Become Better Photographer: Balancing Ambient Light & Strobe with David Bergman

*For more information visit AdoramaTV YT page, and of course you can keep up with David on Instagram and Twitter @DavidBergman. LATEST UPDATE: David opened up new IGTV episodes where you can ask him questions live! find out more at http://www.AskDavidBergman.com

In this episode we learn how to balance natural light with the flash light, without overshadowing/overexposing one another. The right man to ask is our favorite photographer from AdoramaTV – David Bergman.

David shares: “Sometimes you might find yourself shooting outdoors in bad light. Maybe you’ve just started to play around with taking the flash off of your camera, and want to use it outside. But how do you add in the flash while still making a natural-looking image. Here’s the trick – you want to balance the foreground and the background, so the exposures are relatively close to each other. If your foreground is really bright and your background is dark then it’ll look like an unnatural flash lit photo, and of course if the background is too bright and your subject is too dark, well you can see how that looks.”

Mr. Bergman continues: “Here’s the thing, when you’re shooting and you have a background that’s far away like a skyline – you can’t change the light on it. I don’t care how many speed lights you have, you won’t have enough to light up the Manhattan skyline. But you can change your camera settings to make the background brighter or darker. So in this case the background takes priority and you want to set your camera’s exposure for that.”

“Now that you’re locked in on the background exposure, you can add in light to your subject in the foreground. You have total control over that light because you can change the output on the flash. There are a lot of ways to do it depending on what kind of flash you’re using. I prefer to shoot manual for consistency, but with a speed light you can also shoot on TTL mode, and use exposure compensation to dial it up or down as necessary.”

“Lastly if you can get your subject in the shade, so that no sunlight is hitting them, then it gives you a lot more control. Since the only light hitting her, is coming from the strobe, and if you under expose the background just a little bit, it’ll give you a deeper more saturated color and make for a cool image. So remember in an outdoor flash situation where you can’t light what’s behind your subject, set your camera exposure for the background then add your light in on your subject, and adjust to taste. Balance your foreground and background, and you’ll make beautiful, natural-looking images every single time.”

Check out our WORKSHOPS in Los Angeles that teach you hands-on how to make great photos!

Watch the full episode with David Bergman and Adorama TV:

Black Panther by Neville C. Lewin

An awesome cosplay photo shoot happened in NY Studio 4. We had a Black Panther shot by the photographer Neville C. Lewin.

About the photographer:

I have been professionally shooting photography for over 6 years. My photo journey started when I used to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to my home in Brooklyn. I was inspired by the unique NYC views and began documenting my journey with a camera phone. From there, I purchased a camera and eventually created my company Beautifully Ugly Photography (B/U).

Black Panther by Neville C. Lewin -X-lights, white industrial studio, RGB lights, Rent a Studio, Photostudio, Photography Studio, photographer, paint drops wall, NY Studio 4, New-York City, New-York, Long Island, Hourly Studio Rental, French Walls, Concrete Wall, color splashes, Brooklyn, Blackout Studio, black wall, Black Panther by Neville C. Lewin, Black gloss floor, Affordable

About the shoot:

As for my shoot specified in your email, I decided to book with your studio for the first time after attending a mixer. After seeing your black room, I was inspired to have a shoot with a black panther cosplayer. So I contacted one of my favorite cosplayers @PhillyBlackPanther and the rest was history. It was a great shoot and your studio was amazing.

Follow:

Neville C. Lewin

Business name: Beautifully Ugly Photography (B/U)

IG: @b_u_photography

model in pics: @phillyblackpanther

website: buphotography.net

About this location:

Our Blackout & RGB enforced studio 4 with “Action Painting” wall is on a high demand. This blackout stage was designed to provide complete control over the strobe light. As with any our other stages a standard package of three basic backdrops and three lights is available within the stage already. Find out more about our new NY Studio 4’s pricing and availability by visiting our website!

Anne Logarta presents: Lingerie Photography in PRO II

This Anne Logarta’s photo shoot is a perfect example of how to utilize our PRO II’s bed stage in a stunning way!

About the shoot:

For this shoot, I was accompanied by my beautiful, talented and upcoming model Miriam. I thought it would be best to choose Pro Stage II because we wanted to shoot something for Valentine’s Day as it was coming up at the time. Miriam had envisioned sultry-romantic vibes. We wanted to make sure we utilize everything Pro Stage II has to offer. We incorporated rose petals as props, lace and lingerie outfits for the bed shoots. We most definitely cannot wait to shoot at FD Photo Studio again!

Follow the crew:

Photographer’s IG: www.instagram.com/pixxbyanne
Photographer’s website: www.anneminettephotography.com
Model’s IG: www.instagram.com/maivalher

At the location:

Pro Stage II has been adorned with a few additions. Firstly, now there is a huge American flag that covers a good portion of the wall and is already becoming a hallmark of the Pro stages. In addition to that, standard photo backdrops of black, white and grey color, and studio lighting for stills are also included in the hourly rate. Make sure to catch the coolness of this space with your photo and video cameras and book with us NOW.

