Hey guys after a crazy busy May I was inspired to make a video talking about the trap of getting sucked into backlighting all of your photos. Yes, it looks good but its an easily repeatable formula that the majority of new photographers rely on. I want to inspire you to think more dynamically when it comes to the position of your light and to go deeper with compositions and angles. Photography is an art of personal development so if you find yourself falling into this trap please take a moment to watch and see if you can begin to move out of your comfort zone next time you are out shooting, it will pay dividends. Hope this helps - Will
Step 1 - Find a background you fall in love with Step 2 - Figure out the light source from THAT background Step 3 - Compose your shot with that light source from THAT background in mind
great advice. I also just think people learn a trick and overuse it till they get bored and then learn new photo tricks. I remember being a gel addict and being a grid addict for a while. I also remember the days when I was really into white balancing to 4800 degree just because that was what everyone was into. Remember when FHM was into shooting at 5500 color temp? That was the hip technique for a while after everyone was tired of the overly warm skin tone.
Re read this comment and it’s so true.. I think everyone definitely goes through the process of photography “tricks” until they ultimately realize it’s all about simply making your subject look beautiful and communicating the moment. Ultimately that’s what people pay for
Absolutely right for the photographer whom shoots mostly ambient lighting, but for those whom use fill flash and such the priority of light changes, by using the natural light to complement your artificial light. enjoy your videos great job
Yessssss!! Don't get me wrong. I love back lit photos. But if you don't have that "light" you have to use the kight in a different way. And use the backgrounds and unique compositions to make it interesting. For example yesterday during a surprise proposal session. The location wasn't the most interesting, but i observed different spots that were interesting and observed to see where the light hits in these spots, so i can take advantage of it. To make it pop. Even if someone doesn't like flash. One should be ready to shoot in most light situations. But i think this is why some need to have creative friends and connects to practice Great video!!
GREAT comment. It’s so important to become more dynamic. Photography demands constant refinement and new levels or else it gets BORING! Agree though backlighting is awesome as long as it’s not the only tool in the shed
Great content. I have been natural light almost exclusively a lot but lately I have been using more and more off camera flash even during the day. The more I have done it recently, the faster I nail the exposure the first time making it seamless with client experience. I was in a rut earlier this year and everything was feeling too repetitive with my work. Thanks for insight.
Awesome comment, thanks for watching Troy.. it’s so true, looking at light differently is such a great way to break through to higher levels. Sometimes we think we have achieved all that we can as photographers but the truth is there are infinite combinations, possibilities and landscapes we can create with even the smallest adjustments to our process
Yes! Still working on it, it’s a lot of work! We are perfectionists (to a fault sometimes) so we’re refining everything. Just want to make sure it’s super useful and unique
I have this thing where I dont think its a good idea to say what you're going to do before its done so I will just say that I can't wait to show you guys what's in the works right now for the channel. It's coming very soon. Thanks for the support brother
This is some fantastic advice Will. Light is the single most important aspect of photography. The word photograph literally means “light painting.” So when we practice photography we are “painting with light.” This is definitely great advice for a beginner photographer to learn about. Thank you Will for another excellent video brother. We’ll see you in the next one bro!
Hi Will I was glad to see a new video of your's to show up. You have a very common and down to earth photography philosophy. I learn something new every time I watch a video of yours. After some radiation treatments, I am finally able to get out for some personal photography enjoyment. Best Duane
Thank you for your thoughts! I am shooting for many years and I feel that I miss practice to shoot in various different scenarios, kind of stuck in several most common lighning schemes used in a studio work shooting ads and catalogue. So Thank you man for inspiration you share! Love from Russia
Great Advice. Backlight takes the "Focus" off the eyes, the window to the soul. A Commercial Portraiture photographers job is not to take a great picture. it's to make your client look great. Never forget that. They aren't hiring you to "show off your ego" they are hiring you to make their client look amazing.
Always excited to see a new vid from you! Brilliant message here - so helpful and motivating. Looking forward to more, and i didn’t forget about your masterclass 🙂 Thanks man!
