Aspiring photographers often hit a wall when trying to transition from hobbyist to professional work. It’s one thing to take nice photos for fun, but landing those first paid gigs requires a strategic approach and understanding of what a client needs, not just what you like to shoot. The fantastic video tutorial boils down a simple yet effective formula any beginner can follow to start photographing local small businesses and getting paid.

Coming to you from PJ Pantelis, this excellent video tutorial discusses how new professional photographers can get started photographing small businesses. Notice that Pantelis focuses on the client experience just as much as the final images. Clients are trusting you with the public representation of their image, and that’s a heavy responsibility. He walks through best practices like scouting locations, finding interesting angles, posing subjects, flattering lighting, and effective framing. But the nuts and bolts of running a shoot go beyond aperture and shutter speed. Making a genuine connection and delivering a great experience builds the trust and relationships necessary to get rebooked and referred for future work. Small touches like learning the client’s name, working efficiently, and sharing sample edited images soon after the shoot leave a positive, lasting impression.

For any photographer hoping to make that leap, applying Pantelis’ straightforward tips will simplify what can feel like an overwhelming process, and that’s important when you’re just starting out. With some solid fundamental techniques, intentional client care, and consistent delivery, the transition from amateur to paid professional photographer can be smooth.

If you’re looking to turn your photography talents into a money-making endeavor, be sure to check out the full video above and take notes on Pantelis’ invaluable advice. 

Photography is an art form that relies heavily on the interplay of light and shadow. In the pursuit of capturing stunning images, photographers often turn to lighting modifiers to shape and control the quality of light. These tools are indispensable for achieving the desired mood, emphasizing specific details, and creating visually striking compositions. Let’s delve into the world of lighting modifiers, exploring their types, functions, and the impact they can have on your photographic creations.

Understanding the basics

Natural light

Natural light serves as the fundamental canvas upon which photographers paint their images. It is the essence of visual storytelling, offering an unfiltered representation of the world. The interplay of sunlight and shadows defines the mood, texture, and atmosphere of a photograph, making it a cornerstone in the art of capturing moments.

The impact of sunlight at different times of the day

Sunlight is dynamic, with its character evolving throughout the day. Understanding the nuances of natural light at different times is crucial for photographers seeking to harness its full potential.

• Morning Magic: The soft, warm glow of the morning sun bathes scenes in a gentle, diffused light. Shadows are long, colors are rich, and the world awakens with serene beauty. It’s an opportune time for capturing landscapes and portraits with a tranquil ambience.
• Midday Intensity: As the sun ascends, its rays become more direct, casting sharp shadows and intense highlights. This period presents a challenge but can also be leveraged for bold contrasts, especially in street photography or capturing vibrant colors in nature.
• Golden Hour Elegance: The hour before sunset, often referred to as the golden hour, is a photographer’s dream. The sunlight is warm, soft, and casts a magical, golden hue. It’s an ideal time for portraits, landscapes, and capturing a romantic, ethereal ambience.
• Twilight Allure: After the sun sets, during the twilight hours, the sky transforms into a canvas of deep blues and purples. This period, known as the blue hour, offers a unique opportunity for capturing cityscapes, silhouettes, and dreamy atmospheres.

Utilizing natural light modifiers like reflectors and diffusers

While natural light is inherently beautiful, photographers often seek to modify and enhance it for optimal results. This is where light modifiers, even in outdoor settings, come into play.

• Reflectors: Reflectors bounce and redirect light, adding fill light to the scene. They come in various surfaces, such as gold for warmth, silver for brightness, and white for a natural fill. Reflectors bounce sunlight back onto the subject, effectively filling in shadows and providing a more even illumination. Whether silver for a crisp fill or gold for a warm tone, reflectors are invaluable tools for controlling contrast and adding a flattering touch to portraits.
• Diffusers: These handy tools soften and scatter harsh sunlight, creating a more pleasing and flattering light source. Diffusers are particularly useful during midday shoots when the sunlight is intense. They help eliminate harsh shadows, reduce contrast, and produce a more even and gentle illumination.

In the realm of photography, understanding and harnessing the ever-changing qualities of natural light, complemented by strategic use of modifiers, is an art form that elevates the visual narrative and brings out the true essence of a scene.

