As photographers, we are often driven by the pursuit of creating something extraordinary—images that move people, inspire them, and leave a lasting impression. In the world of portrait photography, few things captivate the eye like a stunning woman or couple surrounded by nature’s raw beauty, with a long, flowing dress billowing majestically in the wind. Enter the magical genre of flying dress photography.

There’s something timeless about the beauty of a woman standing against the backdrop of nature, her long flowing dress sweeping through the air, caught in a perfect moment. This visual poetry has become the hallmark of Brittany Colt’s brand, The Flying Dress Experience. Her work blends the grandeur of nature with feminine grace, crafting images that feel both awe-inspiring and ethereal. But beyond the aesthetics, Brittany’s vision tells a deeper story—one rooted in female empowerment and a love for the natural world.

The Birth of The Flying Dress Experience

Brittany, who for many years was the head of education at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park, discovered a passion for landscape photography as a child growing up in the Pacific Northwest. Later, as a young adult in Portland’s vibrant arts scene, Brittany developed her cinematic eye as she experimented with makeup, lighting, and art direction while setting up fantastical shoots. She also began shooting weddings and photographing women’s portraits.

After years of working within the framework of landscape and portraiture, Brittany found herself pulled toward a new vision—one that would blend her love for nature with her desire to empower women. It began with a simple idea: a flowing satin gown set against an epic landscape. From that initial creative spark, The Flying Dress Experience was born. It was a way to not only showcase the majesty of nature but to give women an unforgettable experience—one where they could embrace their femininity, beauty, and strength. 

“The dress itself became a metaphor for freedom, confidence, and empowerment,” Brittany explains. “It’s as if the natural settings are literally carrying these women into their power, into their full expression.” From the towering granite cliffs in Yosemite to the otherworldly sand dunes of Death Valley, to the fairytale magic of the Pacific Northwest, her sessions allow women to connect with both the environment and themselves.

Since the whole concept of flying dress photo shoots still seems like it’s in its infancy here in the US, you might be wondering, “How do I get people interested in a photo session that they don’t even know they want yet?” While places like Santorini, Dubai and other luxurious resort destinations are bustling with flying dress photo shoot options, the phenomena is relatively new to the US. The answer is simple–show what you want to shoot. Below Brittany kindly shares her tips for how to get started offering your own “flying dress experience.”

Crafting The Perfect Flying Dress Shot

Capturing these dreamy images requires a combination of artistry and technical skill. Below, Brittany shares some of her top tips for photographing long flowing dresses in natural settings.

1. Be Aware of the Wind
   The wind is not your friend, even though it seems like it would be. It can be unpredictable and tends towards flapping furiously rather than flying elegantly. So, if it’s not the wind flying the dress, what is? Read on to find out.
2. An Assistant is Mandatory
   This is probably the most important tip of all. If you really want the dress to fly, and in a way that is beautiful and not chaotic, having an assistant to help “fly the dress” is crucial.  
3. Plan for Location and Lighting
   Shooting in awe-inspiring natural settings is a big part of The Flying Dress Experience, but it also means planning meticulously around location and lighting. Always scout locations ahead of time and check the weather–especially wind conditions.
4. Use a Fast Shutter Speed
   Perhaps this is obvious, but it’s also crucial. Have that motor drive cranking at a fast enough shutter speed to freeze the flying of the dress. 
5. Communicate with Your Subject
   It’s crucial to make your subject feel empowered and comfortable. Long flowing dresses can be a bit overwhelming at first, so help guide your clients through posing and grounding into their bodies and help them find movements that feel natural and beautiful.
6. Focus on Composition
   When photographing flying dresses in these awe-inspiring natural locations, composition is everything. You’re not just capturing a person in a dress—you’re highlighting the landscape as much as the woman. Try to focus on artistically incorporating both the subject and the vast, majestic landscape around them. 
7. Leave No Trace
   As photographers who specialize in taking people into nature, we also have a profound responsibility to minimize our impact on the natural world. This includes avoiding sensitive areas that are susceptible to be trampled such as meadows, river banks, and locations that are closed for restoration. With the assistant running in and out of shots, there could be a lot of impact on sensitive areas. 

Building a Flying Dress Photography Portfolio

For photographers looking to dive into flying dress photography, Brittany emphasizes the importance of building a strong, eye-catching portfolio. Here’s her advice on how to get started: 

1. Invest in Dresses
   Having a variety of colors and sizes of flowing dresses is essential. It’s an upfront investment, but it’s essential to have these dresses ready for your clients.
2. Collaborate with other Creatives
   Partner with local musicians, artists, or small business owners who may want stunning photos for their own portfolios or marketing materials. Collaboration can help you create a win-win situation, allowing you to experiment while offering something valuable in return.
3. Embrace Unconventional Locations and Props
   Don’t be afraid to explore unconventional locations or even props. Yes, the beach, mountains and National Parks are classic, but your local park, venues, or even urban rooftops can provide stunning backdrops for a flying dress shoot. On one of her recent photo sessions Brittany collaborated with a local business that restores grand pianos and actually got a piano out in nature to photograph!
4. Post-Production Magic
   While we photographers all try to capture everything in-camera, sometimes a bit of post-production work is needed to remove any distractions and really bring the images to life. And if you’ve never processed “landscape photography” before, Brittany highly recommends spending time learning this art form.

