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

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]]> 157428 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 How to Make Flash Look Natural in Outdoor Portraits https://westcottu.com/how-to-make-flash-look-natural-in-outdoor-portraits Fri, 03 Oct 2025 11:13:13 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=157031 Mark Behrens and Steve Batz of Panoptic Photography are known for taking portraits that look effortless and natural, even when flash is used. In this video tutorial, the duo sets out to answer one of the most common questions photographers ask: “How do you use flash without it looking like flash?” On a beautiful sunny […]

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]]> 157031 Getting Started with Studio Lighting https://westcottu.com/getting-started-with-studio-lighting Wed, 06 Aug 2025 20:03:53 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156917 If you’ve ever felt unsure where to begin with studio lighting, you’re not alone. In fact, one of the most common questions Westcott photographer Ashley Boring hears is, “How do I start using flash?” In this behind-the-scenes video, Ashley walks you through her full process, from evaluating ambient light and dialing in camera settings to […]

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

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]]> 156775 Transform Any Space into a Studio: Sports Portrait Lighting with Jaison Sterling https://westcottu.com/transform-any-space-into-a-studio-sports-portrait-lighting-with-jaison-sterling Fri, 30 May 2025 11:15:30 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156744 When it comes to creating dynamic portraits of athletes, you don’t need a fancy studio, just smart lighting and a good game plan. In this behind-the-scenes video, photographer Jaison Sterling walks us through how he transformed a high school gym into a dramatic portrait set for a wrestler using a few portable strobes, clever modifiers, and some strategic light placement.

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]]> 156744 How to Simulate Sunlight in Studio Photography https://westcottu.com/how-to-simulate-sunlight-in-studio-photography Thu, 22 May 2025 00:00:06 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=156730 Joel Grimes breaks down one of his go-to studio setups using just two lights to mimic the feel of natural sun. It’s a repeatable, controlled way to get dramatic shadows and that cinematic outdoor style, all from the controlled environment of your studio.

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]]> 156730 Create Depth and Control Light with Softbox Grids https://westcottu.com/create-depth-and-control-light-with-softbox-grids Fri, 28 Jan 2022 12:20:56 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153607 In this video, Top Pro Ashley Boring breaks down the benefits of using softbox grids to help you create more impactful images and deeper shadows. A common way to use grids is to isolate your subject from their background. Using a white X-Drop backdrop, Ashley was able to make the background darker by adding a […]

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]]> 153607 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 Beauty Dish Vs FJ200 Reflector https://westcottu.com/beauty-dish-vs-fj200-reflector Thu, 06 May 2021 18:47:33 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153304 Most strobes come with a small metal reflector to help you control and modify your light. It helps direct light output more than using a bare bulb, but using this reflector will give you hard light that often does not look natural especially when shooting outdoors. Since the sun can be a relatively soft light […]

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]]> 153304 The Essential Guide To The FJ Wireless Flash System https://westcottu.com/the-essential-guide-to-the-fj-wireless-flash-system Wed, 17 Mar 2021 16:37:03 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153095 With the expansion of our flash photography gear, choosing the right strobe or speedlight may feel overwhelming. Our FJ Wireless Flash System with multi-brand compatible transmitters allows you to capture incredible on-location or studio photography. In any instance, whether you are shooting people or products, having the right lighting and flash can make a big […]

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]]> 153095 Flash Photography Lighting Video Course for Beginners https://westcottu.com/flash-photography-lighting-video-course-for-beginners Tue, 02 Mar 2021 18:23:20 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153074 Join Westcott’s Brandon Heiss in this deep dive on flash photography using the FJ Wireless Flash System. In this free photography lighting video course, you’ll learn about on-camera lighting vs off-camera lighting, what power of flash to use in different situations, and the techniques for on-camera flash to get you started in flash photography. Lighting […]

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]]> 153074 Professional Lighting with Food Photographer Joanie Simon https://westcottu.com/professional-lighting-with-food-photographer-joanie-simon Thu, 28 Jan 2021 20:23:41 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153029 Commercial and editorial food photographer, food blogger and educator Joanie Simon, iconically known on social media as, “The Bite Shot”, captures captivating images of cuisines covering the entire food pyramid. Her shots are unmatched in depth, dimension and color making it hard to resist salivating. At 10 years old she started cooking and at 29 […]

