Here's a Quick Tip to Raise Production Value

RENT EQUIPMENT.

One of the easiest ways to boost production value is to rent equipment. Everything from cameras, lens, lighting, gimbals, accessories, and filters are available for you to rent.

None of these things replace the basic knowledge of using a camera though.

If you’re looking for reputable places to rent from, I’ve used both Lensrentals and Aperturent and they’re great.

Here’s a cheat code: a perfect time to rent from Aperturent is right before a holiday. If their office is closed then you get free rental days(especially around Christmas and New Years).

How to Fix Your White Balance

Art is subjective and photography is art, but sometimes we want our photos to look just like what we see in person.

One of the most flexible things you can do with your camera is change your “Image Quality” to Raw. You’ll be able to make more adjustments to your photos in editing softwares like Adobe Lightroom.

I typically only shoot in RAW. It does take up more space in your memory card, as well as other Raw + JPEG type options, but it works best for me.

Choose the option closest to your environment (Or Custom Temp).

For studio sessions I choose the custom option and set it too 5600k.

Your camera will most likely have your white balance set to Auto. I don’t trust it. It can be helpful but it’s still better when you control your settings. If the camera thinks you’re in different environments then “Auto” can ruin your workflow and disrupt consistency. When I’m outside I set my white balance to cloudy by default. I just like the look of it, even though I can tweak the temperature in post production if I want. If I’m doing a session that requires some type of flash then I automatically set it to 5600k.

F/ 6.3 1/160

White Balance Settings: 5600K

There are plenty of photographers who have a warm style. Photography is subjective. If it’s warm though, you want it to be warm because you made the decision. Here’s a chart showing examples of realistic scenarios and color temperatures associated with them:

Using One Light for Studio Photography

One Light Photography

105mm, f/8, 1/160

Oftentimes we think multiple lights and other accessories are necessary to create soft even light for studio work. You only NEED one. I used a Paul C. Buff Einstein light with a 86’ White PLM Umbrella for every photo on this blog post.

I know 86” sounds huge.

It is. But it works.

70mm f/6.3 1/160

We want to spread the light as much as possible and you’ll definitely achieve that with such a large source of light.

Typically I’ll place the modifier at a 45 degree angle with the light high enough to tilt down.

My typical setup when using one light.

I start almost every portrait session with the same settings and adjust as I go:

1. f/ 5.6

2. 1/160 Shutter Speed

3. White Balance 5600K (so it’s consistent)

Because the light source is so wide-ranging, shooting couples and families and getting “better light” is easier.

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative light then Paul C. Buff Alien Bees are considerably less expensive. Umbrellas are typically less than $100 as well.

I’ll add some photos here that were taken with this setup: