Photography Blog
Welcome to my photography blog. This is where I share clear lessons, practical tips, and real-world insight from my work in studio lighting, events, portraits, and product photography. You will find guides that help you understand how to control light, make intentional choices, and build stronger images. I also share thoughts on the business of photography, from pricing to workflow to client communication. Browse the latest posts or use the search tool to explore topics that match your goals as a photographer.
Two-Light Portrait Lighting: Balance Key and Fill
Explore a two-light portrait setup and learn how balancing key and fill changes shadows, contrast and the shape of a face.
One-Light Rembrandt Lighting: Shape a Dramatic Portrait
Explore a one-light Rembrandt portrait setup. Learn how light position and shadow shape create a dramatic portrait with a recognizable triangle of light.
One-Light Portrait Lighting: A Simple Loop Setup
Explore a simple one-light loop portrait setup. Learn how light position shapes the face and creates a useful starting point for portrait photography.
Pinhole Camera Calculator
Plan a pinhole camera with a calculator for focal length, pinhole size, f-number and exposure. Explore how camera design changes your photographs.
pinhole calculator
The Professional Photographer’s Guide to Figuring Out Your True Value (And What You’re Actually Selling)
Explore six pillars of photography value: time, skill, quality, quantity, art and reputation. Build pricing that reflects the work behind each photograph.
Through a Martian Lens: What It Would Be Like to Be a Photographer on Mars
Explore a photographer’s view of Mars, from light intensity and exposure stops to white balance. Connect photography fundamentals with an imagined Martian shoot.
Why Professional Business Headshots are a Critical Career Tool
Explore how lighting, camera angles and background choices shape a professional business headshot for LinkedIn, company websites and personal branding.
The Invisible ROI: Why Professional Event Photography is a Growth Engine, Not an Expense
Explore how event photographs can support marketing, fundraising, speaker promotion and future bookings, with practical ideas for using images after an event.
Event Photography Tips: Knowing When to Take Control
Learn when to observe and when to direct an event photograph, with practical tips on equipment, attire and organizing group shots from a San Diego photographer.