http://www.adorama.com/alc/category/150 Portable light, studio strobe: Learn to light! <p><span style="font-size: small;">For the best image quality when shooting HD video indoors, you need to supplement the light. Here are some top kits.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12298 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Ahh the economy. It has driven many of us insane trying to figure out how to do more with less. Clients constantly approach us asking for miracles with shoestring budgets. A fine example is shooting anything fashion related. Editorial work these days pays almost nothing if you are lucky or nothing at all for the most part. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/13522 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Yes, modern cameras (and even some cell phones) can capture good quality images, but it takes beautiful light to make beautiful pictures. That&rsquo;s a truism about art, and technology won&rsquo;t change that. The good news, however, is found in another truism about art: Beautiful light is often simple light.<br /></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/13449 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Learn how to set up a four lighting setup and arrange a two-person portrait on location.<br /></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/13353 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Still life tents consist of a white translucent fabric supported by an internal &ldquo;snap-to&rdquo; support system.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8457 <p><span style="font-size: small;">In this lesson, New York photographer Ian Spanier walks you through his prep work and setup while demonstrating how he handled the inevitable roadblocks that always seem to pop up while shooting on location.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/13324 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Ben Clay uses a classic approach and simple lighting kit to add depth and interest to the wine cellar of a historic hotel. His technique of working with the ambient light of the room, and adding contrast where needed, can be used by realtors, architects, builders and architecture photographers.<br /></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/13312 <p><span style="font-size: small;">How to create the ring flash look without a ring flash.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12906 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Noted editorial photographer Ian Spanier takes photos that tell a story. Whether he&rsquo;s shooting images of celebrities, fitness models or doing a portrait, he crafts the shot so that we can learn something about the subject.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12940 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Adorama Photography TV presents the Westcott 7-foot parabolic umbrella for studio and outdoor use. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/13217 <p><span style="font-size: small;">If you're ready to take on product photography, let's take a look at seasoned pro John Beckett's techniques on how to do it right and on a budget!<br /></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/13037 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Adorama TV presents how to set up lighting for Group Shots. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/13036 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Last year, I was selected as a beta tester for the new Nikon PocketWizard system, but I've been waiting until now to get my hands on the production models. Was it worth the wait? </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12988 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Adorama Photography TV presents: In this episode Mark will compare the differences between speedlights and studio strobes. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12933 <p><span style="font-size: small;">We&rsquo;re in an age where new, inventive flash modifiers are being introduced on a regular basis. What makes The Expoimaging Rogue FlashBender series of modifiers stand out in the crowd?</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12900 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Los Angeles toy photographer Brian McCarty offers a hands-on look at photographing toy artwork on location in relatively tight quarters. See how Brian was able to create studio-quality results in less than studio-space conditions. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12874 <p><span style="font-size: small;">It&rsquo;s an ingenious LED Location Light that&rsquo;s fully adjustable for color-balanced light output. How well does it work, what else can it do, and is it worth the price?</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12866 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Now here&rsquo;s one huge umbrella for not a huge price. Why would you need an 86-inch reflector-type umbrella? Read on!</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12831 <p><span style="font-size: small;">AdoramaTV presents The Flashpoint PZ Softbox &amp; Octabox. This week Mark will show us the Flashpoint PZ series 24" x 36" Softbox and 60" x 60" Octabox. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12786 <p><span style="font-size: small;">This week Mark will show us a Flashpoint 5-in-1 disk reflector and the reflector bracket. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12772 <p><span style="font-size: small;">AdoramaTV presents The Lastolite 7' x 8' HiLite. This week Mark will show us how the HiLite background range allows a photographer to shoot 'High Key' photography on location and in restrictive spaces easily with this one product.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12749 <p><span style="font-size: small;">AdoramaTV presents Flashpoint. This week Mark shows many different light stands and their functions. Mark also gives us his recommendation on the best light stand.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12660 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Adorama Photography TV presents: In this episode Mark goes over a very basic 3 light setup for those who are looking to buy their first portrait light kit.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12635 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Adorama&nbsp; TV presents: In this episode Mark talks about the basics of sync speed and teaches how to use sync speed properly.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12586 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Reflectors are available in many forms but my favorite is the circular, collapsible types that are easy to carry.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11494 <p><span style="font-size: small;">This week we take a look at the HonlPhoto Speed Snoot and the Gary Fong Lightsphere collapsible. Both products help you get better results from your speedlights.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12574 <p><span style="font-size: small;">In this episode Jason Wallis tells us how he shoots amazing environmental portraits. Jason also gives us some tips for traveling to foreign countries with a lightweight studio lighting pack.