On this episode of The Beginner Photography Podcast, host Raymond Hadfield interviews fashion and lifestyle photographer Amanda Thomas. They discuss Amanda's journey into photography, her use of unconventional lighting techniques, and the importance of emotional engagement in photography. Amanda also shares tips on collaboration and preparation for shoots, drawing from her experience with editorial and fashion shoots. Additionally, she talks about starting with just one light and using it creatively to achieve unique and beautiful results. The episode also includes Amanda's perspective on the value of experimentation in photography and the importance of building relationships in the industry.
Amanda Thomas is a photographer and visual artist who was inspired to pursue her passion from a young age. As a teenager, she went with her father to a photographer's studio to get his promo shots done, and was captivated by the electric atmosphere of the studio and the tools of the trade. This was the moment that changed her life, and she knew she wanted to explore the potential of the medium. She has since gone on to pursue a career in photography and visual art, creating stunning and captivating works of art.
Big Ideas With Timestamps:
00:03:03 Light is magical and transformative.
00:10:00 Capture light to create art.
00:18:26 Client approval is key.
00:22:06 Expect the unexpected.
00:25:19 Be flexible and prepared.
00:34:45 Persist with lighting skills.
00:41:16 Experiment with lighting to find style.
00:48:59 Mentally and emotionally prepare.
00:53:17 Collaborate for success.
00:54:54 Shoot more to get better.
Resources:
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Explore the possibilities of light.
Light is one of the most important elements of photography, and it can be used to create stunning images with amazing results. Light can be used to create soft yet powerful portraits, as well as to create a mood or atmosphere. By understanding how to use light effectively, photographers can explore the possibilities of light to create beautiful, unique images.
Light can be used to create a variety of different effects. By using the right angle and direction of light, photographers can create a soft and subtle look, or a dramatic and powerful look. Light can be used to create a mood, such as a romantic or mysterious atmosphere. Additionally, light can be used to create an interesting composition or to emphasize certain elements of a scene.
Light can be manipulated in a variety of ways to achieve the desired effect. Photographers can use reflectors or soft boxes to shape and direct the light. They can also use gels or filters to change the color of the light, or to create a more dramatic light. Additionally, photographers can use strip lights to create interesting and unique lighting effects.
When creating a portrait, light is one of the most important elements. By using a single light source, photographers can create a soft yet powerful portrait. By using the strip lights vertically or horizontally, they can create a unique look. Additionally, they can use a reflector or a soft box to create a softer look.
Light can also be used to create a mood or atmosphere. By using the right angle and direction of light, photographers can create a mysterious or romantic atmosphere. Additionally, they can use gels or filters to create a dramatic or unusual atmosphere.
By understanding the possibilities of light, photographers can create beautiful and unique images. Light can be used to create soft yet powerful portraits, or to create a mood or atmosphere. Additionally, light can be manipulated in a variety of ways to achieve the desired effect. By exploring the possibilities of light, photographers can create stunning images with amazing results.
Capture light to create art.
At its core, photography is the art of capturing light. Photographers use their cameras to capture the light that is reflecting off of a subject. Light is essential to photography because it is the source of the image. Without light, there would be no image. Different types of light can be used to create different effects. Natural light is the most common type of light used in photography. Natural light is soft and flattering, and it is often used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. On the other hand, artificial light can be used to create a more dramatic effect. Artificial light can be used to create shadows and highlights, or to create a more dramatic atmosphere.
When taking photographs, it is important to understand the different types of light and how they can be used to create different effects. Different types of light can be used to create different moods and atmospheres. For example, a soft, natural light can be used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while a bright, artificial light can be used to create a more dramatic effect. Additionally, light can be manipulated in a variety of ways to achieve the desired effect. For example, light can be diffused or reflected to create a softer effect, or it can be focused to create a more intense effect. Furthermore, light can be used to create shadows and highlights, or to create a more dramatic atmosphere.
The possibilities of light are endless and can be used to create stunning images. By understanding the possibilities of light, photographers can create beautiful and unique images. By exploring the possibilities of light, photographers can create stunning images with amazing results. Light is an essential part of photography, and by understanding the possibilities of light, photographers can create beautiful and unique images.
