Lighting How To

Many photographers prefer the look and feel of natural light people pictures, whether they're shooting environmental portraits in the field or working in a makeshift studio at home. There are also shooters who simply avoid flash photography at all costs because of a misconception that it's too complicated for their rudimentary skills.

We all face a difficult compromise when processing our photos: When edits are insufficient, photos will appear flat and uninspiring, while a heavy-handed approach results in overcooked results that have no relationship to reality.

Are you struggling to capture perfectly exposed photos with balanced tones, deep shadows, and highlights full of detail? It a common problem that we often address in post-processing tutorials. Today, however, we're taking a close look at how a camera's meter-mode setting will greatly impact the look and feel of every image you shoot.

Last month we brought you an inspirational video demonstrating why a simple flash can greatly improve all sorts of photographs made indoors or out. It was an illustrative piece without much technical information. Today's tutorial covers the how in simple terms that beginners can understand.

It may still be a bit cool for a swim at the beach, but that doesn’t mean it's too early in the season for a sensuous boudoir shoot on a nice day. And that's what you'll learn how to do in this behind-the-scenes tutorial from acclaimed expert Michael Sasser.

Nailing exposure can be be difficult once the the sun drops below the horizon, and one of the biggest challenges is controlling highlights for proper tonal balance throughout a low-light scene. This quick tutorial from the My Photo Journey YouTube channel describes the necessary in-camera adjustments in barely nine minutes.

Here's a unique tutorial from bird photographer Shelley Pearson who treats us to an uncommon mix of information, gorgeous imagery, and inspiration for nature and wildlife shooters. In the next five minutes you'll learn how to unlock the beauty of backlighting effects.