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12569 <p><span style="font-size: small;">In this episode, Mark explains a very simple lighting setup for shooting portraits.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12449 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Background information about muslin, velour, canvas, and seamless backdrops. (UPDATE)<br /></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8287 <p><span style="font-size: small;">While the strobist movement encourages the use of multiple wireless networks of flashes to blast away and create stunning portraits, a single flash may be all you can afford. Not to worry: There's a lot you can do with one light source.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12470 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Let's put together a complete location/studio lighting kit that will fit in a carry-on bag</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11797 <p><span style="font-size: small;">One of the hottest, most sought-after features in today&rsquo;s remarkably versatile digital SLRs is HD video capability.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12297 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Wireless flash allows you to move your flash anywhere. Try moving it behind your subject for dynamic, creative results.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12295 <p><span style="font-size: small;">"Wireless" is in. It covers everything from Internet hot spots to sending digital images wirelessly to your printer. But before these cutting-edge capabilities were possible, there was wireless flash.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8314 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Just about every portable flash unit that you mount on a camera via a hot shoe projects light the same way: a rectangle, horizontally oriented to roughly match the shape of the image you&rsquo;re shooting.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12239 <p><span style="font-size: small;">If you&rsquo;re just getting started in portrait photography&mdash;or even if you&rsquo;re a seasoned pro&mdash;seamless, solid-colored paper backgrounds on rolls are a budget-friendly way to isolate and emphasize your subjects. Here's some useful background information.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/12235 <p><span style="font-size: small;">A few inexpensive strobes from any manufacturer, along with Honl Photo's light modifiers, can unlock creativity and take your photography to a new level. First, take the flash off your camera.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11784 <p><span style="font-size: small;">If you&rsquo;re using a professional studio flash the obvious choice for soft lighting is an umbrella and for most purposes that&rsquo;s still the best choice.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11504 <p><span style="font-size: small;">You can always hold a reflector in one hand and your camera in the other and I have seen many photographers do this. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/11502 <p><span style="font-size: small;">If you want to graduate from snapshots to great shots, an external flash unit will significantly improve your pictures. Here are terms that will help you become a strobist.<br /></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8310 <p><span style="font-size: small;">There's an old rule of lighting to keep in mind when working with the lighting equipment featured in this series: The closer and larger a light source is to a subject, the softer quality of that light becomes. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8167 <p><span style="font-size: small;">When photographing people I've never been 100 percent comfortable using studio flash units. They are a necessary evil for making portraits when available light isn't available. An alternative is hot lights, or continuous lighting.<br /></span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8217 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Some photographers think studio lighting equipment is too complicated and too expensive but it can be neither. Part of this misunderstanding is created by seemingly bewildering array of product types and their associated buzzwords. Here's a look at <strong>AC &amp; DC Power Packs and heads</strong></span><em><br /></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8146 <p><span style="font-size: small;">When setting up a photo studio, you get to choose: Monolights, Power Pack kits, or Hot Lights. Let's look at what a monolight is and if it's right for you.</span><em><br /></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8105 <p><span style="font-size: small;">It all comes down to aligning your camera into the exact position you want, repeatedly, with ease, accuracy, and precision. Not a small task. We're talking about Tripod Heads here. Some are designed to hold a camera rock-steady; others allow fluid movement through a smooth arc. There's at least one that will satisfy your specific needs.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8168 <p><span style="font-size: small;"><br />You need a tripod. Whether you shoot digital, film or video, you need a tripod. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8169 <p><span style="font-size: small;">One of the best ways to add sparkle to your portraits is by using a hair light. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8182 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Much of my portrait and fashion photography is done on location, but living in Colorado sometimes the models (and the photographer too) just aren&rsquo;t in the mood for cold weather and snow. That&rsquo;s when a studio comes in handy. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8189 <p><span style="font-size: small;">No matter how you look at it, wedding photographers are dependent on electronic flash. </span><em><br /></em></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8209 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Light-actuated slaves are the smallest, least expensive, and most bulletproof of all slave units. With no moving parts, and, in most instances no power source or sync cords required, they are often encased in a hard clear resin and can be run over by a truck (but not a steamroller) and still work. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8183 <p><span style="font-size: small;">Here&rsquo;s why pros prefer radio slaves, and how you can choose between the top two systems on the market.</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8065 <p><span style="font-size: small;">While a flash on your camera is the easiest, most compact way to insure getting sharp, properly exposed, photographs when shooting moving subjects in dark rooms (sounds like a wedding!), it is also true that the quality of the lighting this type of setup creates leaves much to be desired. </span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8224 <p><span style="font-size: small;">First off, some bank light basics: Unlike umbrellas, bank lights are bulky (even when collapsed!), a pain to set-up, and equally frustrating to break down!</span></p> http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/8253