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]]> 153029 Using Photography Gels On Location with the FJ80 Touchscreen Speedlight https://westcottu.com/using-photography-gels-on-location-with-the-fj80-touchscreen-speedlight Fri, 22 Jan 2021 15:50:30 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153019 When it comes to using color gels for photography lighting, there are two main reasons why you would want to create a setup with this simple strobe accessory. The first reason is technical, allowing you to balance your light source to ambient light. If you are not focused on balancing your light source, then you […]

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]]> 153019 Couple’s Portraits On Location Using One Light with Sal Cincotta and the FJ400 Strobe https://westcottu.com/couples-portraits-on-location-using-one-light-with-sal-cincotta-and-the-fj400-strobe Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:51:58 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152989 Professional photographer, Sal Cincotta guides us through this couples portrait using a one-light flash set up located at the mesmerizing Salt Flats in Bonneville, Utah. Demonstrating his knowledge and years of experience in portrait and wedding photography, Sal explains how to use lighting tools correctly in harshly lit landscapes during fast-changing environmental situations. Arriving at […]

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]]> 152989 Capturing Individual and Family Portraits Indoors and Outdoors with Michele Celentano https://westcottu.com/capturing-individual-and-family-portraits-indoors-and-outdoors-with-michele-celentano Fri, 20 Nov 2020 19:53:58 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152926 In this portrait masters video, photographer Michele Celentano explains her lighting techniques for individuals and family portrait photography. Michele begins with photographing a family of four with the Westcott FJ400, FJ-X2m Universal Wireless Trigger, and a 3×4 softbox with the silver interior. She is also using an Air Direct wireless tethering system by Tether Tools, […]

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]]> 152926 Benefits Of Off-Camera Flash Vs Natural Light For Outdoor Portraits https://westcottu.com/benefits-of-off-camera-flash-vs-natural-light-for-outdoor-portraits Fri, 06 Nov 2020 19:36:07 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152883 As a portrait photographer, it’s important to be aware of the lighting conditions that you face in natural environments. Whether you are looking to use natural light or off-camera flash when shooting outdoor portraits, understanding the effects of both will provide you with your desired result. While there is no definitive answer for when to […]

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

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

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]]> 152798 How to Create Portrait Lighting to Help Tell a Story https://westcottu.com/how-to-create-portrait-lighting-to-help-tell-a-story Tue, 19 May 2020 17:01:15 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152659 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 commercial portrait lighting. In this […]

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]]> 152659 Flash Photography: Front Vs Rear Curtain Sync https://westcottu.com/flash-photography-front-vs-rear-curtain-sync Wed, 11 Mar 2020 17:49:58 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152482 In flash photography, mixing the light trails from constant lighting with the freezing power of a strobe can create a sense of motion and get really cool effects in-camera. One of the most important things to consider when using this technique is how your shutter is syncing to your strobe.  There are two curtains in […]

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]]> 152482 How to Find Your Photography Style https://westcottu.com/how-to-find-your-photography-style Fri, 07 Feb 2020 16:30:09 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152539 Renowned photographer Glyn Dewis is a master at capturing beautiful portraits. His images have a unique style – one that feels all his own and, yet, has been inspired by some of his favorite photographers. In this inspirational video, Glyn discusses how to utilize inspiration to discover your photography style and create your own individual […]

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]]> 152539 Using Leading Lines to Create Better Compositions https://westcottu.com/using-leading-lines-to-create-better-compositions Thu, 09 Jan 2020 17:09:45 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152405 Leading lines are important compositional tools that help photographers draw viewers’ eyes to the main subject in their images. This framing technique is easy to master (especially outdoors) as long as you pay attention to your surroundings. Using leading lines is also a great technique for catching wide, environmental shots without losing your subject in […]

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]]> 152405 How to Simplify Photo Compositing with the FJ400’s Mask Function https://westcottu.com/simplify-photo-compositing-with-the-fj400 Fri, 13 Dec 2019 14:28:49 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152421 The original FJ400 strobe’s Mask Function is an excellent tool for creating in-camera cutout masks of foreground objects for easy photo compositing. Photographer Matt Hernandez combines his background in graphic design, his love for photography, and his passion for sports to create unique and artistic athlete portraits and composites. Often times, Matt is photographing his […]

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]]> 152421 How to Create Rembrandt Lighting For Male Portraits https://westcottu.com/how-to-create-rembrandt-lighting-for-male-portraits Mon, 18 Nov 2019 16:16:04 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152310 Rembrandt lighting is a classic lighting setup that most portrait photographers can master with a little practice. Rembrandt lighting creates a pretty dramatic, timeless look and it can be created with just a single controllable light source. Rembrandt lighting is named after Dutch master Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, who often used this style of lighting […]