Client approval is key.
When it comes to fashion and editorial photography, understanding the possibilities of light is essential. Photographers need to understand the nuances of light and how to use it to create the desired effect for their images. As a photographer, it is important to understand the nuances of light and how to use it to create the desired effect for the images.
In fashion and editorial photography, client approval is key. Photographers must understand the client’s vision and create images that meet their expectations. Photographers must also understand the nuances of light and how to use it to create the desired effect for the images. Understanding the nuances of light is essential for fashion and editorial photography.
When planning a fashion or editorial shoot, planning ahead is essential. Photographers need to plan ahead and ensure that they have the right equipment and the right team. Planning ahead allows photographers to create the best images possible and meet the client’s expectations. Planning ahead also allows photographers to create the best images possible and meet the client’s expectations.
When it comes to fashion and editorial photography, client approval is key. Photographers must understand the client’s vision and create images that meet their expectations. Planning ahead is essential for fashion and editorial photography, as it allows photographers to create the best images possible and meet the client’s expectations. Understanding the nuances of light is also essential for fashion and editorial photography, as it allows photographers to create stunning images with amazing results. By understanding the possibilities of light, photographers can create beautiful and unique images.
Expect something to go wrong.
Despite the importance of planning, it is also important to expect something to go wrong. While planning ahead is essential for fashion and editorial photography, it is also important to be prepared for any issues that may arise. Photographers should plan for any potential technical problems, such as software issues or equipment malfunctions, and be ready to think on their feet and adjust accordingly. Additionally, photographers should be prepared for any unforeseen issues with the garments, such as ripped pieces or missing accessories. By expecting something to go wrong, photographers can be better prepared to handle any issues that may arise during the shoot.
Planning ahead is essential for fashion and editorial photography, but it is also important to expect something to go wrong. Photographers should plan for any potential technical problems and be ready to think on their feet and adjust accordingly. Additionally, photographers should be prepared for any unforeseen issues with the garments, such as ripped pieces or missing accessories. By expecting something to go wrong, photographers can be better prepared to handle any issues that may arise during the shoot. By doing so, photographers can create beautiful and unique images that meet the client’s expectations.
Be flexible and prepared.
Flexibility is also key when it comes to fashion and editorial photography. As a photographer, you may be asked to replicate a pose that was used in a previous shoot, but on the day of the shoot, the conditions may not be favorable for the pose. In this case, the photographer must be able to think on their feet and come up with a creative solution. Additionally, the photographer must be able to adjust to any changes or requests from the client. It is important to remain level-headed and professional, even in the most stressful of situations. By staying professional, photographers can ensure that they will be asked to work on future projects.
In conclusion, fashion and editorial photography require a great deal of preparation and flexibility. Photographers must be prepared for any technical issues and be ready to think on their feet in order to adjust to any changes or requests from the client. Additionally, photographers must remain professional and courteous at all times in order to ensure future projects. By being prepared and flexible, photographers can create beautiful and unique images that meet the client’s expectations.
Persist with one light.
One of the most important elements of fashion and editorial photography is the use of light. Lighting can make or break a photo and can be used to create a certain mood or atmosphere. Professional photographer, Kate Hopewell-Smith, has mastered the art of using both natural and artificial light to create stunning images. She has learned the importance of using one light and how to make it work in any situation.
Kate believes that using one light is a skill that must be developed over time. She compares it to learning to drive a car, saying that it takes time to learn how to use the light correctly and to make it look natural. To help others learn this skill, she gave a talk at the photography show about using one light in three different ways. She also encourages others to persist with one light and to experiment with it in order to create unique and beautiful images.
Kate’s advice is invaluable for any photographer looking to improve their skills. By being persistent and experimenting with one light, photographers can create stunning images that will impress their clients. Additionally, they can learn how to use natural light to create unique and beautiful images that capture the mood and atmosphere of the scene. By being prepared and flexible, photographers can create beautiful and unique images that meet the client’s expectations.
Experiment with lighting creatively.
