May 2009

Beginner's Guide: Studio Portraits
Using studioflash for portraiture is a natural progression for photographers who have developed their skills with natural light and are ready to broaden their experience. The ability to have precise control of the lighting intensity and direction, as well as being able to shoot at any time of the day or night, means that studioflash holds key advantages over using daylight. In this month’s Beginner’s Guide, we provide the essential information newcomers to studioflash need to choose the best equipment for their budget, as well as the techniques required to start shooting great portraits. As you’ll discover, decent kits aren’t expensive and it’s far easier to shoot professional-standard results than you might think


Photo Adventures: Creature by Andrew Zuckerman
Andrew Zuckerman’s latest project is a true masterpiece of animal photography. Creature is unlike any other collection of wildlife images you’re ever likely to have seen before. All creatures great and small, from lions and chimpanzees to toads and scorpions, populate this stunning tome, yet the rainforest, jungle and savannah are lost instead to the pure white background of a photographic studio. The result is a unique and captivating form of animal portraiture that is set to redefine the genre


Digital Convert: Chris Weeks
Hollywood’s favourite photographer, Chris Weeks, was shooting for his local newspaper by 11. Now, at 41, he’s the man the stars pay to shoot their private parties and portraits – Just don’t call him a ‘pap’! We caught him in a rare moment when he wasn't out snapping the rich AND famous inhabitants of L.A., N.Y., Paris or London.

Creative Digital Techniques: Adding Textures
We are often asked by readers about the techniques behind some of the shots that are featured in the magazine. One of the techniques we’re asked about the most is how contemporary photographers add that ‘scratchy’, old world look to their images. The answer is ‘textures’, so we asked last month’s Digital Convert, Lara Jade, an expert, to explain how simple it is to use them

Comparison test: Studioflash kits
If you’re serious about studioflash, you need a kit to match your passion. A more advanced set of lights will meet your needs for extra features, power and performance, giving you the confidence to get better results. We put five kits from the leading brands through their paces to see how well they compared


Photo DIY: Simple steps to improving your skills
Five simple step-by-step techniques to taking great pictures.