Nice to have you back with this amazing tips man !!! This is the type of topics that help the photography community to grow , thank you for your amazing work!!! Btw I missed the " how's it going my friends 👏..back to another video ..." Intro😂
Hahah trying to get right to the point from now on and do my rambling/life updates at the end.. watched a few of my old vids and I was like damn that was a LONG intro 😂
This is why I started following you your a true teacher. I truly appreciate you passing the knowledge on. I haven’t pick my camera up in a few months I have a few things to get In order before I pick that camera back up thanks so much this video was just what I needed my friend 🙏🏾
Huge compliment! Really my point with any video is to get people to see things a little differently then motivate them to get up and shoot. Thanks for the support buddy 🤝
Good to see you back and great to hear that you're busy, even if it means less videos :) Thanks for the thoughts, totally agree. I suppose it's not only about the backlighting, but goes for everything. I can't help thinking about how much people are using rule of thirds and don't really move on from there. Same problem.
Useful video. Always glad to see what comes out on this channel. I can think of some things I might do differently when I go back to take pictures of a memorial. The images today were in harsh light and I could have used some of that contrast to create drama; particularly in light of the muted colors.
Nice to see you again! In good shape and office and excellent content :) I could not agree more that light (shadows - lack of light) is crucial in photography.
Thanks for this.Something you mentioned that most people forget is that composition is is important and the camera or AI will not give it to you. Not that I am against AI but anything automatic makes you forge the basics. Again thanks of this video.
It’s amazing that you came out and spoke about the point which I started to realize that it’s the most important of our work, and it’s light. Man! I should’ve realize that earlier. Thanks for sharing that with us. You made me proud of myself and be sure that I’m on the right path
Can I just say something? It's about the lighting in this video. It would work beautifully for certain styles of photography, and I'm sure you know it. But for the video, the time we see your face with only one eye is a bit too long. When you move your head and the other eye and part of your face catch light and become visible, it feels like a huge relief. I'm sure you know what I mean, and I hope you don't take it as a negative comment. To me, your video is a perfect illustration of a lighting effect that may not always work equally well for video and photo, and should be used sparingly. Thanks and all the best!
![Tee Grizzley - Blow for Blow (feat. J. Cole) [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wNLN5xsx5dc/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey guys after a crazy busy May I was inspired to make a video talking about the trap of getting sucked into backlighting all of your photos. Yes, it looks good but its an easily repeatable formula that the majority of new photographers rely on. I want to inspire you to think more dynamically when it comes to the position of your light and to go deeper with compositions and angles. Photography is an art of personal development so if you find yourself falling into this trap please take a moment to watch and see if you can begin to move out of your comfort zone next time you are out shooting, it will pay dividends. Hope this helps - Will
Loving your videos. Still. Four years later, new vibe/same unique approach. Stay well and prosper in your new space!
You’re the man JR, appreciate your support!
Step 1 - Find a background you fall in love with
Step 2 - Figure out the light source from THAT background
Step 3 - Compose your shot with that light source from THAT background in mind
Factual data
Bam. First. Welcome back.
Fastest keyboard in the west haha
F/1.4? Pffttt. Obviously doing f/1.2 👀
Hahah NEED that extra slice of blur
Tbh, the backlit shot is a nice one to get done quickly before moving on to the more interesting compositions.
@@madst7521 Totally agree. I still shoot a lot of backlit but it's really like 20% of the gallery when it used to be 80%
It's always good to see you again. Are we going to address Rembrandt lighting next?😉👍
Haha that’s what I call “foreshadowing” 😉
great advice. I also just think people learn a trick and overuse it till they get bored and then learn new photo tricks. I remember being a gel addict and being a grid addict for a while. I also remember the days when I was really into white balancing to 4800 degree just because that was what everyone was into. Remember when FHM was into shooting at 5500 color temp? That was the hip technique for a while after everyone was tired of the overly warm skin tone.