Empowering Women Through Photography

At the heart of The Flying Dress Experience is Brittany’s mission to uplift and empower women. Through her own personal journey of growth and self-discovery, Brittany realized that photography could be a powerful tool not only for capturing beauty but for fostering confidence and healing. For many of her clients, the photo shoot becomes a transformative experience, allowing them to reconnect with their femininity, embrace their inner strength, and feel truly seen. 

“I’ve always believed in the power of art to transform, not just the artist but the subject as well,” Brittany says. “Many of the women I photograph come for the experience itself, not just the final images. They leave feeling confident, celebrated, and empowered in ways they didn’t expect.”

In the world of wedding and portrait photography, Brittany Colt’s The Flying Dress Experience offers a fresh, visionary approach that inspires both photographers and clients alike. Through a combination of breathtaking landscapes, flowing gowns, and her empowering message, Brittany has carved out a unique space in the industry. For photographers eager to elevate their portfolios, experimenting with flying dresses could be the key to unlocking a whole new level of creativity.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a way to infuse new life into your work, let Brittany’s journey inspire you expand your creativity, collaborate with others, and create something truly magical.

Explore Brittany’s work at BrittanyColt.com, The Flying Dress Experience, @theflyingdressexperience, and @brittanycolt.

 

Shawn Reeder is a Yosemite & Eastern Sierra-based adventure elopement photographer and film maker who loves to photograph couples in love amidst the majesty of awe-inspiring nature. See more of his work on his adventure elopement and landscape websites, and his elopement and landscape Instagrams.

The post Flying Dress Photography: Brittany Colt’s Tips to Get You Started appeared first on Rangefinder.

“It’s not only about beauty. It’s about the achievements,” says Madrid-based portrait photographer Beata Praska. After shifting out of a career as a high-powered executive in the energy industry, Beata knew that she wanted to photograph other successful business people. She secured her first big clients through networking events and then found that LinkedIn is an invaluable tool for attracting more clients in this demographic.

Beata recently joined host Nikki Closser on The Portrait System Podcast to share her career journey and tips for networking in person and with social media. Listen to Beata Praska on The Portrait System.

Here is her formula for using LinkedIn to attract high-profile clients:

1. Before their shoot, Beata’s clients fill out a questionnaire about their career and accomplishments.
2. After the shoot, Beata creates a LinkedIn post with portraits from her shoot and text drawn from the questionnaire. These posts have a dual purpose. They both give visibility to her clients and their accomplishments, and they attract new clients who want to be similarly profiled.
3. Finally, Beata creates a high-end art show for each edition of her 50-Over-50 project that celebrates her successful clients. She runs one edition for women and another for the men.

Below you’ll find a bonus Q&A from Beata where she talks about her biggest business breakthroughs, how she makes genuine connections with her clients, and more. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

[Read: Market Like a Boss and Thrive]

Beata Praska Q&A

What have been your biggest breakthroughs in business? 

When I started to think big. When I started to aim for excellence both in terms of service and in terms of product. When I realized that both of these can change the life of my clients for the better, make them feel more powerful, more beautiful and more confident in themselves. When I realized that I am accountable for my own success (and obviously for my failures as well). When I realized that I can grow my business exponentially and there is no limit to where I can take it to. Also, when I started to be ok with people telling me that I am way too expensive.

What is your average sale currently? 

Around 2000 Euros.

How did you push past fear when building your business?

 I did not push past fear. I decided to work next to fear. I decided to befriend my fear, pat him/her on the back, sit him/her on the back seat, and drive in the front seat.

Making a connection with your subject is one of the most important parts of a great portrait. How do you make lasting connections with your clients?

I try to offer a very personal experience. It begins with the first conversation. I show genuine interest in my clients. I feel it is a privilege to be able to work with valued professionals. I try to make them feel special because, they are very special persons. I make sure they are well taken care of before, during and after the photo shoot with me. I tailor every session to the needs and desires of every client. I listen. I go out of my way to serve them. But I think what matters most is that I am simply a human — an honest, sincere person, and that, coupled with excellent technique, can do wonders.

I think long term. I have a referral program. I try to upkeep the community. I attach significance to small details like packaging, thank you cards, and the way I present the portraits in social media. I’m always thinking of making the client feel special. I feel the world is abundant, and I try give back the abundance.

Most artists had a point in their life when they knew this was meant for them. Did you have that moment? 

