WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME A PHOTOGRAPHER! We asked 4 PROs

“I like to photograph anyone before they know what their best angles are.”

Ellen Von Unwerth

If you are in the midst of making a tough decision – quitting your nine to five to live a wild life of freelancer, the photographer freelancer, this “ASK 4 PHOTOGRAPHERS” Youtube episode is for you.

We asked 4 Professional Photographers about their moments of self-reestablishment as the freelance photographer.

The full interview is available of YOUTUBE. For your convenience, here is the transcript of it as well.

Sana Nodelman @sana.nodelman: I saw like little butterfly and just wanted to just wanted to picture this little beautiful piece of art, this piece of God. Then, I need the money at the same time so I just decided that I’m going to start and just do this photography for a living. I was 15 years old at that time. Then, I got my first camera. Yeah, this is just how I started. I just needed the money so bad.

Jeff Tse @jefftse123: I don’t think it was a conscious decision to become a photographer for me it was just mostly it was a form of expression, I was just taking pictures of my friends. I was photographing my friends just cycling, I was very into the sport of cycling and a couple of years went by and was working in the Tour de France photographing Lance Armstrong. I think it was a good marriage between my creativity and the sport of cycling which I was very passionate about, so it was a really good fit. I became a photographer mostly because I wanted to create strong aesthetics, it was definitely the right medium for me to express my visual creativity.

Kelly Elaine @kellyelainephoto : I used to be a technical writer for the government, writing software manuals, it’s as terrible as it sounds. I knew I needed a creative outlet and wanted to go in a different career so that’s how I ended up here. I just really love shooting and I’m happy to be doing this now.

Loretta Richert @lolagraphy_photo: You know I actually just took a class in college and fell in love with it. The teacher encouraged me to take it up as a minor. I was studying dance, at the time, so I immediately just started shooting dancers and really fell in love with it and after graduating college, turned it into a professional career.

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“Get You” Cover song by Belle Dorrien and Maddie Peterson

Acoustic cover of Daniel Caesar’s song “Get You”, performed by a duo, Belle Dorrien and Maddie Peterson, is as warm and soothing as the natural light that surrounded musicians in the golden hour. Beautiful frames and vibrations.

"Get You" Cover song by Belle Dorrien and Maddie Peterson -wrongron, Wrong Ron, test shoot, stage Art 4, shot at FD Photo Studio, Rental Studio, Photoshop, Photoshoot, Photography Studio, photography services, photographer, Model, Los Angeles, FD photo studio, fashion, DTLA, blog, !done, !Art4

Few words from the du0 about the shoot:

“We had initially planned to book a studio at FD Photo to take some headshots and maybe have a small photoshoot for fun; however, the idea expanded into collaborating together to record a song cover of “Get You” by Daniel Caesar, during our scheduled time. The day turned out to be a lot of fun! Thank you, FD Photo Studio for your accommodating and friendly environment for creativity!”

Credits:

Singer/Model Belle Dorrien | INSTAGRAM |

Singer/Model Maddie Peterson | INSTAGRAM |

Photographer/Videographer Gio Barot | INSTAGRAM |

Photographer Sabrina-Belle Dorrien

Watch full video of the cover song:

Stage Art 4, used for this shoot, is notorious for the high-key white industrial design. It has also been recently adorned with wooden floor section and a wall veneer as well as portable blinds, made of dark wood slats. The latest upgrade the stage received was a nice looking cozy egg like chair and a STAR illuminating across its shape! As any of our stages, Art 4 comes equipped with 3 strobe lights and modifiers as well as backdrop paper of black, white and grey color. Take a look at Stage Art 4 HERE for its availability and pricing!

ZIVA by Tokich Photography

Another great example of gel-colored portraits with well defined dramatic look and high contrast. Photographer Alexa Tokich from Tokich photography painted half of the face with blue light, so her model – dancer/singer ZIVA now looks mysterious and very effective.

ZIVA by Tokich Photography -ZIVA, wrongron, Wrong Ron, Studio Photography, shot at FD Photo Studio, rental stages, Photoshop, Photoshoot, photography services, photographer, Model, Los Angeles, FD photo studio, DTLA, blog, beauty shoot, Alexa Tokich, !done, !B

Few words about the photographer:

“I’m Alexa Tokich an L.A. based photographer/ fashion videographer.

I’ve been following my passion of photography for three years. I feel blessed with every new opportunity and new people I can connect with. I love creating a beautiful image and story. “

Credits:

Singer/Dancer: ZIVA |INSTAGRAM|

Photographer: Alexa Tokich, Tokich Photography |INSTAGRAM|

Stage B is a benchmark blackout stage designed to provide complete control over the strobe light. Painted all black and with shut off windows this stage preserves complete darkness for your photo and video projects. As any of our stages, B comes equipped with black, gray, and white background paper, three strobe lights and numerous modifiers for your choice. To check the availability for this stage as well as find more helpful information about our rental please see the WEBSITE.

