographer Manny Ortiz demonstrates how to capture on-location beauty portraits using off-camera flash. Photographing in Chicago, Illinois, Manny captures creative portraits on-the-go with the . This versatile and lightweight collapsible light modifier is perfect for both full-length and beauty […]

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]]> 155639 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 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 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 The Power of Color Theory in Photography with Lindsay Adler https://westcottu.com/the-power-of-color-theory-in-photography-with-lindsay-adler Fri, 29 Apr 2022 15:35:47 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153647 In this video, professional portrait and fashion photographer Lindsay Adler discusses the power of color theory and how she implements color theory into her portrait work. The use of color can be one of the most valuable tools for photographers to bring their images to life. Selecting Color Harmonies with a Color Wheel A critical […]

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]]> 153647 3 Ways to Use a Beauty Dish Switch by Manny Ortiz https://westcottu.com/three-ways-to-use-a-beauty-dish-switch-by-manny-ortiz Tue, 26 Apr 2022 18:39:48 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153631 In this video, portrait photographer Manny Ortiz breaks down three ways to use the Westcott 36” Beauty Dish Switch. The beauty dish was designed to capture both pristine beauty headshots and full-body portraits with one modifier. Lighting Setup 1: Beauty Headshot In his first setup, Manny is lighting headshots of his subject by placing the […]

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]]> 153631 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 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 Capturing Portraits Using the New 36″ Beauty Dish Switch By Manny Ortiz https://westcottu.com/capturing-portraits-using-the-new-36-beauty-dish-switch-by-manny-ortiz Tue, 05 Oct 2021 14:00:12 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153524 Chicago based portrait photographer, Manny Ortiz, has an eye for capturing photos using different focal lengths. After collaborating with Westcott and creating his own branded Beauty Dish Switch, Manny took the new 36” modifier to the streets of Chicago to capture beautiful environmental portraits. In this video, Manny demonstrates the difference between the 200mm Canon […]

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]]> 153524 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 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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