Yes. Personal circumstances led me to shift my career from a successful executive career in the energy industry (oil and electricity) to working with people and slowly finding out my human side that I was not so aware of. I am a strong believer that things happen for a reason and a negative change can lead to a positive growth. Life is all about people.

The Portrait System Podcast helps portrait photographers navigate the world of photography, business, money, and much more. Hosted by Nikki Closser, the podcast is powered by The Portrait System, a comprehensive, online educational platform that teaches all aspects of running a successful portrait photography studio. If you’d like to be a guest on The Portrait System Podcast, send them a voice message. 

The post Leverage LinkedIn for Professional Photo Clients: Beata Praska Q&A appeared first on Rangefinder.

“You look through your lens differently when you see their life and who they are. They become so much more of a complex human. . . It’s about seeing them. It’s transformative,” says Melissa Stone of Brazen House Studios in Tacoma, Washington about how she captures authentic portraits.

Stone was a destination wedding photographer for over a decade before making a huge pivot in her life around the time of the pandemic. Going to fashion school made her realize she had been chasing glamour, and she decided to instead pursue creating authentic portraits. To facilitate her clients opening up to her about who they are, she started offering video storytelling sessions along with her portrait shoots and says it completely changes the session. Not only does the lengthy pre-interview she has with her storytelling clients change the way Stone photographs them, it also gives her clients an experience of being seen and appreciated for who they are, and beautiful portraits that remind them of the experience.

Stone recently sat down with Nikki Closser, host of The Portrait System Podcast, to talk about her career journey — from glamorous weddings to authentic portraits. Listen to it here.

Below she shares a bonus Q&A where Stone talks about how she pushed through fear to make this big career pivot, how she makes the genuine connections that lead to authentic portraits of her clients, and more.

Melissa Stone Q&A

What has been your biggest breakthrough in business?  

After 12 years of wedding photography, I started over and built a portrait studio from scratch – new business name, new style, new social media accounts. It made me realize how much I had been stuck in my ways for so many years. I had stopped learning because what I had been doing “worked,” but as a creative, I hadn’t been pushing myself. I realized how much my ego had gotten in the way and how much I wanted to be considered an “expert,” so I wasn’t great at looking at things from a beginner’s mind. Once I gave myself the space to look at everything through the lens of curiosity and not-knowing, it opened a whole world of creativity that I never would have imagined.  

Not that I recommend starting over from scratch to everyone, but I know that looking at my business and my work from a sense of playfulness and a desire to learn and evolve has changed everything for me.  

Most artists have had a point in their life when they knew this was meant for them. Did you have that moment?  

The first time a client trusted me enough to let their guard down. There’s always that moment in every shoot when you watch a client sink into themselves and just freely trust you. That first time, I realized what I was doing was more than just taking a cool photo; it was giving another human a safe space to feel comfortable in their body. It’s the most magical/addicting/makes-my-heart-want-to-explode kind of thing. I am reminded in every shoot that I have the gifts and ability to help others in an impactful way. 

How did you push past fear when building your business?  

I sit with it and recognize it. Fear is not the enemy, and the second I can mentally make friends with it and can say, “Melissa, I know you’re scared, and that’s ok. Everything is figure-out-able,” I feel empowered enough to keep going.

We put so much pressure on ourselves to do things perfectly, but it will never be perfect. Not everyone will like my work. Not everyone who walks through the doors of my studio will be a good fit. Not every social media post will land. But following my inspiration and my gut, and keeping the connection to myself, will never lead me astray.

We became professional creatives and business owners so we could create a system and a life that works for *us*, but it takes some trial and error to figure the system out, and sometimes, our egos don’t like that. But, everyone gets scared. Everyone feels fear. EVERYONE.

So, it helps to expect it, sit with it, and make friends with it. Fear is not always a stop sign but can be an opportunity to pause and give the younger scared parts of you a hug (like the parts that got teased at school or picked last for sports). Because honestly, the adult you? You totally got this.  

Making a connection with your subject is one of the most important parts of a great portrait. How do you make lasting connections with your clients?  

For me, it’s really getting to know them. Before my clients ever step foot in front of the camera, I spend a lot of effort in conversations and creating emotional safety. People come into my studio trusting me to capture who they are in this season of their life. I don’t treat the experience simply as creating a photo; it’s about getting to know their soul — what’s happening in their life, how are they actually doing, what are they proud of, what scares them, etc.

Even if a client is coming in for a simple work headshot, I want to hear about their job. Who are they at work? What do they love about it? What’s challenging? It’s about being genuinely curious and open, as well as actively listening, so when they look at the end result of the portrait, it’s more than a pretty picture. They are authentic portraits — a souvenir of truly feeling known and seen by someone.  

For someone starting out on their photography journey what advice would you have for them?   