Kylee Spann shoots Tiffany Simpson

Even though this stage (stage A) has a very minimal look, which is basically white walls with huge windows and three backdrops, photographer Kylee Spann has proven to us – this look is enough to create an awesome variety of shots.

A short bio of the young talented photographer:

“…my name is Kylee I am 19 years old. I have come to realize how much art is in the world, and how much I am a piece of artwork just like every single one of you. I am here to capture that art that inspires me and to do what I love most, be creative.”

Credits:

Photographer: Kylee Spann | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE |

Model: Tiffany Simpson | INSTAGRAM |

The crew has chosen Stage A due to its size and affordability. Nevertheless, this Stage provides outstanding natural lighting conditions where there is a direct sunlight in the morning through north and east-facing windows, and beautifully soft indirect light as the day goes on. Equipped with all of the same great gear that’s included with all of our studios – strobes, light modifiers, radio trigger, and paper backdrops – it’s a wonderful place to be able to achieve different looks all in the same place. Visit Stage A on our website to learn more.

Kylee Spann shoots Tiffany Simpson -wrongron, Wrong Ron, Tiffany Simpson, Studio Photography, Stage A, shot at FD Photo Studio, rental stages, Photoshop, Photoshoot, photography services, photographer, modeling, Los Angeles, Kylee Spann, high fashion, FD photo studio, fashion, DTLA, blog, !done, !Av2

How To Create a Nighttime Look During The Day

In this tutorial from Adorama TV, Daniel Norton shows the magical trick of how changing the color temperature can turn day into night. In his studio in New York, Daniel shoots in a broad daylight, right in front of floor-to-ceiling, wide windows.

Initial camera settings: 1/60 shutter speed, f4.5 aperture, ISO 100.

Here is how the image will look without any color manipulation, using only natural light form behind.

In this example the white balance is currently set to: “daylight”.

A basic, with blown out window lights, not so pretty lighting on the model’s face – this photo is your average daylight photo type.

To achieve the “nighttime” feel, we can use this trick – change the light color setting to a colder, blueish temperature. This technique has been widely used in cinematography for a long time.

On this photo we switched white balance towards to a colder color. The picture turned blue, yet is still too bright for the nighttime. Model’s skin also looks unhealthy blueish and needs to be corrected.

Let’s increase the shutter speed to 1/800 to make the picture really dark and enrich the blue color.

The end photo at this step should represent the balance of dim lit background and decently lit model. In this example 1/800 shutter speed does the trick.

Now let’s turn our strobes on.

On this picture we added a key strobe to light up our model’s face from the front. The key light also translates as blueish due to our camera’s white balance setting. To remedy that, we need to produce a tungsten light from our flash, using CTO – color temperature orange.

Now the model is neutralized.

Adjusting our exposure…

Now adding a fill light from the back with preinstalled CTB – color temperature blue, to add more moonlight nighttime effect.

The final step is to use a third light with another CTO filer on and aim at windows and the wall, thus imitating an evening moody warm light apartment light.

Final adjustments are made to find a balance between 3 lights.

Watch the full episode with Daniel Norton and Adorama TV:

How to shoot a One Light Low-Key Portrait with Mark Wallace, AdoramaTV

In this great tutorial released on Adorama TV, Mark Wallace shoots high contrast profile portrait using just one low-key light with the grid and a bounce board.

Equipment

For this shoot Mark uses one 2′ octabox with the grid, facing the model from behind, camera’s right.

From the opposite side, to fill in shadows on the face, Mark uses a white board reflector, imitating the fill-light.

Where Magic Happens

On our one light we use a diffuser to soften the light. Also, the light source is positioned very close to the model, thus becoming ever softer. Remember the rule? The bigger/closer the light to the subject, the softer the light. In the example Mark presents to us, the light is 1. diffused and 2. very close to the model .

To shape the light into more convenient controlled environment, we use a grid on the light modifier – it gives the light more defined direction. Plus it helps to prevent lens flare, if the light otherwise beams right into the lens.

Here are the shots Mark captured by playing with bounce board

… and its absence.

Watch the full episode with Mark Wallace and Adorama TV:

20 PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS FOR BEGINNERS FROM PROs, Vol.2

“If the photographer is interested in the people in front of his lens, and if he is compassionate, it’s already a lot. The instrument is not the camera but the photographer.”

Eve Arnold

IF YOU MISSED Vol. 1 TIPS FOR BEGINNERS, WATCH HERE

In this “ASK 4 PHOTOGRAPHERS” Youtube episode our second part of photography tips for beginners from PROs will expand further your knowledge of various aspects the photoshoot entails. From setting up your camera equipment to building relationships with the crew, here are 20 tips from 4 Professional Photographers.