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]]> 152310 3 Point Lighting Setup for Bold Commercial Photography https://westcottu.com/3-point-lighting-setup https://westcottu.com/3-point-lighting-setup#comments Fri, 04 Oct 2019 16:58:07 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152221 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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]]> https://westcottu.com/3-point-lighting-setup/feed 1 152221 Capturing Dynamic Fashion Photos with Off-Camera Flash https://westcottu.com/dynamic-fashion-photos-off-camera-flash Sat, 28 Sep 2019 13:30:17 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=152203 You don’t need a variety of light modifiers or multiple off-camera flash units to capture interesting and dynamic images. In this video, Will Cadena utilizes a single FJ400 Strobe modified by a Rapid Box with a few styling tricks to create some stunning fashion shots. Will Cadena is a photographer who combines a modern, edgy […]

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]]> 152203 How to Create Cross Lighting Like Joel Grimes https://westcottu.com/create-cross-lighting-like-joel-grimes Tue, 21 Aug 2018 14:55:48 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=151196 Renowned photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Joel Grimes is known for creating impeccably clean and stylized lifestyle portraits. His signature style of Rembrandt cross lighting involves feathering two light sources at different brightnesses onto his subject. Joel starts by placing his light sources opposite each other, parallel to his camera access. He then adjusts the […]

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]]> 151196 Fashion Photography with Sal Cincotta and the Rapid Box Switch https://westcottu.com/on-location-with-sal-cincotta-and-the-rapid-box-switch https://westcottu.com/on-location-with-sal-cincotta-and-the-rapid-box-switch#comments Thu, 02 Aug 2018 15:04:30 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=151153 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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]]> https://westcottu.com/on-location-with-sal-cincotta-and-the-rapid-box-switch/feed 1 151153 Using Long Exposure for Creative In-Camera Effects https://westcottu.com/using-long-exposure-for-creative-in-camera-effects Tue, 03 Jul 2018 14:03:39 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=151037 There are tons of ways to spice up your images with unique and eye-catching effects created in-camera. This summer, Team Westcott explored playing with sparklers, gels, and long exposure in the Westcott Soundstage to learn the best ways to mix continuous light and flash for some super festive portraits. How It Works Most strobes sync […]

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]]> 151037 Creating Glamorous High-Key Portraits with Jerry Ghionis https://westcottu.com/creating-glamorous-high-key-portraits-with-jerry-ghionis Thu, 14 Jun 2018 18:53:54 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=151019 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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]]> 151019 Octabank vs. Deep Parabolic Softbox Lighting https://westcottu.com/octabox-vs-deep-parabolic-softbox Wed, 04 Apr 2018 15:53:40 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150824 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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]]> 150824 Using Haze & a Beauty Dish to Capture Dramatic Sports Photography https://westcottu.com/using-haze-a-beauty-dish-to-capture-dramatic-sports-photography Mon, 22 Jan 2018 20:46:20 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150627 Sports and senior photography Matt Hernandez has a knack for creating dramatic and eye-catching sports photography. For this senior sports shoot, Matt decided to use a few simple tricks to transform the boring locker room setting. Matt begins with a simple two-light setup: a strobe as a fill light and a strobe as his key […]

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]]> 150627 Creating Beauty Lighting with Scrim https://westcottu.com/beauty-lighting-with-scrim Fri, 05 Jan 2018 18:07:32 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150601 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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]]> 150601 Fashion Photography with Octaboxes https://westcottu.com/fashion-photography-with-octaboxes Wed, 23 Aug 2017 14:39:55 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150374 Octabanks (or octaboxes) are one of the most popular styles of light modifiers. These large octagonal softboxes are an awesome tool for creating soft, even lighting in the studio. While shooting in his home studio in sunny Las Vegas, renowned portrait photographer Jerry Ghionis showed us how he uses a single octabank and strobe to […]

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]]> 150374 Capturing Dramatic Portraits with a Beauty Dish https://westcottu.com/dramatic-portraits-with-a-beauty-dish https://westcottu.com/dramatic-portraits-with-a-beauty-dish#comments Thu, 29 Jun 2017 15:40:54 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150245 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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]]> https://westcottu.com/dramatic-portraits-with-a-beauty-dish/feed 1 150245 Team Portrait Posing Tips https://westcottu.com/team-portrait-posing-tips-2 Wed, 21 Jun 2017 18:40:44 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=150222 Posing just a single subject can be difficult, let alone an entire sports team. Talented sports and senior photographer Matt Hernandez has perfected team and group shots with these quick portrait-posing tips. Sports Team Posing Pro Tips If you want to make your client’s team look tough or intimidating, shoot from a lower angle. This […]