Artificial Light

Introduction to artificial lighting sources (Strobes, speedlights, continuous lights)

In the intricate dance of light and shadows within photography, artificial lighting sources play a pivotal role in providing control, consistency, and creative flexibility. These sources come in various forms, each catering to specific needs and scenarios.

• Strobes: Strobes, also known as studio flashes, are powerful bursts of light emitted in a short duration. They are versatile and commonly used in studio setups for portrait and commercial photography. Strobes deliver intense, instantaneous bursts of light, allowing photographers to freeze motion and capture crisp, well-lit images.
• Speedlights: These are compact, portable flashes designed for on-the-go photographers. Mounted on the camera or placed off-camera, speedlights are excellent for events, weddings, and outdoor shoots. They provide a convenient solution for adding fill light or creating dynamic lighting setups in various environments.
• Continuous Lights: Unlike flashes that emit brief bursts of light, continuous lights stay on, providing constant illumination. These lights are beneficial in situations where a photographer needs to see the real-time effect of the light, such as in video production or when working with subjects who may be sensitive to sudden flashes. I adore using the LumeCube RGB Mini sticks for creating all sorts of effects in the studio.

The need for modifiers to shape and soften artificial light

While artificial lighting sources offer precision and control, unmodified light can be harsh and unflattering. This is where lighting modifiers step in, acting as transformative tools to shape and soften the artificial light emitted by strobes, speedlights, or continuous lights.

• Softboxes: Softboxes are perhaps the most popular and effective modifiers for shaping artificial light. They are designed to diffuse and soften the light, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a gentle, flattering illumination. Softboxes come in various shapes and sizes, offering versatility for different photography genres.
• Umbrellas: Reflective or shoot-through umbrellas are versatile modifiers that can quickly modify the character of artificial light. Reflective umbrellas bounce light back onto the subject, providing a softer, more even illumination. Shoot-through umbrellas, on the other hand, diffuse light for a broad and gentle effect.
• Beauty Dishes: These specialized modifiers are renowned for creating a pleasing balance between softness and definition. Beauty dishes produce a soft but focused light with a central hot spot and gradual falloff, making them popular for portrait photography.
• Snoots and Grids: When precision is paramount, snoots and grids come into play. Snoots concentrate light into a narrow beam, ideal for highlighting specific details, while grids narrow the spread of light, enhancing control and creating more defined shadows.
• Reflectors: Reflectors aren’t limited to natural light; they are equally valuable in shaping artificial light. By bouncing light back onto the subject, reflectors fill in shadows, reduce contrast, and contribute to a more flattering and dimensional look.

Soft modifiers

Soft modifiers in photography refer to a category of lighting modifiers designed to create gentle, diffused, and even illumination. These modifiers are characterized by their ability to soften shadows, reduce contrast, and produce a flattering, wraparound light. They are widely used in portrait photography and other scenarios where a subtle and natural-looking light is desired. Here are some common types of soft modifiers:

• Reflectors: Reflectors bounce and redirect light, adding fill light to the scene. They come in various surfaces, such as gold for warmth, silver for brightness, and white for a natural fill. They are used in both natural light and artificial lighting setups to enhance shadows, reduce contrast, and add catchlights to the eyes. A great reflector is a 5-1, which is available in different sizes and has white, silver, gold, black and a diffuser.
• Softboxes: Available in different shapes and sizes, softboxes are designed to create a broad and even source of light. They work by diffusing and scattering light, resulting in soft shadows and flattering skin tones. These are ideal for portrait photography, fashion shoots, and product photography where a soft, wraparound light is desired. Used in portrait and product photography.
• Umbrellas: These modifiers create a broad, even light source. They are also portable and versatile modifiers. You have the option to choose between reflective vs. shoot-through umbrellas. Reflective umbrellas bounce light back onto the subject, while shoot-through umbrellas allow light to pass through, creating a softer effect. They produce a wide, diffused light. These versatile modifiers are perfect for portraits, group shots, and events. Reflective umbrellas can be used for more directional light, while shoot-through umbrellas provide softer, more even illumination.
• Beauty Dishes: Beauty dishes produce soft yet defined shadows, making them ideal for portrait photography. They add dimension and highlight facial features. Beauty dishes produce a soft yet defined light with a central hot spot and gradual falloff. They are excellent for highlighting facial features and creating catchlights in the eyes. Widely used in portrait photography, beauty dishes are favored for their ability to add dimension to the subject while maintaining a soft look.

