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.

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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.

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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.

WANT TO LEARN MORE FROM PROS AND ASK THEIR ADVICE?

SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE TO ATTEND PHOTOGRAPHY MIXER that will take place on July 12th in one of our Los Angeles studios

Watch the full episode :

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. “

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

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!

Portraiture Photo Shoot by Masha Ray

Using natural light only, photographer Masha Ray had a pleasure to capture the beauty of a young model Edith Samantha. Depicting portraits in smooth pastel color, Masha took advantage of a soft light to enhance the serenity of each photo.

Few words about the photographer:

“Masha is an International award-winning wedding photographer, her premium wedding photography service includes two photographers, providing all day coverage with no additional time charge. Your wedding day is covered from hair and make-up till the end of the reception.You can find Masha’S Photography wedding photos on the pages of leading wedding magazines and on preferred vendor list of So Cal leading wedding venues. Masha is both traditional wedding and LGBT same sex wedding photographer. She focuses on candid moments using artistic style with photojournalistic, documentary approach.”

This session’s crew comprised of:

Photographer Masha Ray | INSTAGRAM |

Model Edith Samantha | INSTAGRAM |

Hair Stylist Nichole Philamalee | INSTAGRAM |

Stylist Helen | INSTAGRAM |

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Stage Art 1, a long-time FD Photo Studio favorite, was used for this shoot. With the high-key white industrial design that FD is notorious for, Stage Art 1 is a clean setting that can be manipulated to fit all kinds of projects. This space has its windows facing South and West and gets beautiful direct light during the PM hours, and great open-shaded light in the morning.

Take a look at Stage Art 1 HERE to see what equipment is included in the hourly rate, as well as its availability and pricing.

Boudoir Shoot by Justin Cook

Photographer Justin Cook did make a right decision to book both Hill 1 and Art 3 stages for a sexy boudoir shoot. Both stages have a theme for sensual, intimate look. And while Hill 3 includes a bed, and thus hints on erotic provocative scenes, Art 3 has more dreamlike, fine aesthetic. And model Angelica Carrasco looked perfect in either setting!

A little recap of their day:

“I met Angelica on a modeling app and we decided to set up a studio shoot together. She wanted to do a sexy boudoir shoot and I didn’t have anything like that for my book, so it worked out great. We shot at two FD locations – Hill 1 and Art 3 – and made the most of our time. Since it was a fairly quick day, we just put some house music on and went to work. Angelica is a trooper and is very talented, so it made my job really easy. A few of the images from this shoot are some of my favorite that I’ve ever made, so I’m happy to share them with you all.”

This session’s crew comprised of:

Photographer Justin Cook INSTAGRAM

Model Angelica Carrasco INSTAGRAM

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Stage Hill 1 has a few distinct features you will not find in any other stages. Facing the west side this stage gets lots of natural light in the afternoon and has amazing lighting conditions during the golden hour. Among included props are industrial wooden table with benches, two antique green chairs and white leather comfy chair. And the bed. The bed that comes with clean sheets (fees apply) and photogenic look, ready for always anticipated, the “bed scene” Besides, Hill 1 comes equipped with black, white and grey backdrops already installed and three strobe lights included in the hourly rate. Have a look at Hill 1 on our website for more information, prices and availability.