Get weird with it and have fun! It’s easy to imitate others when starting out because it feels safer to copy someone who is doing it successfully, but don’t be afraid to march to the beat of your own drum. You have special unique gifts and a point of view that no one has. No one takes pictures the way that *you* do, and it’s leaning into that that will make you stand out in a market that is saturated. And just keep learning, always. Oh, and hire a bookkeeper/accountant who will pay your quarterly taxes for you — for reals.  

Follow Melissa Stone and Brazen House Studios on Instagram and Facebook.

As a thank you to our readers, we’re pleased to offer you a Rangefinder exclusive discount code to get 25% off The Portrait Masters course below. Use the code RF25 at checkout to redeem. This code cannot be used in combination with other sales.

The post Storytelling Sessions that Lead to Authentic Portraits: Melissa Stone Q&A appeared first on Rangefinder.

Inspiration for a beautiful portrait can strike anywhere – even at the local grocery store. The moment Leticia Andrade saw Desorell working at her local grocer, she could see her portrait in her mind’s eye. Because Desorell was young and shy, Leticia was cautious when she approached her. She introduced herself and her daughter, who was also on the shopping trip, and asked if she had been professionally photographed. Leticia shared all her information and offered her a free photoshoot. Desorell, who had never had portraits taken before was very excited and contacted her later that same day to book the shoot at Leticia’s natural light photography studio.

Portraits That Empower Women 

Leticia, a native of Brazil, had travelled back and forth between Brazil and the US with her famly before settling in the Atlanta area and opening her portrait studio in 2016. She’s a natural light photographer who has also studied architecture, interior design, and art history.  

Around 2013, she became interested in photographing landscapes and places, and in 2016, she went to Imaging USA. There she became inspired by photographers like Peter Hurley, Lindsay Adler, and Sue Bryce. She was particularly moved by Sue Bryce’s presentation. She says, “It gave me courage,” and it made her think, “I want to do something for women, [too].”  

The Perfect Flow 

The day of the shoot, Leticia picked up Desorell and brought her to her natural light photography studio, which is on the second floor above her friend’s doctor’s office. She told her not to worry about a thing. She had also picked up fresh roses and had set aside headbands, a few dresses, and some lengths of fabric. She says, “My goal was to photograph her in the simplest way, technically and stylistically, to allow her to be herself and feel safe.”  

When they arrived, Leticia’s makeup artist Raydeen was set up and ready to do Desorell’s hair and makeup. Everything felt peaceful and welcoming, and Desorell, though quiet, was very excited to be pampered and photographed.  

Leticia says, “The rest of the session was magical. I gave her very little direction. She moved with ease and felt so comfortable in front of the camera. Raydeen and I followed her energy, and the shoot had the perfect flow.” 

A Welcoming Space 

Leticia says, “Creating a safe and welcoming space for my clients is essential for fostering trust and allowing them to feel comfortable and appreciated during the portrait session.” She involves them in the creative process, empowering her clients to express their personalities and preferences. In this way, their photos are meaningful and authentic.  Throughout the session, Leticia provides gentle guidance and encouragement while allowing her clients to express themselves naturally, always striving to make them feel valued and respected.  

When she welcomed Desorell to her studio, Leticia was still discovering her aesthetic and style. During the shoot, she “wanted to emphasize natural light and soft tones to create a timeless and flattering look.” The results fit perfectly with her current style, which she describes as “a blend of elegance, femininity, and empowerment.” Her shoot with Desorell will always be one of her favorite shoots. 

Networking Tips for Photographers 

Leticia recently joined Nikki Closser on The Portrait System Podcast to talk about the development of her portrait business. As a longtime member of The Portrait System (since 2016 when it was called Sue Bryce Education), Leticia has been deeply influenced by Sue’s style of posing, lighting, and styling.  

In addition to talking about how she converts headshot clients into portrait clients, Leticia talks about how she found her natural light photography studio and goes into detail about the special touches she makes in her client approach that make her business uniquely her own. She also shares insight into how her ongoing commitment to networking brings her steady business – much of it from referrals. Here’s how Leticia Andrade networks by staying active in her community. 

1. Helping out with local nonprofits, including silent auctions. This is a great way to build one-on-one relationships with people. 

2. Attending events her audience goes to. Leticia loves to go to events where entrepreneurs, coaches and artists congregate. She loves meeting new people and learning about them. 

3. 1 Million Cups. These weekly coffee meetings for entrepreneurs are put on by a networking group started by the Kaufman Foundation.  

4. She also attends a group for businesswomen in her county and Chamber of Commerce events. 

Leticia says she has never regretted going to one of these meetings or events, even if she felt tired and had to drag herself there. Networking doesn’t bring you clients over night, but making community connections is undoubtedly fruitful for the longterm. 

Hear Leticia Andrade on The Portrait System Podcast. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

The post Natural Beauty in Natural Light Photography + Networking Tips  appeared first on Rangefinder.

