Concept: "Rough-in" a general lighting scheme, then fine-tune for emerging opportunities.Tools: Studio Strobes+Chinese Lantern+Scrim+Reflector

Action: This is a complex-looking solution which is really quite simple and extremely versatile. By lighting for the space, rather than to a specific pose, I was able to quickly bang-out everything from full-length gown shots to close-up details.

Concept: Control light fall-off to balance intensity.Tools: Two Softboxes+Studio Strobe

Action: I love the figure in repose. Long and languid, it always inspires my subjects to a bit of theatricality. All I need is room to stretch out and a few proper tools...

I am really excited to say that the Environmental Portraiture workshop I am teaching at has sold out for Saturday, Mat 7th. There's still a few seats left for Sunday, May 8th - we have beautiful landscapes and beautiful models to work with, so if you are in the area head to Canon's site to find out more information and sign up: EOS Destination Workshops

Concept: Have a plan, but try to embrace the unexpected.Tools: Fresnel Focusing Spot+Unexpected Sungun

Action: I suspected that this balcony and stairs could provide a tasty composition and felt that a single directional source should create a crisp and glamorous lighting pattern. After rigging a single undiffused Mole-Richardson "InBetweenie" Tungsten Solarspot, it was a snap to balance to the room and we were soon ready to shoot.

What's better than springtime in one of the most beautiful places on earth? Well, the same location with professional models to photograph, plenty of nifty Canon gear to play with, and a generous instructor to lean on...

Concept: Cast a tight beam for theatrical emphasis.Tools: Two 200w Mole InBetweenie SolarSpots

Action: This image was created within the tight confines of a tiny and ornate lavatory. The faux-painted walls and gilded accessories found in this space assured that uncontrolled reflections would abound if an unfocussed light source was introduced. Too much output from our supplemental source could wreak havoc as well...

Concept: Supplemental light sources can be exceptionally effective when hidden within the scene.Tools: Kino Flo Daylight Single

Action: This situation featured a mix of indirect-daylight and a handful of 10-watt incandescent "flame" globes controlled by a wall dimmer. The juxtaposition of the two very different color balances sounded fun, but the broad disparity in candlepower was a challenge for both eye and sensor.

Concept: Carefully consider your color palette when mixing light sources. Tools: Daylight Fluorescent+Softbox+Natural ReflectorAction: This scenario was a perfect opportunity to work with one of my favorite new lighting instruments, the Westcott Spiderlite TD5 in a matching Westcott 36" x 48" softbox. Although the Spiderlite may be fitted with Edison-based AC-powered strobes or 3200K tungsten globes, I chose the third option and installed a full set of Westcott's daylight-balanced fluorescent lamps. ]]> 2011-03-14T23:35:00+00:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/bdornppc/story/exploring_light_discovering_style_a_lighting_tutorial_lesson5 http://prophotocoalition.com/bdornppc/story/exploring_light_discovering_style_a_lighting_tutorial_lesson5#When:00:05:00Z

Concept: Utilize your set's architectural opportunities.Tools: Monolight+Large Softbox+Full-Length ReflectorAction: The framing in this situation was a gift. The symmetry of the architecture - mixed with loads of interesting detail in the d©cor - presented an opportunity that was impossible to pass by. The only available light was that which emitted from an ornate hanging fixture and the two small windows we've mentioned before. ]]> 2011-03-01T00:05:00+00:00 http://prophotocoalition.com/bdornppc/story/exploring_light_discovering_style_a_lighting_tutorial6 http://prophotocoalition.com/bdornppc/story/exploring_light_discovering_style_a_lighting_tutorial6#When:01:43:00Z

Concept: Place pools of light to create a sense of depth.Tools: Monolight+Two Speedlites+Two Strobe Slippers+SoftboxesAction: The rather deep staging of this scene poses a specific challenge. With one player in the immediate foreground and the other well back in the space, appropriate depth-of-field would be a primary consideration. ]]> 2011-02-16T01:43:00+00:00