One of the best soft modifiers I have used is the Phottix G-Capsule. I have the 85cm softbox which offers a softbox, beauty dish, and umbrella all in one. A mix of an 85cm softbox and a 45cm beauty dish gives a beautifully lit portrait (see image above). The telltale signature of two catchlights in the model’s eyes tells where the lights were placed. Round softboxes and beauty dishes give round catchlights, whereas strip boxes and square softboxes will give square or oblong catchlights.

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Hard modifiers

A hard modifier in photography refers to a type of lighting modifier that produces a more focused and defined beam of light. Unlike soft modifiers which create a diffused and gentle illumination, hard modifiers maintain the sharpness and intensity of light, resulting in more pronounced shadows and highlights. These modifiers are characterized by their ability to produce a more direct and concentrated lighting effect.

• Grids: Control the spread of light, narrowing it into a more focused beam. They help prevent light spills and create more defined shadows. Ideal for highlighting a subject against a dark background or when you need to control light spill in a confined space. In the image above, a large grid was used to create harsh highlights and strong shadows.
• Snoots: Concentrate light into a narrow beam, creating a spotlight effect. They are used to emphasize specific details or create dramatic highlights with a defined edge. Useful in portrait and product photography where precision and control over light direction are crucial.

Specialized modifiers

Specialized modifiers in photography refer to a category of lighting modifiers that are designed for specific creative purposes or to achieve particular effects in the image. These modifiers go beyond the standard softboxes, umbrellas, and reflectors, offering photographers unique tools to enhance their creativity and add distinctive elements to their work.

Here are some examples of specialized modifiers:

• Ring lights: Ring lights create a unique, circular catchlight. Ideal for portrait and fashion photography, they reduce harsh shadows and provide soft, even, and shadow-free illumination. They are also commonly used to create a unique circular catchlight in the eyes. As such, they are popular modifiers for creating captivating close-up shots.
• Gobos and cookies: These modifiers are great for incorporating patterns and textures into the scene. You can add interest to backgrounds and create storytelling elements. Gobos (go-betweens) and cookies introduce patterns or textures into the scene. They create interesting shadows and add visual interest to backgrounds. They are also often used in theatrical photography, creative portraits, and adding a storytelling element to the composition.
• Silk and Diffusion Panels: These modifiers soften light in outdoor settings. They soften and diffuse harsh sunlight or artificial light to mimic the effect of overcast skies. As such, they are perfect for achieving a natural, even look. They are essential for outdoor photography when you need to soften sunlight, reducing harsh shadows and creating a pleasing, natural look.

DIY modifiers and hacks

DIY modifiers, short for “Do It Yourself” modifiers, are homemade or improvised tools that photographers create to modify and control light in their photography setups. These modifiers are often crafted from everyday materials or repurposed objects, providing cost-effective alternatives to commercial lighting accessories. Photographers use DIY modifiers for various reasons, including experimentation, customization, and budget constraints. Here are some common types of DIY modifiers and reasons why photographers choose to use them:

• Household Items: Utilize everyday objects like aluminum foil, shower curtains, and more for creative lighting. Items like white bedsheets, shower curtains, and walls can be used to reflect or diffuse light creatively. As such, they are inexpensive alternatives for achieving unique lighting effects, especially in a pinch or for experimental photography.
• Crafting Your Modifiers: Building a DIY softbox or beauty dish, or other modifiers allows for customization based on specific needs and creative vision. DIY modifiers are excellent for photographers on a budget or those who enjoy experimenting with different materials to achieve unique effects. A Pringles can for a snoot is a great alternative as well.

Summary

The introduction of artificial lighting sources broadens a photographer’s tool kit, offering enhanced control over the illumination of a scene. However, to achieve the desired mood and aesthetic, modifiers become essential. They enable photographers to sculpt and soften the artificial light to match their creative vision. Understanding these modifiers and their functions empowers photographers to choose the right tool for the job, unlocking creative possibilities and refining their craft.