The magic of wedding photography doesn’t always happen just on the day. When it comes to getting the perfect shots, practice sessions are an important part of Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Star of 2024, Echo Kowalski’s strategy to try out new gear and techniques before she brings them to real weddings. The images she shares with Rangefinder this week are from a shoot she organized in Milan, Italy, to try out a new transmitter while practicing her off-camera flash skills with a speedlight.  

An Urban Heart for Love Photography 

Echo Kowalski is a Hong Kong native who relocated to Germany in her 30s after falling in love with and marrying a German man. Photography became her avenue for integrating with a new cultural climate. While she loves her new home, she’ll always be a Hong Kong girl with an urban heart. That means her style has a distinct low-key cosmopolitan vibe, which shines through in all her work.  

For this test shoot experimenting with off-camera flash, Kowalski wanted to achieve a dynamic, urban feeling, so she planned an experience that would be on the move. Her instructions for her models gave them a role to play – that of “a celebrity couple after a party.” Her plan for the evening gave her many challenges to take into consideration, including changing backgrounds and lighting, which she says “are sometimes not desirable, such as distracting window displays and different lighting color temperatures.”  

To overcome these obstacles, Kowalski scouted and pre-selected locations the night before her photoshoot. This gave her up-to-date information about what the area would look like during the shoot. It also enabled her to choose the best backgrounds and save time by understanding what the ambient light would be like, so she could really make her subjects stand out in her photos.  

The Inverse Square Law 

Kowalski says that one of the most important things for photographers to have in their off-camera flash tool kit if they wish to achieve great results for a shoot like this is an understanding of the inverse square law. With this understanding, one can, “hide a distractive background by letting it fall dark and [know] how to incorporate the background well into the scene by placing the subject and speedlight with the right distance.” 

In short, the inverse square law says that when you half the distance between the speedlight and the subject, the light will be four times brighter. The opposite, of course, is also true. When you move the speedlight away, the light spreads more and becomes less bright. 

Kowalski says, “By changing the distances between the light, subject, and background, you get different results. In this shoot, I kept my camera settings the same (ISO 1000, F2.8, 1/250 sec) and adjusted the speedlight power based on the environmental lighting and the result I wanted: 

• For a bright subject and dark background, put the light close to the subject and far from the background. (Image 2) 
• For both the subject and background well lit in a close-up, put the light close to both the subject and background. (Image 3) 
• For both the subject and background well lit in a wide angle, put the light far from both the subject and background. (Image 4) 

The Heart – and Love – Never Sleeps 

Hong Kong is the never-sleeping city, and reflecting this spirit is at the heart of what Echo Kowalski shares in her wedding photography. This shoot, which was a test shoot for perfecting her familiarization with a new piece of gear for her off-camera flash system, epitomized that feeling. With its representation of a cosmopolitan couple exploring the Milan nightlife together, it is full of passion, love, and excitement. Kowalski brings these authentic emotions to all her work, and her clients seek her out to amplify these feelings they themselves experience in their love. 

Follow Echo Kowalski on Instagram and Facebook. View the full 30 Rising Stars Winners Gallery for 2024 here. 

Credits

• Photo: @kajade_photography
• Dress: @micheleweiten
• Jewelry: @atelierdorothee
• Models: @cliziasomma @loredouze

[Read: The Three FLASH Commandments by Derrel Ho-Shing]

The post Experiments in Off-Camera Flash: In the Urban Heart of Milan appeared first on Rangefinder.

Beloved WPPI educator Lindsay Adler will be joining with AB+DM Studio – Ahmad Barber and Donté Maurice – for an exciting weekend event entitled Icons of Fashion. Part lecture and part shootout, this event offers “a behind-the-scenes look into the world of fashion photography and creative mastery.”

On the first day, attendees will have access to multiple iconic fashion looks in a day-long shootout, where they can build their portfolios.

On the next day, participants will learn about concept development, creative direction, and the collaboration that is needed to produce career-defining images. Adler and AB+DM will give demonstrations on how they approach their creative work and will also share tips for working with celebrities and prestigious publications. The evening closes with a lecture and Q&A.

Participants can sign up for portions of each day, single days, or the full event.

• Date: Sunday August 4th & Monday August 5th
• Location: Jersey City, NJ
• Featuring Lindsay Adler & studio AB+DM
• 2 days of portfolio building + lecture/demo

Find out more about the Icons of Fashion event.

[Read: Top Tips for Submitting Your Work to Fashion Magazines by Lara Jade]

As a thank you to our readers, we’re pleased to offer you a Rangefinder exclusive discount code to get 25% off The Portrait Masters courses below. Use the code RF25 at checkout to redeem. This code cannot be used in combination with other sales.

The post Icons of Fashion Event with AB+DM & Lindsay Adler appeared first on Rangefinder.

Creative portrait photography at its best makes viewers stop and stare. Sometimes, that creativity comes in the form of an unusual composition. At other times, it’s a slower shutter speed, or even gear, like a prism or fog machine. This week, we’re featuring five examples of excellent creative portrait photography. Find inspiration and advice from Madison Bethune, Oren Sew, Danielle Veitch, Kayla Lisee, and Sharyn Hodges.

