Portrait Wednesdays: Madame Butterfly
“See, the night doth enfold us! See, all the world lies sleeping!” ― Giacomo Puccini With Wordy Wed-nesdays running so many years I thought it was time for a change and inspired by Gary Bern-stein’s 1988 book Burning Cold decided to see how many Wed-nesdays I could publish a different portrait of the same model, in this case Pamela Simpson. Over the next who-knows-how-many weeks I’ll be showcasing a different image of her...
Portrait Wednesdays: In The Pink
With Wordy Wednesdays running for so many years I thought it was time for a change and inspired by Gary Bernstein’s book Burning Cold decided to see how many Wednesdays I could publish a different portrait of the same model, in this case Pamela Simpson. Over the next who-knows-how-many Wed-nesdays I will be show-casing a different image of her that was made over the five years that I’ve photo-graphed Pam showing her many, many...
No Photoshop Please, We’re French
In 2009, French lawmakers proposed a law that photographs where a model— the key word is “model” not your aunt Sally—has been photoshopped be labeled as such. In 2017, that law is now going into effect. The BBC reports that the Photoshop rule does not apply to the removal of blemishes being or retouching to hair. France 24 reports that as of October 1, 2017, anyone who publishes a photo in which Photoshop is used to “either slim or...
Shooting FourSquare’s 48-inch Softbox
When it comes to softboxes, bigger it always better—and softer. FourSquare’s FSK48 48-inch softbox is big but is only 20-inches deep allowing to fit in tight spaces like my 11×15-foot home studio. For location work, it knocks down to 20-inches long, fitting into the pouch that’s included with the $319.95 kit. In addition to the front diffuser, an interior diffusion screen is included to soften and diffuse the light even...
Shooting Portraits with Lowel’s Blender
The Lowel Blender’s twin-LED design makes it possible to fine-tune its color output to match (or contrast with) whatever kind of existing light that you’re grappling with. This tiny (4.5 x 3.75-inches) unit produces 56W of light, is dimmable from 100% to 10% and is powered by a 120V AC adapter or the optional ($27.88) camcorder battery sled (uses Panasonic, Sony or Canon batteries.) The Lowel Blender 3 Light Kit includes three...
How Did You Make That Shot? It’s Back
A studio session … provides the greatest chance for control. [But] even though there is total freedom.—Eve Arnold I started ‘How Did You Make That Shot?’ in 2012 but last year I only wrote one post, so in response to reader requests, I’ve brought it back. I promise to make an effort in 2017 to update this series, especially as I put my newly refurbished home studio back to work this year. Flashpoint’s 13-inch...
Working in Your Home Studio
If you follow me on Instagram (@joefarace) you know that a few months ago, my basement was flooded causing damage to my in-home studio. We’re in the final phase of repairs to the studio. When it’s completely finished I’ll do a video tour of the 11×15-foot studio, showing updates and some of the lighting tools I use. There are lots of things you’ll have to consider when working in your home studio beginning with tailoring the...