In the dynamic world of photography, mastering the use of lighting modifiers is a journey that evolves with each photoshoot. Whether you’re aiming for soft, ethereal portraits or dramatic, high-contrast compositions, understanding the characteristics and applications of different lighting modifiers will empower you to elevate your craft and tell more compelling visual stories. As you experiment with these tools, remember that there are no strict rules — only guidelines to inspire your creativity and push the boundaries of what’s possible with light

Do you need all of these modifiers? No, definitely not. They can be borrowed, bought or created as you need them. It also depends on your style of photography. Think about the images you wish to capture and what light modifiers could be a benefit.

The Moment Long Weekend 35mm Film Camera is a decidedly retro piece of photography equipment for shutterbugs to use as the perfect way to capture moments in a decidedly mindful manner.

The camera is optimized for use with 135 film with an ISO range from 200/400 and is equipped with a focus-free 31mm, F9 optical grade acrylic lens. These features combine to deliver a simple photography experience, which is further enhanced with a lack of adjustable shutter speed and aperture. A built-in flash makes the camera suited for low-light conditions. The unit is powered by a single AAA battery for the camera itself and the flash.

The Moment Long Weekend 35mm Film Camera is priced at $49.99 and available now for preorder with deliveries slated to take place starting December 26, 2023.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Representatives of Brazilian Indigenous groups march through the UN Cop28 climate conference venue on day six of the talks. The international summit, which ends on 12 December, brings together stakeholders, including international heads of state and other leaders, scientists, environmentalists, activists and others to discuss the implementation of global measures towards mitigating the effects of the climate crisis

Photograph: Sean Gallup/Getty Images

The Living Room: The fire escape faces north. “It was my COVID garden,” Amanda Weil says. “I spent so much time on that hammock.” The sofa is Vladimir Kagan, and the pair of swivel chairs are from CB2.
Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson

The first thing photographer Amanda Weil asks “pretty much anyone” who walks into her Village apartment is to stand, in profile, before a translucent-glass door so she can take a picture. Turned into silhouettes, they are displayed on a wall in a grid. “My life is so much about creating community,” she says. “And whether it’s the UPS guy or whatever, these are your people!”

Weil’s photographs mingle on the walls with art made by her friends. Some of her photos, like the seascape shower door, have been transformed into architectural features by Weil Studio, founded in 1993, through which she collaborates with architects and designers to produce installations based on her work. Transparency and translucency have long fascinated her, and an early inspiration was stained glass: “Light is the embodiment of the spirit,” she says, “and that just really spoke to me.”

She found the apartment by “kismet,” visiting it on a playdate with her daughter, Samantha. Its parent owners were thinking about selling, and she needed more space. That was 18 years ago. But it wasn’t until the pandemic that she decided to renovate it. Her first move was to hire an architect whose name she says she has forgotten, probably because “if he didn’t like an idea I had, he wouldn’t draw it, so I fired him.”

Liberated, Weil felt she could do it herself, albeit with some help from her contractor (from Worldkor Construction Corporation) and guidance from one of her best friends, the architect and production designer Kevin Thompson. It was a learn-as-she-went process. “The funny part is that there wasn’t an overarching idea,” beyond letting in more light. “It was like problem solving, one thing after the other,” she says. “I did so much of this with blue tape,” she adds gleefully, mapping out where the walls would go on the floor. She had a particular idea for her bedroom, though. “I am very into boats, so I had this vision in my head of a ship captain’s bed and then literally went on Amazon and bought a porthole and told the contractor where to put it.”

When it came to the kitchen, she knew the five-foot wall blocking the window had to go “because it’s all about the view.” She visited other people’s kitchens to see what she liked. “I hid the appliances as much as I could,” she says. “It was worth it for me showing up here every day for three months because I thought deeply about how I live, all those teeny details, like how you live differently from everybody else. I rarely yearned to come home, and now I do.”

For Nayquan Shuler, documenting South Carolina’s Atlantic Beach Bike Festival (Black Bike Week) in Myrtle Beach is as much an act of cultural preservation as it is an exploration of home. The photographer has always been one degree away from its rich history, thanks to anecdotes from his uncles and cousins who would attend. Now, experiencing it for the first time, and describing it as a “rite of passage,” he shows us the flair and style of 2023’s edition and its binding community spirit in Kings Highway.