Madison Bethune, Maddy Bethune Photography

When Madison Bethune of Maddy Bethune Photography plans an engagement shoot, she encourages couples to select locations that are important to them even if they aren’t necessarily “beautiful.” For this particular couple, that meaningful location was the red line in Boston. Right after getting the couple set up for a shot from across the tracks, a train arrived and Bethune decided to keep snapping to try to grab a shot of the couple through the train’s windows. Her experiment was a huge success, resulting in this composition that perfectly frames the couple. She used a Canon EOS R6 and Canon 24-70mm lens for the shot.

“My advice would be to never be afraid to try something new, and use the couple’s story and interactions as inspiration for new ideas,” she suggests. “I don’t go into shoots with particular poses or set ideas because I really want the ideas to come to me as we work together. And a lot of the time, the best photos are the ones that weren’t planned for (a perfect example is this photo). If you feel like you’re stuck in a spot where you think a certain type of style or photo is expected from you, do those at the session, but also take some time to try new things to start building your portfolio with the type of work you want to lean into. Post the photos that you love on social media, not the ones you think others will love, and you’ll start to attract people who value your art specifically.”

Oren Sew, Oren Sew Portraits

Oren Sew of Oren Sew Portraits captured this shot after being inspired to explore the creative energy of dance, light and photography. Fog, along with a constant light modified with a blue gel, helped build the creative atmosphere. He captured the image with the Sony a7R III and a Sony 55mm lens.

“I think it is really important to play and be unconventional,” Sew says. “Set out to discover how things look from your own perspective. Try things for the fun of it — much like children. We could all use a dose of returning to our youth once in a while.”

Danielle Veitch, Danielle Veitch Photography

When Danielle Veitch of Danielle Veitch Photography was tasked with capturing her best friend’s surprise proposal, she knew she also wanted to capture the less seen side of London as part of that story. The London underground represents the couple’s commute, but what makes the shot is the couple’s unbothered posing and attire juxtaposed with the blur of the train in the background. She captured the shot with the Nikon Z6 II and a 35mm lens, using a 1/15th shutter speed to blur the train.

“Thinking about the story behind the image is important,” she says. “For me, I like my photos to tell a story both individually and as a collective. Of course, some moments are best left to spontaneity, but I like to put a lot of time in to pre-planning set frames that I think will best capture the essence of the couple in hand. I think a slow shutter speed, when used creatively and with purpose is one of the most beautiful ways to add a flare of creativity to an image. In this image, for example, it’s been used to freeze a moment in time. The background is obviously (and iconically) London, but the blur pulls your focus back to the couple.”

Kayla Lisee, Beneath the Trees Photography

A simple accessory like a prism can add flare to creative portrait photography. In this image by Kayla Lisee of Beneath the Trees Photography, a prism adds repetition on the edges of the frame that helps draw the eye to the couple during the formal portraits for a Valley of Fire wedding. She captured the shot with a Nikon Z6, Tamron 35mm, and a prism.

“Step outside of what the norm is. Take your time and play with lighting/angles and a prism. Have fun,” she suggests.

Sharyn Hodges, Sharyn Hodges Photography

Sharyn Hodges of Sharyn Hodges Photography was on her way to the Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon in Iceland during an elopement when she said, “Stop the car!” There were several lupine fields and the sun was hitting just right. After taking a few portraits, Hodges wondered what the field would look like from above and got out her DJI Mavic 3 Pro. The light hitting the bride’s face and dress makes the couple pop despite being surrounded by beautiful wildflowers.

“I am a huge believer in ‘visualization,'” Hodges explains. “Before all my shoots, I take 20 – 30 minutes. I lie down anywhere — couch, bed, floor, grass — and just close my eyes and visualize what I would want to create. Visualize where the sun will set. Visualize your couple standing at that spot — how are you going to ’pose’ them, etc.”

Dig into our Photos of the Day Archives for even more timeless photos, eye-catching portraits and wedding photos. Submit your wedding, editorial, documentary and other interesting imagery (up to five images at a time) to: hillary.grigonis@emeraldx.com.

As a thank you to our readers, we’re pleased to offer you a Rangefinder exclusive discount code to get 25% off The Portrait Masters course below. Use the code RF25 at checkout to redeem. This code cannot be used in combination with other sales.

The post Photos of the Week July 22: Creative Portrait Photography appeared first on Rangefinder.

From RuPaul’s DragCon to his fine art studio, David Franco has discovered a passion for documenting and celebrating the LA queer community — especially its drag queens. His first introduction to photographing drag artists came when a friend who manages drag queens invited him to DragCon. David says that experience taught him that drag is “not just sequins and gowns. There’s a whole punk rock aspect to it, and there’s just so many styles.”

