studio photography Archives — Westcott University https://westcottu.com/topic/studio-photography Lighting Education for Photographers and Filmmakers Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:53:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://westcottu.com/wp-content/uploads/icon-university.png studio photography Archives — Westcott University https://westcottu.com/topic/studio-photography 32 32 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 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 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 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 Two Ways to Use Gels In Studio https://westcottu.com/two-ways-to-use-gels-in-studio Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:38:59 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155895 In this video, Ashley Boring breaks down two setups using gels on your strobe. Using the FlexiGels for the FJ400 strobe, she captures creative portraits in studio! Learn how Ashley uses the FJ400’s front and rear curtain sync functions to create light trails here. Lighting Gear in Action

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]]> 155895 How to Create Window Light in Studio https://westcottu.com/how-to-create-window-light-in-studio Mon, 28 Nov 2022 16:39:54 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=155769 In this video, Ashley Boring walks you through her process of creating window light in studio. Using two 5’x7′ X-Drop backdrops and modified flash, she is able to achieve a photograph that mimics the lighting and shadows you would capture with window light. Lighting Gear in Action

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]]> 155769 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 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 Creating a Sense of Environment with the Optical Spot by Lindsay Adler https://westcottu.com/creating-a-sense-of-environment-with-the-optical-spot-by-lindsay-adler Mon, 16 Aug 2021 12:09:45 +0000 https://westcottu.com/?p=153420 Creating textures and patterns of light on your subject or a blank surface can add new life to your photos. If you’re looking to step out of your comfort zone and mundane routine of shooting on plain solid backgrounds, creating character in the space around you and boosting your creative control can be easily achieved […]

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]]> 153420 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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