Coming to photography during the blog era, Nayquan got much inspiration from the online sphere, as opposed to his surroundings in Columbia, just two hours away from Myrtle Beach. “I was influenced by Madbury Club, Street Etiquette, and Tumblr. It made me curious about travelling and photography, which eventually pushed me to start documenting the people and things around me.” Similarly, before starting on Kings Highway, Nayquan was scouring Facebook before stumbling across the Black Bike Week group, and learning about the week’s series of events. “The first day was tough because it was raining and a lot of people decided to leave early,” he tells us. Soon hearing about a parking garage party nearby, he instead decided to start the project there, making way for documentations of their memorabilia and costume.

iPhone photography tips: Capturing the perfect shot requires mastering exposure, the key to controlling image brightness, whether you’re a photography pro or a casual snapper. Fortunately, adjusting exposure on your iPhone is a simple process, providing you with the flexibility to fine-tune both before and after capturing an image. Before you snap a photo, the iPhone camera automatically sets focus and exposure while face detection balances

exposure across multiple faces. If you prefer manual control, follow these steps:

1. Open the Camera app.

2. Tap the screen to reveal the automatic focus area and exposure setting.

3. Adjust the focus area by tapping where you want it.

4. Fine-tune exposure by dragging up or down next to the focus area.

For added convenience, you can lock your manual focus and exposure settings by touching and holding the focus area until “AE/AF Lock” appears. To unlock settings, simply tap the screen. Also read: Google Messages Photomoji rolled out! Know how to use it – step-by-step guide

On iPhone 11 and later models, precision is at your fingertips:

Tap, tap, and move the slider to adjust exposure.

The exposure remains locked until you reopen the Camera app.

To preserve exposure settings between sessions, go to Settings > Camera > Preserve Settings and turn on Exposure Adjustment.

How to Enhance your photos further with filters

1. Open the Camera app and choose Photo or Portrait mode.

2. Tap, then select a filter by swiping left or right.

3. Capture the shot with your chosen filter.

In the Photos app, you can remove or change a photo’s filter easily. For composition assistance, use a grid or level on your camera screen:

1. Go to Settings > Camera.

2. Turn on Grid and Level to display these aids on the camera screen.

Post-capture, refine your shots in the Photos app using editing tools:

Align shots further and adjust horizontal and vertical perspectives.

Explore additional editing options for a polished final result.

Mastering exposure on your iPhone camera empowers you to unleash your creativity and capture visually stunning moments effortlessly. Hope these iPhone photography tips will help you snap the best images of your life.

Shelby Nolan-Hoare won the People’s Choice Award with her image titled ‘Doll’s House’

Shelby Nolan-Hoare, a BA (Hons) Commercial Photography student from Arts University Plymouth, has been awarded the People’s Choice Winner of the Fashion Category at this year’s British Photography Awards with her captivating image titled ‘Dolls House’. 

The British Photography Awards are organised by a team of British photographers, and throughout the year they run a series of online and live events, including a charity-oriented photography competition, live and virtual galleries and an annual black-tie gala. This year’s prestigious awards ceremony took place at the Dorchester Park Lane in London this month, where Shelby’s outstanding achievement was revealed.

Final-year student Shelby said,

“Winning the People’s Choice was an incredibly proud moment. When I found out that I was one of 25 shortlisted photographers in the Fashion category, I couldn’t believe it. The overwhelming support that I received from family, friends and local groups both in Plymouth and Hampshire was surreal. Looking at the other talented photographers in my category, I was not expecting to win and the honour of being shortlisted alone was rewarding.

When Magic Radio presenter Neev Spencer announced my name as the People’s Choice winner and I saw my picture on the big screen, me and my family were in complete shock. To earn this title as a student photographer is a major achievement and I’m so proud of how far I have come in such a short period of time.”

Shelby is one of many BA (Hons) Commercial Photography students who have produced award-winning photography during their recent studies at Arts University Plymouth. First-class graduate Katy Johnson achieved second place in the Wex Student Photography Competition, Official Selection in the International Photography Awards (IPA) in 2023 and an Honourable Mention in the 2022 Awards. Matthew Marshall, a talented second-year student, clinched a win in the prestigious EIZO UK Student Awards. He was recognized in the Single Image category for his captivating photograph of the iconic Plymouth landmark, Tinside Lido.