Coming from a design background, David sees each drag performer bringing a distinctive brand voice to their personas, which go through fascinating transformations over time. David has gone through his own personal transformations by photographing drag artists. Having been raised in a strict Catholic family, he initially found it difficult to share his work and had an urge to keep it a secret. But he says, “little by little, the armor starts to come off, and you start to become your own person.”

He also says that he was aided in his own transformation by seeing just how helpful his portraits have been for his subjects. Photographing drag performers has helped David understand the value and impact of his work. Many artists in the drag community have had traumatic experiences, but performing drag helps them transform that trauma into personal power. And having stunning fine art images of their creative expression turns that art into a lasting legacy.

David recently appeared on The Portrait System Podcast with host Nikki Closser to talk about how he has been developing his fine art photography business. You can read more about it and listen to that podcast in Fine Art for Drag Performers. Below, David shares a bonus Q&A where he offers advice to new photographers on how to build their own dream photo business. Follow David on Instagram.

David Franco Q&A

For someone starting out on their photography journey what advice would you have for them? 

That photography itself is only a very small part of this career path. You need self-value, a business plan, and to put in the time to network and market yourself. You also don’t need very much to get started, even with all the fancy toys available to buy, you really just need a basic lens, good direction, and vision. 

How has The Portrait System changed your life for the better?  

I started in this industry with absolutely no idea what I was doing, having come from a graphic design background. I was looking for resources and a mentor and I found that in spades with The Portrait System. I also found my tribe, and lifelong friendships which you can’t put a price on.  

What fellow artists in the industry do you gain the most inspiration from? 

I absolutely love the work Richard Wood and Tony Carter put out. Richard is wonderful at creating concepts that stir conversation, and Tony has a gift for showing ordinary people in extraordinary ways. I’m also inspired by Tim Walker and Peter Lindbergh. Their work constantly amazes me. 

Do you regret any decisions you have made in your business?  

Buying a bunch of equipment that I never touch. If I could go back, I would start small, and learn my gear before buying something new.  

Where do you see your business in the next 5 years? 

As I continue my work in self-value, I see myself with a sustainable business that markets itself to people from all walks of life. When I see clients come in, and I can help them heal by letting them see the best version of themselves, it also helps me heal. 

[Read: Long Live the Queens, Aaron Jay Young Photo Book Q&A]

The post Fascinating Transformations: Fine, Queer, and Proud with David Franco appeared first on Rangefinder.

Let’s cover a few wardrobe tips and tricks to master your wardrobe for photo sessions! These simple guidelines will help you nail the look of your wardrobe.

In short, we will discuss (in no particular order) bits and bobs, wallets, watches and spectacles.

1. Watch H-to-T

What is H-to-T? It stands for Head to Toe.

Feet, bottoms, kneecaps (and certainly fingernails) have the potential to be in final images.

Proper hygiene and wrinkle-free clothing go a long way toward making your images pop.

So, make sure your clients skip the ratty yard chores sneakers (unless they match the feel of the session, which in full realness can happen during a styled session) and wear something with a bit of pizazz.  Funky socks get an A+.

These exclusions also apply to digital watch bands and exercise meters (because, let’s be real, the ones that come with devices are kinda blah), hair ties on wrists, and those custom rubber power bracelets supporting fundraisers. If it doesn’t add to your session, then it should be left out of the session.

NOTE: This applies to our furry friends as well. Make sure their collar and leash are clean and the styling matches your clients’ outfits! It’s okay to have a “photo session” collar with no extra vaccination tags on it.

2. Wallet: Clean Out the Pockets

Phones, keys, wallets, reading glasses, trinkets, and whatever else your clients normally cram into their pockets will most definitely show in your photos if you do not empty their pockets prior to the session.

What else have I found in pockets over the years? Burp cloths, writing utensils, dog treats, beer caps, straws, and foreign money. Please remove this stuff from your clients’ pockets as well. We can see it lumping and bumping in the chest and groin regions.

While we do not have x-ray vision (but hey, that could be fun), having extra items in pockets changes the curves and swerves of the body and how the light cascades on the clothing drape across a body. Emptying the pockets is a key step to mastering wardrobe for photo sessions.

NOTE: What do you do with all that stuff? You can encourage your clients to bring a tote bag or oversized purse to put all those loose items in. If you’re comfortable with it, you can also put a few small items (i.e. cell phone and keys) in your camera bag for the duration of the session.

3. Bits & Bobs: Proper Under Garments

Outfits that fit and flatter everyone are super important to consider. Try to have everyone try their outfits on at least a week ahead of time. Getting them into their outfits will also give them a chance to make sure they are clean and pressed prior to the photography session.

The key to having an outfit fit and flatter is proper undergarments. Sometimes this means going a size up on underwear so it doesn’t pinch at the waist or hips. Lingerie straps on the shoulders or the band across the back should be not visible when fully dressed. Also, a nude fabric or color can be a safer option under white clothing than white.