The full interview is available of YOUTUBE. For your convenience, here is the transcript of it as well.

Mila Zvereva @mila_zvereva : In the beginning I recommend to get exposed to art in any available forms such as printing, old, new movies, poems, photographs to find inspiration in architecture around you, in dreams, take part in deep conversations.

Zuz @the_zuz : She’s very direct with everybody on her crew, like what you want, what you want to achieve. And always plan for any emergency because they happen. Always have a backup plan.

Kelly Elaine @kellyelainephoto : Charge your batteries. Don’t forget your memory cards, I’ve done that before and it’s the worst feeling, your heart drops.

Zuz @the_zuz : Tell your crew to come earlier than you actually expect to shoot because some people will be late and you don’t want to have that on your set.

Kelly Elaine @kellyelainephoto : Be okay with messing up. No one’s good when they first start. And it’s okay to mess up. I still feel like, insecure all the time about what I’m doing even though someone from the outside might not think so. So just don’t be afraid to ask for help and find yourself a mentor, find someone who’s been doing it for a while and just let go of all of the negative people who are going to tell you that you’re not going to be able to do it because if you really want to, just focus on it and it’ll happen for you at some point.

Zuz @the_zuz : The best example of using a back up plan is actually today. And while my makeup artist didn’t show up and we still have to do the shoot, so fortunately the model and I had some makeup accessories so we can basically do it on our own.

Kelly Elaine @kellyelainephoto : Leave your ego at the door because you’re not going to get anywhere with it.

Toma Kostygina @toma.kostygina : You don’t need a fancy camera to shoot a good picture. Concentrate on your lighting skills, on your composition and design. I know a few photographers who do a full time living from photography. The world is really competitive though, but if you have a passion for it, I’m sure you can make a full time living.

Zuz @the_zuz : Always make sure that you have a document that protects your own rights and your work.

Mila Zvereva @mila_zvereva: The artist is a sponge who absorbs only things they develop. The more diverse is this collection, the more sources of inspiration will then become available to you.

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Kristen Ashley’s Lifestyle Shoot

Fairly new to the world of photography, Kristen Ashley has only been doing it for about 2+ years. Yet in those 2+ years she learnt how to take very nice, vibrant pictures. Shooting in stage Art 2, Kristen worked with natural light, superposition of the outfit agains background and a gorgeous Dinetia Dean.

A short info about Kristen’s experience at FD:

“I am self taught and is still enjoying very much learning new things. So far I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing people. The shoot that we did that day was not one of my bigger projects, however I was able to work with some very talented individuals. “

This session’s crew comprised of:

Model/Photographer: Kristen Ashley | INSTAGRAM |

Photographer: Chaz Stanback | INSTAGRAM |

Model: Dinetia Dean | INSTAGRAM |

Art 2, is one of the busiest stages we currently offer. Equipped with everything you need for a perfect intimate, romantic or empowering style of photoshoot, this stage always leaves our clients excited and hungry for more time. Featuring a dark wood floor platform across the stage and a sexy dark leather lounge chair creates welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. A wall section with the brick veneer adds a flavor of downtown loft New York style. Among these unique features, the stage comes with great equipment – three strobe lights, three backdrops of white, grey and black color, sound system, makeup station and changing station. Take a look at Art 2 on our website for availability as well as rates.

INNER STRENGTH AND BEAUTY by Morgan Amber Duncan

Captured in three crazy 90s style, sexy looks, a group shoot of six amazing women took place in Art 4. The idea behind this session was to show the strength and the beauty of each model and encourage women’s strong self-esteem despite harsh beauty standards that our world imposes. Arranged by Morgan Amber Duncan, the photo shoot went tremendously well and fulfilled its purpose.

About the photo shoot:

“We created magic in the FD studio a couple weeks ago. So grateful I could put this diverse group of women together for a collaboration project. I’ve gotten to be so passionate about women finding inner strength and beauty not only in themselves but also building up other women in the meantime. Unfortunately in today’s society I believe it is so hard to not find women who are threatened by each other and lack the sincere feeling of being happy for one another’s success. So with this shoot I wanted to broadcast a group of women who are beautiful inside and out. Some with, some without prior modeling experience! Can’t tell can ya?! That’s the point. We are all equally beautiful no matter what shape, size or color. “

INNER STRENGTH AND BEAUTY by Morgan Amber Duncan -wrongron, Wrong Ron, women empowerment, test shoot, stage Art 4, social cause, shot at FD Photo Studio, Rental Studio, Photoshop, Photoshoot, Photography Studio, photography services, photographer, Morgan Amber Duncan, Model, Los Angeles, FD photo studio, fashion, DTLA, blog, !done, !Art4

Follow Morgan Duncan on INSTAGRAM for daily updates. Photographer for this session was Adrienne Durazo.