Re read this comment and it’s so true.. I think everyone definitely goes through the process of photography “tricks” until they ultimately realize it’s all about simply making your subject look beautiful and communicating the moment. Ultimately that’s what people pay for
Absolutely right for the photographer whom shoots mostly ambient lighting, but for those whom use fill flash and such the priority of light changes, by using the natural light to complement your artificial light. enjoy your videos great job
Well said
Thank you for video. It is helpful. Do you still shoot weddings with the Z6?
Thanks so much for watching! Still shooting with the Z6ii’s.. absolute beasts
Yessssss!! Don't get me wrong. I love back lit photos. But if you don't have that "light" you have to use the kight in a different way. And use the backgrounds and unique compositions to make it interesting.
For example yesterday during a surprise proposal session. The location wasn't the most interesting, but i observed different spots that were interesting and observed to see where the light hits in these spots, so i can take advantage of it. To make it pop.
Even if someone doesn't like flash. One should be ready to shoot in most light situations.
But i think this is why some need to have creative friends and connects to practice
Great video!!
GREAT comment. It’s so important to become more dynamic. Photography demands constant refinement and new levels or else it gets BORING! Agree though backlighting is awesome as long as it’s not the only tool in the shed
You never fail to inspire, thanks for the video.
Thanks so much for the support brother 🤝
Great to hear from you again
Thanks for watching David 🫡
I've been waiting so long time but finally !! man, I totally agree 🙏 expecting another video ! take care 🙂🙂
🙌🙌🙌
And then you find flash, and another level unlocks... But it's all part of the big road, great Video!
Eeeeeeexactly!
Like playing the guitar or piano everyday. In most cases, it will probably make you better a little everyday.
✅
Ok, but I got the Z8 and I love it though. 😊 also the 85 1.2 backlit is also incredible haha
Haha facts!!
Just dropping a comment to say that I love your refreshing reminders.
Edward thanks so much for the comment and appreciate you being on the channel sir 🤝
Always in love with this wonderful you tube channel !
Thank you very much!
Great to see you back. I really appreciate your instructional videos.
Really appreciate you watching John
Great content. I have been natural light almost exclusively a lot but lately I have been using more and more off camera flash even during the day. The more I have done it recently, the faster I nail the exposure the first time making it seamless with client experience. I was in a rut earlier this year and everything was feeling too repetitive with my work. Thanks for insight.
Awesome comment, thanks for watching Troy.. it’s so true, looking at light differently is such a great way to break through to higher levels. Sometimes we think we have achieved all that we can as photographers but the truth is there are infinite combinations, possibilities and landscapes we can create with even the smallest adjustments to our process
Good to see another video from you!
Thanks for watching David!
Thanks , I was getting Bummed out , this made me wanna try things a different way, or look at it another way.
Glad it helped Charles!
Welcome back! And glad to see you have new content to share!
Thanks for watching Catherine!
Another thought-provoking idea to consider! Thanks for your content! Do you still plan on making a set of masterclass style tutorials?
Yes! Still working on it, it’s a lot of work! We are perfectionists (to a fault sometimes) so we’re refining everything. Just want to make sure it’s super useful and unique
We need more of this, like weekly videos. I would pay any subscription
I have this thing where I dont think its a good idea to say what you're going to do before its done so I will just say that I can't wait to show you guys what's in the works right now for the channel. It's coming very soon. Thanks for the support brother
Thank you for the amazing content and advice.
Thank you for watching!
This is some fantastic advice Will. Light is the single most important aspect of photography. The word photograph literally means “light painting.” So when we practice photography we are “painting with light.” This is definitely great advice for a beginner photographer to learn about. Thank you Will for another excellent video brother. We’ll see you in the next one bro!
Preciate the comment brother and happy Memorial Day!
Hi Will
I was glad to see a new video of your's to show up. You have a very common and down to earth photography philosophy. I learn something new every time I watch a video of yours. After some radiation treatments, I am finally able to get out for some personal photography enjoyment.
Best
Duane
Thanks for continuing to show up Duane!
Thanks, great teach.👍
Thanks for watching Thomas 🤝
Thank you so much for that video.
You are so welcome!
Good to see you again. How are you?
EXCELLENT (except for the poison ivy 😭)
@@TheMonochromeMemoirs - good - so you are a member of the Ivy League now?