In warmer seasons, gentlemen may need to wear an undershirt to help mask perspiration. Men who wear a loose-fitting-boxer type undershort, may need to consider a more aerodynamic boxer-brief cut to avoid extra bunchy fabric under pants.

NOTE: Stores that specialize in undergarments usually offer complimentary sizing and recommendations on the best items to fit and flatter. Encourage your clients to take advantage of these services. It’s their job to make us look and feel our best.

4. Spectacles: Attitude is Everything

Seriously, attitude is EVERYTHING. How many of us remember getting glasses (or braces) as a kid and going into your third grade classroom thinking, “Oh gosh, I’m now going to be known as four-eyes.” Whomp whomp. That’s a super defeatist attitude. Remember how sad we were until we realized that having glasses didn’t change our personality, and we could see the chalk board better?! Now, twenty years later, all the cool kids are wearing glasses on purpose to coordinate with their outfits.

Anyway, my point is that attitude is EVERYTHING during a photo session. If we flung open the classroom door twenty-something years ago, and said, “Hey, I’m here and back in style,” we would have been so much happier sooner. When a client arrives to a session standing up straight, flashing those pearly whites, and walking like they own the place, it changes everything. A simple adjustment in mindset can make or break a session. In short, yes we see attitude on camera.

Encourage your client to splurge on their hair and makeup, buy the new watch band, coordinate the outfits, wear those shoes. These photos will document who you are right now, and when your client pulls them out of the hatbox in fifty years, they’re going to want their grandkids to exclaim, “Dang Grandma, you look great!” (We will also accept, “Dang, Grandma was hot!”)

Remind your clients that these images are going to last a lifetime as artwork in their homes. Help them take the steps to look and feel the best they can. Sharing these steps to master wardrobe during their portrait session can make all the difference!

Editor’s Note: A version of this article first appeared on Fox & Brazen Photography’s blog.

Jenn Stitt has a background in film and animation that informs her cinematic, storytelling portrait style. Her WPPI Photo Walk on Wednesday, March 6 focuses on using a reflector to create dynamic lighting.

The post Tips and Tricks for Photo Session Wardrobe Mastery appeared first on Rangefinder.

This just in: Manspreading is permissible. But only for one scenario. In fact, in this instance, manspreading is key: when you’re posing men for photographs. Let me mansplain for a hot second.

The term “manspreading” entered the lexicon about five years ago following a campaign on social media to curb an undesirable habit among men. Merriam-Webster defines the custom as “the act or practice by a man of sitting with the legs spread wide apart (as in a public seating area) in a way that intrudes on the space of others.”

Some of our subjects may wish to appear slimmer on camera, but when it comes to photographing men, manspreading is the way to go. That’s because the more space they take up in the frame, the better. Having your male subjects in a frame with their legs spread apart and their elbows away from their bodies will make them look larger and more dominant in the image.

How Jeff Rojas Casts Gentlemen in Thoughtful, Timeless Light

Normally when I am working with models, I try not to micromanage them. I will take a series of images and just let the shoot flow. The same goes for inexperienced subjects, to an extent.

Regardless of their prowess in front of the camera, I will look out for where they are hiding their tension: a fist or a tightly gripped knee, ankles bent 90 degrees to the side and exposed forearms, wrists and hands dangling between their knees. If I catch these flaws I will gently correct them, mindful not to make them feel bad about themselves or their performance.

Posing and Body Language for Beauty Photographers

I will also encourage asymmetry. If one foot is forward, the other foot is back. If they lean out on one knee, the opposite elbow should go up and to the back. Think balance and confidence. As a last resort, I will pose them like a mannequin, by showing them photos I have taken in the past.

Now, when you’re dealing with a professional model, remember to allow some space for collaboration. The model Jason Cates, who I have worked with for over 10 years, says he likes “when a photographer first and foremost, before the shoot, talks to me as a model and we figure out what they are looking for as far as looks, the mood of the shoot—if [they] want more smiles, if [they] want me to be more serious, a little more playful.”

How Lindsay Adler Bridges the Worlds of Fashion Posing and Senior Portraiture

Cates considers himself a veteran in the industry, so he likes when photographers “just let me kind of do my own thing. I don’t like it when a photographer is too over the top with giving pointers. There should just be a good balance between the photographer and the model [during] the photo shoot.”

Many of us tend to have a resting angry face (cough, me), so remember to have positive body language, smile, strike up a conversation with your subject and keep things light—that way the creative juices will flow, like long legs spilling over the side of a narrow subway seat (guilty as charged).

John Gress is well over 6 feet tall and has sometimes taken up more than one seat on public transportation. He loves helping photographers perfect their lighting skills, and he will be teaching a class at WPPI 2020 called “Photographing Men, Including Pre-Production, Posing and Lighting.”

The post Photo Tips for Posing Men: The Only Time Manspreading is Okay appeared first on Rangefinder.