Studio Photography

The studio gives you something location shooting rarely does: complete control. Control over light, background, environment, and pace. But that control only produces better images if you know how to use it. This section covers studio photography from the ground up — building or renting a studio space, designing lighting setups, working with tethering, and developing the systematic approach that makes studio shooting efficient and repeatable.

Hands-On With the Fujinon XF R LM WR 33mm f/1.4

There are some great lenses in the Fuji range and this new release looks to further that history. In this video, see behind-the-scenes of a shoot with their latest offering and how it performs for studio portraiture. 

The Different Types of Studio Light Stands and Which Are Right for Your Work

We spend a lot of time talking about different kinds of lights and modifiers, but once you have spent a lot of money on your setup, you will want to make sure the stand you put it on will hold it safely and allow you to maneuver it as needed. This helpful video tutorial will show you four commonly used types of studio light stands, when they are appropriate, and how to use them. 

How to Set Up Basic but Effective Headshot Lighting

Lighting for portraiture doesn't need to be complicated or involved an arsenal of lights. If you know how to use just one key light effectively and how to control it, you can create excellent, corporate headshots for your friends and for clients. 

Never Shot With a Model Before? Here's How You Should Start

Working with models can open up a plethora of new creative outlets and professional opportunities for any photographer. But, the first shoot with a model can seem like a daunting task for some. This video aims to get you comfortable with choosing and communicating with any experienced model.

How to Create a YouTube Lighting Setup on a Budget

As many of us have been confined to our own homes, there has been a sharp rise in people looking for other revenue streams attainable from their own house. Here is how to create a budget lighting setup to make your YouTube videos look more professional. 

How To Avoid Glare on Glasses in Portrait Photography

If you've ever had to take a portrait of somebody in glasses, you'll likely know that it can be a tricky process. With the eyes tending to be the focal point of a portrait, glare on their glasses can ruin everything, and so you need to know how to handle it. 

Soft Light Versus Hard Light for Portraiture

Lighting dictates an enormous amount about your final image, from mood and feel, to exposure and color. However, whether the light is hard or soft can also make a significant difference, and knowing when to use each is crucial. In this video, learn different lighting setups for each and the benefits of them. 

How Shooting Tethered Can Improve Your Photography Workflow

The basic workflow for most photographers is taking a photo, pulling out the memory card, putting it in the computer, and importing photos into their processing application of choice. However, many professional studio photographers use tethering to more efficiently transfer their images to their computer, but it comes with a lot more benefits than just making the pipeline more efficient.

21 Different One-Light Portrait Setups for You To Try

A one-light portrait setup may seem simple, but it needn't be. There are so many different ways to manipulate artificial light that even if you limit yourself to just one, you can create a plethora of different, interesting looks. Here are twenty-one different lighting setups for you to try. 

Make Your Own Canvas Backdrop on a Budget

Hand-painted canvas backdrops are a thing of beauty, it is another form of art in itself. With that, there are many canvas backdrops out there that are not very budget-friendly. If you have the time and space, here's how you can make your own. 

An Unusual Way to Use a Beauty Dish

Certain modifiers do tend to have some more traditional methods of use, especially when using a beauty dish. Sometimes we can get hung up on what is the "right" way to use them and lose out on creativity. Here's a different way you can use a beauty dish when shooting indoors.  

10 Ways Tethering Can Improve Your Photography

Most of us simply take our photographs, pop the memory card out of the camera, put it in our computer, and download the photos. But many professional studio photographers tether their cameras to their computers, and it can do a lot to improve both your workflow and the quality of your images.

10 Ways To Give Your Apple Boxes Some Character

A great way to add variety to the poses during a session is to add a prop. Having an assortment of props can be very beneficial, and some good ones to have are apple boxes. They seem to be a very popular choice in portraits, especially more editorial-styled ones. These are a must-have for any photography studio, at least in my opinion. 

Posing Tips for Beauty Portraits

For some, having a wide variety of poses can be challenging. The model is limited by what they are wearing, what they have to hold or interact with, or even the vision or mood of the shoot. Beauty headshots provide their own limitations, here are some posing tips for your next beauty shoot.  

11 Things Every Photo Studio Needs

We spend a lot of time talking about camera gear and lenses, but of course, a photo studio needs more equipment than that — a lot more, in fact. If you are outfitting a new studio space or looking to add a bit to yours, check out this great video that discusses 11 things every photo studio should have.  

How I Have My Office Set Up to Record and Zoom

In this day and age, more and more people are setting up recording spaces. Whether for simple work meetings, live streaming, or recording content, the need for a good-looking space is in high demand. This is a walkthrough of how I have my space set up and lit.  

