Master Class

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Monte Zucker  |  Sep 01, 2005  | 

Making black and white photographs in the darkroom was never as exciting as it is now on the computer. I spent many years developing my own negatives and making prints. I settled for a lot less quality then than I'm getting now from my digital images. Plus, there is absolutely no waste. If I'm not happy with the results I simply go back a few steps in Photoshop and...

Monte Zucker  |  Aug 01, 2005  | 

Throughout my lifetime as a photographer I've met strangers who have later had a tremendous impact on my life. Many times, events have had an impact on me as well. This time it was people, place, and timing.

I was teaching a class in Gouverneur, New York. Well, at least I was trying to teach a class. In reality I was so sick I could hardly get out of bed. For...

Monte Zucker  |  Jul 01, 2005  | 

The sun will come out tomorrow...or even tonight if you need it! Yes, you can now have your window light wherever and whenever you need it. You can turn it on 24/7! Plus, you can move the window from one side to the other if you want to turn your subject's face in the opposite direction. It's all about some new lighting being produced by Westcott (800-886-1689;

Monte Zucker  |  May 01, 2005  | 

Photos © 2004, Monte Zucker, All Rights Reserved

I 've often heard it said that the teacher learns from his students. Such has certainly been the case for me. My Photoshop guru, Eddie Tapp, was in my classes years ago when he was first becoming a photographer in Dallas. Now, I study with him every time that I get a chance to attend one of his five-day classes...

Monte Zucker  |  Mar 01, 2005  | 

Photos © 2004, Monte Zucker, All Rights Reserved

Picture this: You're in the golden era of your life. You're at the top of your professional career. Your reputation as a significant portrait photographer and teacher is as solid as ever, even after being in the profession for over 50 years. You're appearing in New York City for Canon at one of the...

Monte Zucker  |  Feb 01, 2005  | 

All Photos © 2004, Monte Zucker, All Rights Reserved

Good portraits need to be created with controlled light. You just can't bring people out into open spaces--where light is coming in from all around--and get good results. There are many ways to control light for portraits both in a studio environment and outdoors. I illustrated several of my techniques...

Monte Zucker  |  Dec 01, 2004  | 

All Photos © 2004, Monte Zucker, All Rights Reserved

Put together a boatload of Shutterbug fans looking for a fun, educational experience and you can bet that they're going to have the time of their lives! We did! Every day a new port. Every day more picture opportunities. Every day a chance to stand beside and shoot with instructors Don Gayle, Bryan...

Monte Zucker  |  Nov 01, 2004  | 

All Photos © 2004, Monte Zucker, All Rights Reserved

Have you ever considered creating people portraits? I mean real portraits, pictures that capture the essence of that individual and have character and style. If so, I just want you to know that there's a lot more to people portraits than posing and lighting. One of the most essential...

Monte Zucker  |  Oct 01, 2004  | 

Photos © 2004, Monte Zucker, All Rights Reserved

One of the most enjoyable parts of my life today is sharing everything I've learned over the years. It's no secret. I learned photographic techniques--posing and lighting--many years ago and then...

Monte Zucker  |  Sep 01, 2004  | 

Keeping It Simple
In this first picture you see some of my most used props. A posing stool and table, a silver/black Westcott reflector, and a Westcott black/white
fold-out background panel. I use the "Monte/ALM Posing...

Monte Zucker  |  Aug 01, 2004  | 


Use Arms, Legs, Or Whatever You Have Available
In these first two images notice how I've placed the dancer's hands on her hips, filling the space in both vertical and horizontal formats. Crop to any other dimensions? Possibly, but why? It's so easy to...

Monte Zucker  |  Jul 01, 2004  | 

It was my first class at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre in Delray Beach, Florida. The Centre and I had known about each other for years, but never really connected. I had heard that this was a happening place. Wow, that's putting it mildly! This...

Monte Zucker  |  Jun 01, 2004  | 

In our first installment, Monte shared some of his exciting posing and lighting secrets on his trip to Mexico. We continue with more lighting tips...

When The Background Outside Is Important...

Monte Zucker  |  May 01, 2004  | 

It doesn't take me long to pack when I get invited to teach a class in an area that I'm anxious to visit. In my rush I did forget to pack my socks, however. But I had my cameras, a few lenses, a tripod, lots of memory cards, and my passport.

Monte Zucker  |  Mar 01, 2004  | 

There are still some people who feel that digital will never have the quality of film. They also think that anyone can take a snapshot and make something out of it in digital. They say, "But it's not the real thing! I'll never go that route!"...

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