When it comes to working with artificial lighting, there is sometimes the misconception that professional images require multiple sources, all of which are big, heavy, and expensive. That is not always the case, though. In fact, you can create professional-level shots with just a single speedlight, and this excellent video tutorial will take you through the entire process, from setting up the shot through post-processing.

Intention in filmmaking has the potential to elevate movies. As a photographer, watching a movie with thoughtful cinematography is my favorite way to pass a Friday night. Maz Makhani’s work on The Guilty, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and directed by Antoine Fuqua, is an example of realizing this potential.

Black-and-white portraits can emphasize textures, shadows, and depth. Mastering this style will set your work apart, offering striking visuals that command attention.

In this video, Lindsay Adler walks through her pre-planning, shooting, and post-processing of a themed photo shoot and explains from start to finish how to recreate this image.

By combining a strong theme, careful lighting, and complementary styling, you can produce photographs that are dramatic and memorable. The process involves creativity and precision, but the results can elevate your work to new levels.

When you think of a portrait, you probably think of focal lengths mostly between 85mm and 135mm, but, of course, that does not mean you can't use wider focal lengths. A wide angle portrait outside can be a great way to add a sense of drama and adventure to the frame, but you need to ensure you are carefully balancing the light. This excellent video tutorial will show you how to read the light and ensure you get the best possible images.

Photography has evolved from a labor-intensive craft to a ubiquitous part of our daily lives, thanks in part to technological advancements. One particularly fascinating aspect of this evolution is the history of flash photography, which introduced significant challenges and costs to capturing images in low-light conditions, with sometimes explosive results.

Capturing authentic moments with couples can be challenging, especially when you’re managing lighting, posing, and making them feel at ease. A few simple adjustments to your technique can help you create beautiful, natural images that resonate.

Lighting is the backbone of photography. It determines mood, color, and texture in your images. Without the right lighting, even the best model and location won’t translate into the shot you envision. Learning to control and experiment with light is one of the most impactful ways to elevate your work.

Cinematic footage is a great way to showcase a product and add a level of professionalism to your video work. However, it can be daunting to know where to start, and the options can get expensive. If you want simple and effective ways to up your video b-Roll game without breaking the bank, look no further than this accessible tutorial.

Lighting can make or break a portrait, and sometimes, you will be asked by a client to tailor your lighting design to accentuate specific characteristics or features of your subject. In this great video tutorial, you will see a photographer team up with a world-class barber to create images for a hairstyling competition and learn how a combination of lighting and editing came together to create the final images.

Strobe misfires aren't typically celebrated, but sometimes, these unintended mistakes create standout images.

Lighting is one of the most powerful tools you can use to shape your images. Yet, there’s a lot of confusion surrounding it. Understanding these nuances can make or break how your shots come together.

Lighting setups for beauty photography often lean toward simplicity, but there are times when complexity pays off significantly. Advanced lighting allows you to create highly detailed, dramatic, and eye-catching images that simple setups might not achieve.

Fire will always be something that evokes feelings of excitement, dread, and more, making it a fantastic dramatic tool in short films, wedding videos, and more. But of course, you can't just go around lighting fires wherever and whenever you want, so this great video will show you how you can convincingly fake it with your lighting.

Improving your portraits doesn’t always mean investing in expensive gear. Sometimes, a simple tool like a reflector can make a world of difference. Reflectors are versatile, cost-effective, and easy to use.

Finding the right location and light for portraits can transform a photo shoot. Coastal settings, with their natural backdrops and dynamic lighting, are especially versatile. Knowing how to work with these elements effectively ensures your images feel both natural and romantic.

There's a common misunderstanding among photographers about color accuracy and consistency in photo and video lighting setups. Knowing the difference can significantly impact your final image quality, especially in professional scenarios.

Using a beauty dish in portrait photography is often misunderstood or avoided because of misconceptions around harsh lighting and challenging shadows. Yet, mastering this lighting tool can elevate your outdoor portraits significantly, creating a natural, defined look that large, soft modifiers can't replicate.

I’m obsessed with color. Like, deeply. Bold tones, dreamy palettes, warm hues—color is one of the main reasons I fell in love with photography. But that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the raw emotion and timeless feel of a strong black and white photo.

Neewer has released two new panel lights. Perfect for video and great for photography too, these powerful yet affordable arrays have slightly different functions and open up a host of creative possibilities. If you were seeking this kind of lighting, which would you choose?

When it comes to creative portraits, sometimes the simplest things can make or break your vision. Likewise, there are times when small details in a scene can give your portraits that little something special.

Balancing on‑location flash with existing light sits at the heart of compelling portrait work. Photographers who understand how a slight shift in ambient exposure reshapes mood and subject separation gain tools that make creative intent feel effortless rather than frustrating.

In the ever-evolving world of studio lighting, innovation isn’t just about power—it’s about precision, adaptability, and pushing creative boundaries. While industry giants dominate the conversation, companies like Harlowe quietly redefine what’s possible. With cutting-edge technology and an artist-first approach, Harlowe’s latest lighting solutions challenge conventional setups, offering photographers and filmmakers new ways to shape light with control and finesse. Could this company be the next big disruptor in the lighting game?

Exploring how to intentionally push your creative limits can dramatically improve your portrait photography. Whether you're seasoned or starting out, understanding how to control lighting effectively shapes your style and widens your capabilities on set.