Seven Photography Blogs Worth Following – Joe McNally's Blog

Joe McNally's Blog
Today's blog recommendation goes to Joe McNally's blog. Perhaps not the most popular blog on the Internet, but certainly one of the most popular photographers on the planet. I first linked to Joe's blog via the Strobist. Of course I knew of Joe McNally, after all, who doesn't? However, I had never thought to see if he had a blog and if so, what it might be like. Well, I'm glad for serendipity, cause this blog is worth keeping an eye on.

Seven Photography Blogs Worth Following – Digital ProTalk

Today's blog recommendation goes to what might likely be the most popular wedding photography blog on the planet. However, you don't have to be a wedding photographer to appreciate all the content you will find here.

Digital ProTalk
I am a big fan of Digital ProTalk. I don't remember how I first became acquainted with this blog, probably through a photography forum, but have been quite addicted ever since. I am sure that once you taste all the lighting, posing, shooting, and day to day business and marketing advice offered up, you too will become a follower.

Seven Photography Blogs Worth Following – Strobist

Today's blog recommendation is one of the most popular photography blogs on the net and was included in TIME Magazine's 25 Best Blogs of 2010.

Strobist
I have been watching this blog for some years now. When I first heard about it I got real excited that someone else was totally into using portable flashes for lighting. At that time I had six Vivitar 285 flashes and thought I must be nearing some kind of record. That was of course before hearing about the infamous Joe McNally and his incredible collection of SB800  and SB900 flashes. More on Joe later, but for today we are talking about the Strobist, a blog dedicated to the small flash for lighting.

Seven Photography Blogs Worth Following – Going Pro

Today's blog recommendation is targeted primarily for those who are either starting a new photography business or contemplating doing so. Those who already have an established photography business will also glean some useful information from this excellent blog. For that matter, nearly any photographer will find something useful in this informational treasure trove.

Going Pro
GoingPro2010 is the most recent blog addition to my iGoogle page, which is where I keep track of blog updates for all of the blogs I follow. The blog's name pretty much says what it is all about. For someone like me, transitioning from part time to full time photography, the name beckoned for a closer look. Glad I did too, as every post is packed with something of real value.

Seven Photography Blogs Worth Following – A full week of blog recommendations

What's That?
This week I would like to share with you seven of my favorite photography related blogs. I am not putting them into any particular order, as they are each the best in their own rights. I will however give you a brief review for each based on my view of universal truth. I hope that you find this series informative and worthwhile.

Coming Next
This series will be coming fast and frequent. No promises, but I hope to put out a post a day for a total of seven postings in seven days. Watch for the first post very soon!

Until then...

-Gene

Increasing Contrast with a Gridded Light

Forward
The title for today's post is a bit misleading, as a grid doesn't really increase contrast, it only increases the directionality of light giving more control over where the light will and will not appear. What is really going on here is that a small light source at a low lighting ratio is being used to give a subtle, but important contrast boost to the face. The grid lets us place the contrast at a specific area with minimal impact on the rest of the lighting.

Photographing a Baby on Location

In this post I will show the setup and give a rundown for photographing a baby on location with a minimalist lighting setup. Here are a few of the processed shots from this particular shoot. There is no magic in the post processing, just normal spot edits for blems, minute eye enhancements, and a few skin enhancements to add more glow to the skin.