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]]> 150222 How to Freeze Motion for Eye-Catching Food Photography https://westcottu.com/freeze-motion-for-eye-catching-food-photography Mon, 13 Mar 2017 15:47:56 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=149948 Want to capture food photographs that will stand out from all the rest? Instead of capturing the typical overhead still shot, you can deconstruct your dish or add some movement to your image for results that are truly eye-catching. For this shot, Seattle-based food photographer Steve Hansen chooses to freeze motion with some mole ingredients. Strobes […]

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]]> 149948 Underexposing the Sky for Dramatic Portraits https://westcottu.com/underexposing-the-sky-for-dramatic-portraits Mon, 30 Jan 2017 21:18:30 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=149705 Kentucky sports and senior portrait photographer Matt Hernandez is known for capturing dramatic senior portraits with relatively simple lighting setups. To emphasize the drama in these shots, Matt typically shoots wide-angle while underexposing the sky. By underexposing the sky, Matt is able to emphasize the clouds and colors behind his subject. When underexposing the sky or backdrop, […]

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]]> 149705 Lighting for Beginners: Off-Camera Flash https://westcottu.com/lighting-for-beginners-off-camera-flash Thu, 15 Sep 2016 19:07:41 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148880 In this video, photography educator Erin Manning discusses camera settings and lighting for beginners looking to capture quality studio portraits. To capture these headshots, Erin used her camera in manual mode. Her shutter speed is set to 1/80, her f-stop is set to f7.1, her ISO is 100, and her white balance is set to ‘flash’. […]

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]]> 148880 How to Capture a Shallow Depth of Field in Sunlight https://westcottu.com/shallow-depth-of-field-in-full-sun Wed, 07 Sep 2016 16:09:15 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148847 Many photographers struggle with overpowering the sun when shooting on bright days. This becomes even more difficult when a shallow depth of field is desired. To maintain a proper exposure with a shallow depth of field, renowned photographer Joel Grimes utilizes a strobe and the 24″ Beauty Dish Switch. He aligns this light source slightly above […]

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]]> 148847 On Location with the Rapid Box Beauty Dish https://westcottu.com/on-location-beauty-dish Sun, 21 Aug 2016 23:21:41 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148762 This shoot in Sayville, N.Y., involved a last-minute location change. Lauren (the subject) is a chef and owner of a catering hall and market and she was participating in a farm-to-table style fundraiser in Patchogue Village, where I live on Long Island. I had volunteered my services, taking photos of each of the five chefs […]

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]]> 148762 Real Deal Review: The Rapid Box Beauty Dish https://westcottu.com/real-deal-review-the-rapid-box-beauty-dish Thu, 28 Jul 2016 20:24:29 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148666 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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]]> 148666 How to Direct Light for Moody Action Shots https://westcottu.com/how-to-direct-light-for-moody-action-shots Tue, 12 Jul 2016 16:47:43 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148610 Yousef AlMasoud is a Saudi Arabian portrait photographer with a knack for capturing beautiful and dramatic portraits. In this behind-the-scenes video, we go in the studio with Yousef as he captures action photographs of gymnast Essa Al Jumaian. Yousef’s images often feature very precise, directed lighting to really place the focus on his subject. When […]

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]]> 148610 Understanding Beauty Lighting with Joel Grimes https://westcottu.com/beauty-lighting-beauty-dish Thu, 07 Jul 2016 13:08:54 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148602 World­-renowned photographer Joel Grimes knows a thing or two about beauty lighting. And that’s why he designed the new Rapid Box Beauty Dish. Grimes’ 24″ Rapid Box Beauty Dish is a collapsible, travel­-friendly softbox for beauty, fashion, and commercial photography. This ultra­-portable beauty dish directs a soft, clean pattern of light. With a custom-­designed white interior […]

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]]> 148602 Team Portrait Posing Tips https://westcottu.com/team-portrait-posing-tips Mon, 14 Mar 2016 15:30:45 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148258 Westcott Top Pro Matt Hernandez began his career as an award-winning graphic artist, then combined his love of photography with his design background and love of sports to become one of the country’s premier sports photographers. Here, Matt offers insightful posing tips for capturing professional and eye-catching team portraits. The most common mistake photographers make […]

