Light and Lighting: October 2008 Archives

There is so much to learn about lighting in photography, we couldn't possibly cover it all in seven questions. At the end of our interview I asked John where to go for additional resources and offerings. This is where you can go for more advice from John Siskin...

I asked John Siskin what exercises our listeners could do to achieve better creative control of lighting. To my delight he offered a simple, cost-effective way to learn exactly how light behaves and how you can manipulate it.

With some photographs, shadows need to be avoided but in shots like this one of Huntington Library, they become a part of the picture's ambiance and mood. How did John Siskin manage to create such a masterpiece? He let us in on a few of his secrets while explaining the techniques behind this shot.

The picture of this entry way is majestic, to say the least. Would you believe me if I told you there were six different lighting sources used to create the natural light look? John Siskin explained how during his 7 Photography Questions interview.

At first glance, you would never guess this photograph was of a plastic ice cube. How do you create art out of something so mundane? John Siskin explains the tools and techniques he used to get such an amazing shot.

Looking at this picture of tomato soup, you can almost taste the savory flavor. How did John Siskin manage to capture the essence of the meal? While he admits he had a food stylist to help, much more than that went into this appetizing shot.

Sometimes our eyes deceive us, and this picture of a bird nest is a perfect example. While it may look like this shot was taken outdoors, John Siskin explains how he captured this beauty in a studio environment.

A dog portrait doesn't have to be boring. While most people worry about head placement and expression when photographing their pets, John let creativity take over and created a shot that let the personality of his dog shine through.

This rhythm child photograph is filled with great shadow and highlighting. How did John Siskin manage the shot? He explains how placement and direction have everything to do with the mood of this photograph.

This picture of a brunette girl features an amazing combination of light and shadow. John Siskin explains how he did it in this portion of his 7 Photography Questions interview.

Every professional photographer holds a few trade secrets dear, and creative lighting secrets may be some of the most valuable. But how do you get a master to part with the secrets of the craft? John Siskin was kind enough to share a few during his 7 Photography Questions interview.

John Siskin took the time to explain a bit about the fundamentals of flash compensation and fill lights during his 7 Photography Questions interview. If you thought you knew how to make the most of your outdoor photographs, the following information may prove to be priceless.

If you want to shoot outdoors after the sun has gone down, you need to understand what it takes to shoot low light photography. After all, not all nighttime shots are filled with bright stars or shining city lights. John was happy to share some advice with us. Here he explains how to overcome the obstacles of shooting in the dark.

Low light photography can definitely throw some obstacles in your path. The question is, must you settle for sub-par photographs in difficult, low-light situations? John Siskin revealed the answer to that question, and it may change the way you feel about shooting in low light conditions.

Controlling light doesn't come without its challenges. That doesn't have to mean that trying to do so is a fruitless endeavor. According to John Siskin, there are just a few things you need to consider when trying to get light to do what you want.

When you choose to invest in equipment for lighting in digital photography, the cost can be a bit burdensome. It's best to know exactly what you need to start with so you aren't throwing your money out the window. Fortunately, John Siskin had some great money-saving lighting tips.

John Siskin had used the term sync speed more than once during our interview. In fact, he wrote an article about the topic. I asked John to explain what sync speed was, and the conversation took an unexpected turn...

Lighting types vary greatly from one to the other, and quartz lighting and strobe lighting are two very different lighting sources. How do you know which one is best for your photography needs? John Siskin sheds some "light" on the subject...

If you want your photographs to truly shine, you need to understand how to best use your lighting sources and which ones to choose. During his 7 Photography Questions interview, John Siskin explained which characteristic was absolutely most important to look for.

Not all lighting is created equal and John Siskin advised us that a strobe light was best for digital photography purposes. If you're wondering why strobe would beat out quartz lights and other photography lighting sources, this part of John's 7 Photography Questions interview is a must-read...

More than a few photographers assume that natural lighting is best. The question is, is it true? John Siskin tackled the answer to that question during his 7 Photography Questions interview.

We can all make mistakes when it comes to lighting sources, but what is the most common lighting mistake and how can our listeners avoid it? That's exactly what I asked John Siskin during our 7 Photography Questions interview, and his answer was really quite surprising in its simplicity.

We're all aware of lighting in photography. After all, our earliest childhood memories often involve the word "cheese" and a flash of blinding light. But why is lighting so important in the world of photographs? John Siskin explains...

Are you interested in learning the secrets of lighting in photography? Then this episode of 7 Photography Questions is something you definitely don't want to miss.

I'm interviewing John Siskin, a highly-acclaimed professional photographer, and asking him to explain the ins and outs of lighting in photography.

John fields the top 7 questions regarding lighting in photography and teaches us how to use light and control it. Join us as he shares his expertise and advice with our listeners...

Not using the proper lighting in photography can prevent you from ever reaching your full potential as a photographer. It's important to understand that one type of lighting can make a shot look extraordinary, while another can turn it into a blurry, shadowed mess.

How do you know which lighting is best and how to use it? We are turning to John Siskin for the answers.