NEW STUDIOS: Holiday Mixer and New-York Studio Preview

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

FD PHOTO STUDIO is excited to invite you to the first NY FD Holiday Mixer and preview of our brand new studios:

FD Photo Studio Astoria

On December 14th, for this day only in 2019, come attend the preview our brand new upcoming studiosduring our Holiday Mixer! From 5 to 10pm, gear up, dress up and get ready to shoot in this incredible new space. Yes, it’s incredible. And you won’t have to take our word for it.

Huge windows, textured wall, amazing day light, crazy amount of space, so many options, and surprises are being built as we speak. Completely unique interiors that you will get to see and try out for the very first time in NYC! Stay tuned as we release sneak peeks on IG 😉

All are invited to attend, dressed in your classiest most beautiful gala/cocktail attires. Fancy space calls for fancy people, don’t you think?

Everyone is welcome, and we especially encourage models and photographers to show up in their best holiday attire. Additionally, we’ll also have two beautiful models ready to shoot. You don’t want to miss out on our drinks and snacks and most importantly the amazing networking opportunity to connect with new creatives here in NY! We are also planning something very special for this event, and we’ll be release more info very soon.

Come celebrate a year with FD Photo Studio NYC! A year of creation, inspiration and collaboration. We are very proud of have you as creatives and we hope to see you all on December 14th!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

NEW STUDIOS! Los Angeles Holiday Mixer and GRAND OPENING.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

FD PHOTO STUDIO is proud to announce the Grand Opening of our latest LA Location

FD Photo Studio Olympic

On December 14th, will have the pleasure to welcome you at our brand new location, FD Photo Studio Olympic for our annual Holiday mixer.

From 4 to 9pm, gear up, dress up and get ready to shoot in this incredible new space. Yes, it’s incredible. And you won’t have to take our word for it. It’s nothing like the other LA spaces.

First floor studios, huge spaces, cyc walls, huge doors to shoot … CARS! That’s right, cars! Each studios has a garage door! 😍

Get ready for shoot some amazing shots!

Here is what you can expect:

– 2-3 beautiful agency models ready to shoot

– 2 luxurious cars

– a holiday set

– 5 new spaces to explore

– food

– drinks

– Holiday raffle to win prizes, gift and studio time

– and much more! (More updates will be released on social media)

This event is open to every creative! Come shoot with your friends, meet new artists,and celebrate a new year with FD Photo Studio! A full year of creation, inspiration and collaboration. We are very proud of have you as creatives and we hope to see you all on December 15th!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

WORKSHOP: Beauty Photography Masterclass w/ Alexa Tokich, Alaina Davenport & 2 Agency Models

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

On December 8th, 1 pm – 4:30 pm we are tackling Beauty Photography, and how to get this shot that makes a portfolio stand out. Yes, the famous macro shot of perfect skin and impeccably applied makeup. We would like to show you how it’s done!

➡️ First, it starts with a great makeup application.
➡️ You also need the right beauty model.
➡️ Then, with good control of light and angles, you can take the shot.
➡️ Finally, knowing how to retouch, as subtly as possible, is key.

During this masterclass taking place on December 8th, 1-4:30pm in our new location FD Olympic, Alexa Tokich and Alaina Davenport are joining forces to help you master a holiday glam makeup application in order to create the perfect macro shot. Note: We will cover retouching during another workshop.

For 3h30, beginners makeup artists and curious photographers will get to attend two different makeup applications, on two different skin tones, before being able to shoot the models one on one.

1:00 – 2:00
Makeup Application Model 1
Alaina will do the first makeup demonstration on Elena, the first model.

2:00 – 3:15
Shoot with Alexa and Model 1
Alexa will demonstrate how to shoot beauty with a simple studio light setup. Individual practice time.

2:00 – 3:15
Makeup Application Model 2
Alaina will do the second makeup demonstration on Odie, our second model.

3:15 – 4:30
Shoot with Alexa and Model 2
Alexa will demonstrate how to shoot beauty on a second model, with a different skin tone. Individual practice time.

How to successfully apply makeup on different skin types or skin tones?
How to make sure it looks perfect right away on camera?
How to pick colors that compliment skin tone?
How to used oils and shimmers?
How to direct and talk to models to obtain the effortless look that you see in magazines and beauty campaigns?
How to experiment with lights and colors?
How to communicate what you want to your makeup artist?
Understanding a light set-up and creating the perfect makeup for it?

We will answer all your burning beauty questions (as long as they are about beauty photography! Questions about quantum physics will have to wait 😉) and give you all the hot tips and secrets we know!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Meet our speakers:

Alexa Tokich

Alexa Tokich is a fashion and beauty photographer with 5 years of experience under her belt. She has worked with various modeling agencies throughout the LA area and continues to work with local brands, designers and cosmetic companies. Alexa enjoys shooting clean beauty in various skin tones with her Canon camera and prefers using softbox lights.

https://www.instagram.com/tokich_photography/ – https://www.tokichphotography.com/

Alaina Davenport (@a_d_makeup)

Alaina has been working with Alexa as a makeup artist for several projects now. Her style is versatile and she is always looking for new projects to expand her skill set.

