A number of folks have asked me if I teach lighting classes, and the answer is yes! My scheduled lighting class will be in Austin Texas in March with the Mentor Series. These classes focus on speed lights, and are loaded with class sessions, critiques and shoots with models. The techniques you learn apply across Read More
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Everyone is a photographer with camera in hand.
Recently Scott Kelby came to Denver to do a full day talk, “Shoot Like a Pro, Reloaded”. Naturally I decided to go visit and heckle Scott from the back row. I do training videos for KelbyOne, and have had some fun times shooting with Scott. Sitting in the audience it was a pleasure to see Read More
Rogue Flashbender 2
I have been focusing on speed lights recently, especially with the release of the radio wireless SB5000 (incredible flash). I have been using a lot of Rogue flash accessories to create my images, especially the Flashbender 2 XL. This is a very versatile accessory; you can bounce flash off it, add a diffusion panel to Read More
Cyber Monday deals
If you are looking for some good deals on photography gear and software, start shopping now. This weekend and Monday numerous companies are having great deals. One item I noticed was Singh-Ray filters. If you haven’t tried shooting with a 10 or 15 stop ND filter on your last trip, you don’t know what you Read More
Portraits in the snow
The last thing most photographers want to do is go out in the snow in a howling snowstorm. Not only are you going to be frozen, but your gear is going to get wet, and if you are photographing models, they probably aren’t going to have a great time. If you are shooting adventure sports, Read More
Softboxes for Speedlights
I use a wide variety of lighting in my photography. The transformational quality of light brings many of my images to life, especially portraits. When I travel I often use speedlights in my work. The trick is getting beautiful, soft light from a speedlight, and having enough power for the job. There are three softboxes Read More
Pro Media Gear Elinchrom ELB 400 cage
If you are like me, your gear gets pretty beat up. Since I shoot on location in remote areas in harsh conditions, I am constantly testing the ‘waterproof, dirt proof, shock resistant’ aspect of all my gear. I rely on my Elinchrom ELB400s for many of my location shoots. On a recent ‘cliffside wedding’ shoot Read More
speedlight diffusion dome
Most speedlights come with a diffusion dome. This small white translucent dome snaps onto your speedlight and diffuses/softens the light. Or does it? Here is a quick guide when to use the dome, and what it really does. A fundamental lighting principle states that the soft quality light on your subject is directly related to Read More
Elinchrom 190cm Indirect Litemotiv Octa
Elinchrom rocked the photography world when they first introduced the indirect octabank. This six foot octabank used a flash head aimed back into the light, not forward like most soft boxes. With the flash oriented indirectly (back into the octa), the light is evenly bounced and softened creating beautiful light coming out of the octa. Read More
Goal Zero Yeti 150; Solar power on the run
I’m often shooting in the backcountry away from power, or maybe in my trailer without power hookups. My solution to power on the run is Goal Zero. Goal Zero makes a variety of solar powered batteries and panels, and they work great. I’ve used the Sherpa 50 on countless backcountry trips. Combined with the small Read More
Alien Skin Exposure X2
There is some terrific software being introduced that will give photographers some new editing options, including non-destructive editing similar to Lightroom. I’ve long been a user of Exposure, and they have really added some great new features in recent updates including Exposure X2. Exposure is best known for its brilliant analog film action presets. If Read More
EL Wire light painting
After being inspired helping Dave Black teach a light painting class, one thing I knew I wanted to try out was light painting with an EL Wire. The wire looks like a fiber optic cable that is glowing red, green, purple…you have lots of color choices. How does this work? As with a lot of Read More