Shelby’s winning image at the British Photography Awards was part of her final major project, titled ‘Liminal Space’. The project was curated to explore how clothing, prop and set design can be used as a narrative device in picture making to discuss themes of nostalgia and illusion. The composition features a model in a topsy-turvy world, appearing like a life-size doll in front of a doll’s house.

Shelby said, “Throughout my childhood experience, the concept of a doll’s house fascinated me in terms of its small-scale realism and its endless possibilities when controlling small figures in a game of house. But even though a doll’s house resembles closely to real life, the underlying tone when playing almost felt fake and sugar coated in childhood wonder to my adolescent self. This is what allured me toward this retro toy in the production stage of the photoshoot and I feel expresses in detail the ultimate definition of liminal space with my own personal experiences of nostalgia.”

“The final image that won the People’s Choice award took three practice shoots before I was finally content with the outcome. By the fourth attempt, I decided to try something completely new and featured a garment from third year Fashion Design student, Molly Adlington. With the introduction of youthful colours and a playfully shaped dress, I was able to transport the viewer back in time. Creating a scene that is not only nostalgic, but familiar in the sense that the viewer puts themselves in the shoes of the model and remembers what it’s like to play with a toy such as a doll’s house for the first time. With so much careful planning, trial and error, I’m so proud that an image I worked so hard on has received such positive feedback. As well as winning at The British Photography Awards, months prior to the competition, the photograph was also featured in Draper’s magazine, which is something that both me and Molly are incredibly proud of.”

Originally from Hampshire, 22-year-old Shelby identifies herself primarily as a fashion photographer, with a dream of working for a prominent fashion brand. Influenced by the likes of Tim Walker and Nick Knight, her work is characterised by strong storytelling elements, meticulous composition and a keen focus on lighting.

Shelby chose to study BA (Hons) Commercial Photography at Arts University Plymouth after receiving a recommendation from course leaders during her UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.

Shelby said, “When searching for a university, I initially gravitated towards the South West for its location and photographic community. BA (Hons) Commercial Photography at Arts University Plymouth caught my eye for its broad coverage on editorial, advertising and fashion photography, as well as its equipment and facilities such as the cove studio and the resources in the Equipment Resource Centre (ERC).”

“Throughout my time in Plymouth, I really made use of my surroundings and found a lot of freelance work as part of my Professional Practice module. In my second year, I worked at the high end fashion label, Identity Fashion, based in Royal William Yard, Plymouth. There I got to photograph an array of models and outfits both in the studio and on location for use in marketing or on their brand website. I was also given the opportunity to photograph social events, charity fashion shows and even award celebrations, as Identity Fashion was declared the National Muddy Stilettos Winner for Best Women’s Fashion in 2023. Since then my work from the shop has been featured in the Plymouth Chronicle and is printed on display in store.”

“For anyone thinking of pursuing a career in photography, the best advice I have is pick up a camera and start shooting! As a beginner, I understand that the competitive nature of the industry as well as the cost of equipment can be overwhelming when you’re starting out. You could have the best education and have the most expensive equipment, but without genuine interest in what you’re doing, your pictures just won’t be as good in comparison. Look at other people’s work, try to find what makes you unique and don’t be afraid to experiment and fail. From there, you’ll build a portfolio and your work will start to reflect who you are as a photographer.”

BA (Hons) Commercial Photography at Arts University Plymouth offers the opportunities and expertise to help find success in today’s dynamic and competitive photographic industry. 100% of Commercial Photography students gave the best possible response to seven of the 27 National Student Survey 2023 questions, including 100% agreeing that “it was easy to access subject specific resources when they needed them.”

Arts University Plymouth’s Equipment Resource Centre contains over 6,000 items of industry-standard photography, film, audio, lighting, digital and analogue kit for students to book and loan, free of charge. Email to speak to a member of the BA (Hons) Commercial Photography team or find more information about how to apply to begin studying in September 2024 on the How to Apply page.

BA (Hons) Commercial Photography is also available as a January-start degree which can kickstart students’ future in the creative industries, allowing them to study their first year online at home and then join on campus for years two and three. Suitable for local applicants rethinking their plans to leave the South West for a degree, a mature learner returning to education from the workplace or an international student rethinking plans to travel overseas or looking to save costs. Find out more by visiting the Arts University Plymouth website.

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