Experimenting with lighting creatively can be a daunting task for new photographers. It can be difficult to learn how to use a flash and to create a light that is pleasing to the eye. However, Kate recommends starting with an umbrella or a softbox. These modifiers can be used to create a soft light that is flattering for the subject. Additionally, by banking the light off of a wall, photographers can create a large soft box that will throw a unique light.
For photographers that are hesitant to experiment with light, Kate recommends taking the time to observe the light in different scenarios. By observing the way the sun hits an old stained glass window or how the light reflects off of a wall, photographers can gain inspiration for how to use light creatively. Additionally, Kate suggests starting with a white silk umbrella with a black lining. This will give photographers a crisp yet soft light that can be used in a variety of ways.
When experimenting with light, it is important to keep in mind that the goal is to create a unique look that will impress the client. It is easy to get carried away and create a look that is too extreme. To avoid this, Kate recommends writing down the lighting setup that is used so that it can be easily replicated in the future. Additionally, it is important to consult with the client before making any drastic changes to the lighting setup.
Experimenting with lighting creatively can be a challenging and rewarding experience for photographers. By being prepared, flexible, and creative, photographers can create stunning images that will impress their clients. Additionally, by observing the light in different scenarios, photographers can gain inspiration for how to use light creatively. With practice and patience, photographers can learn how to use light to create unique and beautiful images.
Prepare mentally and emotionally.
Preparing mentally and emotionally is an important part of creating stunning images with lighting. As Amanda Thomas, a professional photographer, explains, photographers must be prepared to take risks and experiment with lighting. They must also be willing to take bad photos in order to learn and grow. Additionally, photographers must be able to think quickly and adjust their lighting setup to fit the situation. By being prepared, photographers can adjust their lighting setup to create the desired effect and capture the emotion of the moment.
Furthermore, photographers must be flexible in order to use light creatively. They must be willing to try different techniques and adjust their lighting setup to fit the situation. Additionally, they must be willing to accept feedback from their clients and adjust their lighting setup accordingly. By being flexible, photographers can create unique and stunning images that capture the emotion of the moment.
Finally, photographers must be creative in order to use light creatively. They must be able to think outside the box and come up with unique ways to use light to create stunning images. Additionally, they must be able to use their imagination to create interesting and unique lighting setups. By being creative, photographers can create unique and beautiful images that capture the emotion of the moment.
In conclusion, preparing mentally and emotionally is an important part of creating stunning images with lighting. By being prepared, flexible, and creative, photographers can create unique and beautiful images that capture the emotion of the moment. With practice and patience, photographers can learn how to use light to create stunning images that will impress their clients.
Collaboration is key to success.
However, collaboration is also key to success. As Amanda Thomas said, “People want to help people they like”. Building relationships with models, brands, and other professionals is essential to being successful in the photography industry. By collaborating with others, photographers can create unique and exciting images that will help them stand out. Working with others can also open up new opportunities for photographers, such as working with brands or becoming an ambassador for a company.
Ultimately, collaboration is essential for success in the photography industry. By building relationships, photographers can create stunning images that will impress their clients and help them stand out. Additionally, collaborating with others can open up new opportunities and help photographers grow in their craft. Therefore, photographers should strive to collaborate with others in order to achieve success.
Shoot more for better photos.
However, the most important aspect of photography is practice. No matter how well a photographer is able to collaborate, if they don’t practice their craft, they won’t be able to create amazing images. This is why it is so important for photographers to shoot more for better photos.
Shooting more allows photographers to become more familiar with their camera and its settings. This gives them the ability to capture stunning images without having to worry about their camera’s settings. Additionally, it gives them the opportunity to experiment with different lighting and angles to create unique images.
Practice also allows photographers to become more comfortable with the editing process. With practice, photographers can learn how to use editing software to enhance their images and create stunning works of art. Additionally, they can learn how to use different filters and effects to give their images a unique look.
Finally, shooting more helps photographers become more confident in their abilities. When they have more experience, they can take on more challenging projects and create stunning images that will impress their clients. This confidence can also help them to stand out from other photographers and make them more attractive to potential clients.
In conclusion, shooting more is essential for photographers who want to become successful. It helps them become more familiar with their camera and its settings, become comfortable with the editing process, and become more confident in their abilities. Therefore, photographers should strive to shoot more for better photos.