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]]> 148258 Dramatic and Effective Lighting for Team Portraits https://westcottu.com/how-to-light-team-portraits https://westcottu.com/how-to-light-team-portraits#comments Thu, 04 Feb 2016 21:34:27 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148169 Renowned sports photographer Matt Hernandez has had years of experience capturing professional and high school team portraits. Through years of shooting in a variety of locations, he has perfected the group lighting setup. To perfect the light coming from his key strobe, Matt prefers to use a reflective . By bouncing his strobe into this modifier, […]

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]]> https://westcottu.com/how-to-light-team-portraits/feed 1 148169 Location Lighting Using The Rapid Box: Share The Light https://westcottu.com/location-lighting-using-the-rapid-box-share-the-light Tue, 29 Dec 2015 21:33:45 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=148096 Lighting can separate you from the pack, using light to define your style and elevate the quality of your work is as important now as it was back in the day when you had to light to capture an image. Today the cameras we use can capture an image in just about any light; they […]

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]]> 148096 Maximize Your Senior Portrait Session https://westcottu.com/maximize-your-senior-portrait-session Wed, 14 Oct 2015 16:05:16 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=147937 As part of Summit Online‘s team of photography instructors, Westcott Top Pro Matt Hernandez takes a senior portrait session outdoors to offer tips on capturing professional images for your clients. A key to a successful senior portrait session is to maximize your time in each location. By taking a variety of images in each spot, you can […]

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]]> 147937 Creating Awesome Senior Portraits with Only One Light Source https://westcottu.com/creating-awesome-senior-portraits-with-only-one-light-source Tue, 18 Aug 2015 20:51:37 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=147834 Kentucky sports and senior portrait photographer Matt Hernandez is known for capturing dramatic, awesome senior portraits with relatively simple lighting setups. To capture these dramatic images of Cash, a high school football player, Matt uses a single strobe modified by the  softbox. Matt specifically chooses the largest Zeppelin due to it’s ability to create a large, directed light source. […]

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]]> 147834 Modern Pin-Up Photography https://westcottu.com/modern-pin-up-photography Thu, 23 Apr 2015 17:48:34 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=146920 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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]]> 146920 Modifying a Key Light on a Budget https://westcottu.com/modifying-a-key-light-on-a-budget Thu, 23 Apr 2015 14:55:32 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=146912 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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]]> 146912 Creating Soft Cross-Lighting with Joel Grimes https://westcottu.com/creating-soft-cross-lighting-joel-grimes Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:39:50 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=142776 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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]]> 142776 Real Deal Review: Zeppelin Deep Parabolic, “Desert Warriors” by Michael Herb https://westcottu.com/zeppelin-deep-parabolic-desert-warriors-michael-herb Wed, 22 Oct 2014 13:32:54 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=142482 Las Vegas concept photographer Michael Herb created this stunning Desert Warriors portrait series in the Nevada desert. While shooting, Michael reviewed the newest addition to the Westcott softbox lineup: the Zeppelin Deep Parabolic. With 3 size options to choose from, he chose the largest 59″ version. While these deep modifiers are typically for studio use, Michael takes […]

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]]> 142482 Senior Sports Portraits with Matt Hernandez https://westcottu.com/amazing-senior-portraits-with-matt-hernandez Wed, 10 Sep 2014 19:43:21 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=141642 This really sets the bar for senior sports portraits. To bring his creative vision to life for this shoot, talented photographer Matt Hernandez needed to completely  control his lighting. Photographing this young swimmer in the center of a high school pool, Matt decided to modify his strobe with the softbox. This large modifier features a […]

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]]> 141642 Lighting and Post-Production for a Dramatic Headshot https://westcottu.com/lighting-post-production-dramatic-headshot Wed, 16 Jul 2014 19:38:35 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=141393 Utilizing a 3-point light setup in studio allows portrait photographers to effectively control the highlights and shadows on his or her subject and background. For this dramatic headshot, New Jersey photographer Andrew Foord uses the 300-watt Strobelite as his overhead key light, modified by an  without diffusion for a specular output. To add dimension to this […]

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]]> 141393 Inspired Photography with George Deloache https://westcottu.com/george-deloache-strobelite Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:04:57 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=140942 Westcott Top Pro Elite George Deloache discusses his lighting set up behind this Prince-inspired photo shoot with the Strobelite Plus: A few months ago, I had the opportunity to acquire a new studio space in a creative building located in the burgeoning Downtown Los Angeles Art District. The area is vibrant with creativity and I […]

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]]> 140942 Dance Photography with the Strobelite Plus https://westcottu.com/dance-photography-with-strobelite Thu, 16 Jan 2014 20:26:58 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=140046 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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]]> 140046 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 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 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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