Combining Creativity and Lighting in Commercial Product Photography

If you’d like to improve your knowledge and skills in product photography, then check out this video tutorial from Karl Taylor. There’s a great breakdown of the lighting and the reasons for the decisions he made during the shoot.  This product shot from Karl Taylor really caught my eye as an interesting image.

A Few Helpful Studio Portrait Photography Tips

Studio photography allows you complete creative and technical control over your imagery, which also means all your skills and imagination are put to the test. This helpful video tutorial will give you a few quick tips to improve your studio portrait images and expand your creativity.  

Simulate Light Setups On Your Computer With Set.A.Light 3D

If you are going to shoot a model, it is great to have an idea about the right lighting setup. Experimenting when the model is standing in front of your camera may not be the best time to do this. With the software set.a.light.3D, it is possible to simulate any possible lighting setup imaginable. 

3 Tips for Creating Dramatic Lighting in Your Portraits

Lighting holds the keys to the overall feel of an image for the most part, particularly with portraiture. In this video, you will see behind-the-scenes of a dramatic, moody portrait shoot with some tips on how to replicate the style yourself. 

Behind the Scenes of This Fine Art Portrait: A Four Light Setup

There are few types of video more valuable than a good behind-the-scenes, particularly when it walks you through the process. Jump backstage in this tutorial to see how this beautiful, fine art portrait was taken with four lights and a purpose-built set. 

How To Choose the Right Godox Modifier for Your Photography

The number of affordable lighting products available from Godox has exploded in the last few years. If you’re not sure which modifier will best suit your work, check out this in-depth video to help you make your choice. 

Elevate Your Photography by Using Hand-Painted Backdrops

While I agree that a great photographer can create incredible images using basic tools, it is no secret that great tools can help a good photographer achieve greatness. Over the last year or two, new strobes, new lenses, and a plethora of modifiers have helped elevate my studio photography to new levels, but one tool has brought it to a new level more than anything else: painted backdrops.

The Two Best Backgrounds for Flattering Skin Tones

The background is an element of a scene that's easy to overlook, but it has huge power over the final image. Here are two of the best backgrounds for accentuating skin tones in your portraits. 

How to Use Essential Studio Equipment

No doubt, it is fun to learn about cameras, lenses, and editing techniques, and learning how to properly use a C-stand or clamp might not be as immediately alluring, but it is just as important when it comes to working in a studio and accomplishing what you need to. This fantastic video tutorial will show you how to use a variety of common studio equipment effectively.  

How To Create Seamless Backdrops in Photoshop

There are times where you just don't have enough space, time, or material to cover your entire scene with an infinite backdrop. One workaround that you can do is to use as much as you have, and then extend it across the rest of the image in Photoshop. 

A Behind the Scenes Look at a Professional's Editing Setup

In this video I walk through my office desk set up at my studio and go through in detail what I use, and why I use it. Considering I spend more time here than anywhere else, I thought it wise to spend a bit more time and money on it.

How To Use Clamshell Lighting for Beautiful Portraits

With so many lighting setups, it can be difficult to narrow down which ones to use. One of my personal favorites is described right here, in-depth, in this behind-the-scenes video: clamshell lighting. 

A Walk Around a Commercial Photographer's Studio

Photography studios come in many shapes and sizes, from family portrait studios on the high street to elaborate YouTuber sets. In this article, I walk you around my studio and explain why I have the layout and kit that I do for my work. 

Photographers, Leave a Wall Empty Wherever You Live

I’ve lived in many places and every time, as much as I’ve wanted to set up a small studio, most apartments were not conducive to doing so, or I’ve had partners with so much junk that even a free wall was a luxury I couldn’t afford. I’ve finally had the occasion to leave one wall free for that mini portrait setup and I’m glad I did.

How To Create Stunning Portraits Using a Cheap on-Camera Flash

The best portrait photographers always use the most expensive lighting set ups — right? This great video from photographer Irene Rudnyk shows you how to create stunning results from a single on-camera flash that costs only $50. 

How To Mix Candlelight With Flash in the Studio

Candlelight can create some beautifully atmospheric images but using it to light a model can be a challenge given that it’s typically a small and unflattering source that’s not necessarily going to be in the right place to give the desired effect. This video shows you how to mix it with a strobe to get great results. 

How to Take Top-Down Portraits

When done in a certain way, photographing your subject from above can result in unique and sometimes gravity-defying results. Check out this tutorial, which you can try at home with some basic equipment. 

A Custom Designed 3D Printed $10,000 Studio Stand That You Can DIY

Have you ever wanted one of those really expensive studio camera stands that are popular in large commercial studios? Well, now you can build your own with 3D printed parts and DIY patience.  In a lot of industries and hobbies, 3D printing has really started to expand the possibilities for both businesses and consumers.