Meet our beautiful beauty models!

Elena (@lenahikaru)

Odie (@officialodie_19)

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Come preview this new location, learn more about makeup and beauty photography!
Drinks and snacks provided <3

HOURLY SCHEDULE

1:00 – 2:00
Makeup Application Model 1
Alaina will do the first makeup demonstration on Elena, the first model.

2:00 – 3:15
Shoot with Alexa and Model 1
Alexa will demonstrate how to shoot beauty with simple studio light setup. Individual practice time.

2:00 – 3:15
Makeup Application Model 2
Alaina will do the second makeup demonstration on Odie, our second model.

3:15 – 4:30
Shoot with Alexa and Model 2
Alexa will demonstrate how to shoot beauty on a second model, with a different skin tone. Individual practice time.
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

4 Christmas Setups at FD LA Locations!

Please see the updated 2023 Christmas Setups at our LA Lofts location in DTLA! The article below is about 2019 Christmas decorations and they are not active in 2023. We are ready for Christmas 2019! Are you? Expect these amazing setups in 4 stages, one of each in every Los Angeles location.

CHRISTMAS SETUP IN Stage B

GORGEOUS CHRISTMAS SETUP IN Art 4

WHITE CHRISTMAS SETUP IN PRO III

BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS TREE IN Hill 5

Besides this happy holiday mood, all of our stages come equipped with everything you need for a professional photoshoot. Each 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 our stages on our website for availability as well as rates.

Stunning Rain Shots In Hill 7 Studio.

That’s the way of doing male photography of studs in the rain. Great shots by a photographer Gabriel Ervin.

Members of the crew:

photographer: Gabriel Ervin | @fwuelmedia

model: @Iamaristotleramos

The stage:

Studio Hill 7 also known as a rain-room stage, offers unique experience for photographers to capture images in a wet environment”. Equipped with one of a kind shower system, now you can shoot models in the “rain” against white/black backdrops. For more information visit stage Hill 7 on our website.

Spyro Zarifopoulos In Fd Nyc Studio 1

An amazing lingerie photo session by a New York based photographer Spyro Zarifopoulos is what you would need to see today to get inspired. 🙂

A snippet of Photographer’s story:

“Born in the US, of Greek descent and now based in New York, I have a strong passion for photography and find myself drawn to a mix of street, nature and landscape themes. Using a Leica Rangefinder allows me to better interact with my subject, noticing details and capturing moments that would otherwise go undocumented all while maintaining a very unobtrusive presence. My first camera an Olympus OM1, I purchased in 1978 during my Thanksgiving College break in NYC 35 years ago….Holding in my hands this tiny mechanical camera felt good and natural. Since then, I went on to try other brands such as Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Contax and Ricoh, but nothing gave me that special feeling again until 1996 when my close friend Ken Hansen introduced me to the Leica M6. Holding it and working the film advance lever with its silky smooth movement and pressing and feeling that buttery – smooth shutter along with that magical “click” made for love at first sight. Ever since, my love and appreciation for these Leica Rangefinder mechanical and digital marvels has helped me capture and share with my friends and family those special moments of what I see and feel when I press the shutter. As you can see from my style, I like to shoot wide and normal aspect, which enables me to engage my subject making them feel comfortable and allowing for a more relaxed and natural process. The small size and portability of the system makes for a very effective street, travel and candid photography tool. ”

This session’s crew comprised of:

photographer: Spyro Zarifopoulos | @spyrozarifopoulos | www.spyrozarifopoulos.com

At the location:

NY Studio 1 known as “White Floor” studio 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 white platform. And the bed. The bed that comes with clean sheets (fees apply) and photogenic look, ready for always anticipated, the “bed scene” Besides, Studio 1 comes equipped with black, white and grey backdrops already installed and three strobe lights included in the hourly rate. Have a look at New York Studio 1 on our website information, prices and availability.

About the photographer:

About the shoot:

Follow:

About this location:

About the shoot:

Follow the crew:

At the location:

FD PHOTO STUDIO is excited to invite you to the first NY FD Holiday Mixer and preview of our brand new studios:

FD Photo Studio Astoria

FD PHOTO STUDIO is proud to announce the Grand Opening of our latest LA Location

FD Photo Studio Olympic

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

On December 8th, 1 pm – 4:30 pm we are tackling Beauty Photography, and how to get this shot that makes a portfolio stand out. Yes, the famous macro shot of perfect skin and impeccably applied makeup. We would like to show you how it’s done!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Meet our speakers:

Meet our beautiful beauty models!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Come preview this new location, learn more about makeup and beauty photography! Drinks and snacks provided <3

HOURLY SCHEDULE

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Members of the crew:

The stage:

A snippet of Photographer’s story:

This session’s crew comprised of:

At the location:

Come preview this new location, learn more about makeup and beauty photography!
Drinks and snacks provided <3