ANDRE PRSONAL TRAINER

Strobist lighting kits are the modern day version of the basic speedlight-based setup I carried on my daily newspaper assigments for the better part of 20 years. Over the past ten years, the recommended kit has gone through several evolutions. But recently there have been significant updates to several of the components (and a cool addition) making the kit better now than at any other time. I thought the updates merited a shoutout. The kits are built around the idea of strong value with thoughtfully chosen components, many with unique features. All components carry best-in-class warranties, and can be expected to give you good service for years. If I was talking to myself as a 20-year-old, I'd advise me to get this before even buying a second lens. The lighting kits come in several variations: Single with flash, single without flash, two-light version (two of everthing; but one remote) and add-a flash (one of everything, no remote). Current components are as follows, with updates/a...

Abstract: Think about the reasons behind the color of your lights, and your palette will often take care of itself. When you are placing a light source, it's pretty normal to ask yourself, "What color should this light be?" If you step back a moment and think, the answer will often present itself. A better question to ask is, "What color would this light be?" Read more »

UPDATE: The January 2017 Havana class has sold out. You can sign up to receive early notification of future workshops, here . -DH This January I'm leading a small-group trip to Havana, Cuba. It will be the first in a series of X-Peditions for photographers. The last time I was in Havana was 2013, teaching for Santa Fe Workshops. But that was someone else's curriculum. This time the program is ours to design, and we are planning a week of exploring, learning and lots of time behind the camera. __________ An Immersive Week This is not the typical photo tour group, which invariably ends up as some version of a photo walk with everyone getting versions of the same pictures. I'm partnering with Focus On The Story, a D.C.-based organization for photographers. The trip leaders are myself and fellow journalist Joe Newman, whom I've known for over 30 years. X-Peditions have a maximum of 12 participants, and are very photo-centric. They include daily instruction, location shoots,...

Abstract: Don't just look to still photos for inspiration. Great inspiration also awaits you on your TV. We may think we are getting a good feel for color as photographers. But you know who kicks still photographers' butts every day? Cinematographers, that's who. Today, a look at some examples from 2010-era Dr. Who, which we have talked about on this blog before. These guys are near and dear to my heart, because they are unabashedly fearless when it comes to using color to manipulate light—and their viewers. Read more »