Behind The Scenes

No Windows, No Problem: Creating Soft, Natural Window Light in Studio with Flash

John Gress shows us how to recreate soft, natural window light in studio using flash, silk diffusion, V-Flats, and a carefully balanced 3-light setup.

How to Master Rim Lighting with John Gress

Create striking rim-lit portraits using one light and a black background with these clever setups, positioning hacks, and tips to make your model pop.

How to Photograph in Direct Sunlight – NO Flash, NO Lights

Watch as Alexis Cuarezma breaks down direct sunlight photography with 3 simple steps – frame your shot, diffuse the light, bounce it back – plus a bonus color tip.

1 Gray Background, 5 Different Looks & Colors

Gray backdrop magic: John Gress transforms one background into five stunning looks using strategic lighting. Catalog to film noir portraits in minutes.

4 One-Light Portrait Setups Using an Umbrella with Emily Teague

Four budget-friendly methods for lighting portraits using one umbrella revealed: positioning tricks that create professional looks with minimal gear.

How to Shoot Pro Headshots in Small Spaces | Jeff Carpenter

Think your room's too small for professional-level headshots? Think again. Here’s how to work smart with what you’ve got.

Light it like Jeff: Photographing A Musician With 3 Lights | Ep 29

Jeff Carpenter is back with V-Flat World — and this time, he’s bringing the music. In this behind-the-scenes video, Jeff takes us into his home studio to break down a three-light setup designed spe...

How to Use Off-Camera Flash to Change Background Color – Without Changing the Background

Ryan Troy has a quick studio lighting hack: In this video, he shows us how to use off-camera flash to make one backdrop look like two by changing your light placement – no need to swap backgrounds ...

5 Lighting Setups Using One Umbrella | Emily Teague

Emily Teague demonstrates 5 umbrella lighting setups: side light, overhead, feathered side, bounce back, and clamshell – each creating unique moods and contrast.

Advanced Lighting for Stunning Creative Portraits with Pye Jirsa

In this video, Pye Jirsa walks us through building a stylized dance portrait using the C.A.M.P. system: Composition, Ambient, Modify, Photograph, with step-by-step pro portrait lighting techniques.

The Truth About Negative Fill: John Gress Busts the Biggest Lighting Myth

In this video, John Gress shows us how negative fill actually works and explains why most tutorials get it wrong and how to shape shadows more effectively in any lighting setup.

Master Your Headshot Setup with These Expert Tips | Pye Jirsa

Pye Jirsa shows us how to craft killer headshot setups using clamshell lighting, side and negative fill, backlights, and color gels for pro-level portraits.