I never heard of this technique.
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for your thoughts! I am shooting for many years and I feel that I miss practice to shoot in various different scenarios, kind of stuck in several most common lighning schemes used in a studio work shooting ads and catalogue. So Thank you man for inspiration you share! Love from Russia
Great Advise! Thank You So Much!
Great Advice. Backlight takes the "Focus" off the eyes, the window to the soul. A Commercial Portraiture photographers job is not to take a great picture. it's to make your client look great. Never forget that. They aren't hiring you to "show off your ego" they are hiring you to make their client look amazing.
Facts!!!
If the client looks amazing but the photo is shit, they might be happy but you aren’t very good at your job, and that photo won’t get you new clients.
Always excited to see a new vid from you! Brilliant message here - so helpful and motivating. Looking forward to more, and i didn’t forget about your masterclass 🙂 Thanks man!
Thanks for watching Craig! Glad it helped brother 🤝
Glad to see you back on YT!
Thanks for watching Catalin!
Amazing insight
Preciate you watching Ash 🤝
Long time no see !
Still kicking! Thanks for hanging around all these years 🫡
Will, always thankful to see your vid hit screen! Tells us you’re alive and kicking.
Better than ever sir! (Except for the poison ivy)
Nice to have you back with this amazing tips man !!!
This is the type of topics that help the photography community to grow , thank you for your amazing work!!!
Btw I missed the " how's it going my friends 👏..back to another video ..." Intro😂
Hahah trying to get right to the point from now on and do my rambling/life updates at the end.. watched a few of my old vids and I was like damn that was a LONG intro 😂
Thank you so much
This is why I started following you your a true teacher. I truly appreciate you passing the knowledge on. I haven’t pick my camera up in a few months I have a few things to get In order before I pick that camera back up thanks so much this video was just what I needed my friend 🙏🏾
Huge compliment! Really my point with any video is to get people to see things a little differently then motivate them to get up and shoot. Thanks for the support buddy 🤝
Good to see you back and great to hear that you're busy, even if it means less videos :)
Thanks for the thoughts, totally agree. I suppose it's not only about the backlighting, but goes for everything. I can't help thinking about how much people are using rule of thirds and don't really move on from there. Same problem.
Great to hear from you Samuel!
Useful video. Always glad to see what comes out on this channel. I can think of some things I might do differently when I go back to take pictures of a memorial. The images today were in harsh light and I could have used some of that contrast to create drama; particularly in light of the muted colors.
So glad you got something out of what I was saying here. Thanks for watching Greg!
Nice to see you again!
In good shape and office and excellent content :)
I could not agree more that light (shadows - lack of light) is crucial in photography.
Thanks so much for watching Robert 🫡
Thanks for this.Something you mentioned that most people forget is that composition is is important and the camera or
AI will not give it to you. Not that I am against AI but anything automatic makes you forge the basics. Again thanks of this video.
Absolutely agree. I will be using AI too but it will never substitute the skills of a well rounded photographer
It’s amazing that you came out and spoke about the point which I started to realize that it’s the most important of our work, and it’s light. Man! I should’ve realize that earlier. Thanks for sharing that with us. You made me proud of myself and be sure that I’m on the right path
Glad this vid hit for you Omar!
This is the inspiration I needed today. Thank you.
I'm so glad!
Love the content and thank you for continuing to put out useful content that’s not just gear reviews!
Very much appreciate the support Ryan 🤝
Great video. I can relate.
Glad it helps my friend!
Can I just say something? It's about the lighting in this video. It would work beautifully for certain styles of photography, and I'm sure you know it. But for the video, the time we see your face with only one eye is a bit too long. When you move your head and the other eye and part of your face catch light and become visible, it feels like a huge relief. I'm sure you know what I mean, and I hope you don't take it as a negative comment. To me, your video is a perfect illustration of a lighting effect that may not always work equally well for video and photo, and should be used sparingly.
Thanks and all the best!
I actually agree with you man! My key light was a *little* too far off camera left here, will def adjust for the next vid 🤝