Recent Studio Articles

Making Space in Your Home for a Photography Studio

Don’t think you have enough space at home for a studio? Laura BC knows how to make the most of what’s at hand, and her latest video is a goldmine for overcoming your limitations when it comes to shooting space.

Fun With Still Life: What if Quentin Tarantino Reworked an Andy Warhol Classic?

When your love of art and cinema intersect, all kinds of creative possibilities can emerge. Wanting to do some kind of photographic homage to Andy Warhol’s soup cans, I imagined Quentin Tarantino looking at this iconic work of art and thinking, “Maybe that needs a little extra something.”
Download These Raw+JPEG Files From Sony's a1 II Flagship Camera

The arrival of a new flagship from a top camera maker inevitably sparks a debate regarding how much sense it makes to upgrade to the latest model. Camera makers boast of the many improvements their new models offer, but each photographer must determine if those improvements are worth the cost of upgrading. How the manufacturers name their latest offering can sometimes offer clues about the extent of the improvements. In 2021, when Sony introduced their newest flagship under the name a1 rather than some variation of the a7 or a9 moniker, there was an expectation that the a1 would stand apart from the brand’s other mirrorless cameras.

Introducing the New Profoto D30 Strobe

Profoto just announced their new 500 Ws studio strobe, the D30. I've been playing with it for the last few weeks, and today I am finally able to share with you a full photoshoot using this powerful light.

A Practical Guide to Working With Photo Assistants

Hiring a photo assistant can significantly enhance your workflow. Their role is often misunderstood or underutilized, but understanding how and when to hire one can make your shoots more efficient and less stressful.

Home Studio Essentials for Portrait Photography

Creating a professional photography studio at home can feel daunting, but it doesn't have to be. This helpful video tutorial shows you how to create stunning portraits in a small home studio using minimal equipment.

Can You Build a Photo Studio on a Shoestring Budget?

Let's be real, photography gear can get expensive. Between cameras, lenses, lighting, and backdrops, the cost of setting up a studio can quickly drain your bank account. But what if there was a way to create a functional studio without breaking the bank?

Ultimate Compact Video Light: We Review the Zhiyun M20

When it comes to equipment, I'm looking for ways to simplify. I try to find tools that make my life as a photographer and videographer easier. And with the Zhiyun Fiveray M20 and M20c lights, I can achieve that, as I show in this article.

Model Versus Slime: Using Slime in a Photoshoot

Doing a photoshoot with slime was my Nickelodeon-inspired childhood dream come true. We used 20 gallons of blue slime in this shoot, and it created some wild photos.

How I Built My Home Photography Studio

If you’re like me and live somewhere with out-of-control housing costs, finding somewhere with enough space to shoot in can be difficult, to say the least. Having built out a home studio in a major city, here’s why I did it, but also how.

Make a Monster Splash With High-Speed Flash Photography

Go behind the scenes with photographer Thierry Kuba to observe how he lights, shoots, and edits this high-speed flash project with water splashes. Learn the techniques he uses, listen to discussion of his mistakes, and take in all of his tips and tricks along the way.

The Best Photographer Work Station? We Review the FlexiSpot Standing Desk

Standing desks have become somewhat ubiquitous over the last few years and hold a number of benefits for photographers and content creators. Having used them in the past with mixed results, I was pleasantly surprised by the standing desk from FlexiSpot in terms of quality, form, and function.

Why Do Studio Photographers Love Tethering?

Normally, when we take photos, we save them to the memory card, pop that card into our computer, and download the images to Lightroom or whatever cataloging program we choose. However, many studio photographers use tethering to bypass the logistics of working with a memory card, but it offers more advantages than just the convenience. This excellent video tutorial will show you what tethering is, why it is beneficial, and how to use it in your own work.

Using Firefly, Midjourney, and Generative Fill to Create Professional AI Composites

There has been a plethora of news about AI completely changing photography as we know it, but is it actually usable in the real world? Not only will you see exactly what it can do in a professional setting, you'll also get studio lighting setups, art direction, and an entire tutorial on doing this yourself.
5 Items a Portrait Photographer Brings to Every Shoot

James Quantz Jr is one of the best portrait photographers out there, with his innovative lighting and dramatic concepts making for eye-catching images. While every portrait photographer knows the importance of things like lights, there are some other items that we think about less often, but that can be tremendously useful on a shoot. This fantastic video essay features Quantz Jr discussing five items he brings along on every shoot.

How to Create a Stunning Home Studio on a Budget: My Home Studio Secrets

Have you ever fantasized about transforming a corner of your home into a professional photography haven? Are you eager to cut costs, minimize stress, and craft remarkable images for your clients, all from the comfort of your own space? If so, this article is for you. As a seasoned headshot and portrait photographer, I've recently transitioned from a sprawling industrial studio in Richmond, Virginia to my cozy, basement-based studio in Atlanta, and I couldn't be more delighted.

Creating a Virtual Studio With 3 TVs

You don’t have to spend big bucks to get a virtual wall these days. Bring your studio to life with just three televisions.

How to Use Gels and Hard Light in the Studio

Mixing gels and hard light, when done properly, can result in some truly memorable images. In this video, watch as you are walked through the setup, the shoot, and the results.
Who Else Struggles to Understand Studio Lighting? This Will Help You

As a landscape and seascape photographer who also shoots surfing, I'm not too embarrassed to say that my understanding of indoor lighting setups is not where I want it to be. This video here is extremely helpful, especially if you'd love to get those gorgeously mysterious rim light shots.

Affordable Lighting for your Home Studio: We Review the SmallRig RC120B

Constant lighting has dropped dramatically in price, with companies like SmallRig making excellent products — along with accessories — that are refreshingly accessible. How good is the SmallRig RC120B, a bicolor packing a decent amount of power and coming in at just $259?

Hard Light: It's Big and Worth a Try!

Identifying trends in commercial photography is important. It helps you develop your practice and keeps you on your toes! One of those trends right now is hard light. Hit that subject hard, cast some shadows, and make it look like we're all shooting poolside, sipping piña coladas!

Proof That Almost Anywhere Can Be a Photo Studio

Of course, it would all be great if every portrait photographer could afford their own studio, but that simply is not feasible for most of us. That being said, you would be surprised how little space you need to make creative, compelling, and professional portraits. This excellent video tutorial will show you how to light and shoot portraits in a small hallway.

The New Photo Studio

TikTok studio rentals are going to be a huge trend in the future for photo studios looking to increase their profitability. With such a competitive market, it can be difficult for photo studios to succeed.

5 Tips for Photographing in a Studio for the First Time

Working in a studio for the first time is one of the most exciting things a photographer can experience, but of course, there are some important considerations and adjustments you should be aware of to ensure you get the most out of it. This fantastic video tutorial features an experienced photographer discussing five important tips sure to help beginners stepping into a studio for the first time.

Flash Photography For Portraits: One Light With 200 Watts

Miguel Quiles is one of my favorite photographers for studio portraits because of his command of light and the effortless ways he interacts with his models to get beautiful and powerful portraits. In this video, he walks through some simple and inexpensive tips on creating great off-camera flash portraits.