Building a Photo & Video Editing Workstation with AMD Ryzen

I grew up in a in a house where the personal computer was a permanent appliance. My father worked as a programmer and we updated our home computer regularly as the technology developed. I remember booting DOS games from floppy drives, our first Amiga with a color graphical interface, and eventually getting internet at home through a dial-up modem. As the technology developed, so did my knowledge and interest in the hardware itself. Continue reading

Behind the Scenes – Skin Care Photo/Video Shoot in Los Angeles

Update: I’ve just released a video course that shows you exactly how I setup, light, and edit for this high end beauty portrait look. Check the video series out here.

Three years ago if you had told me I’d be photographing professional models on a set in LA I’m not sure I would have believed it. I’ve found that a career in the creative fields is always unpredictable and I’m okay with that. It keeps thing interesting. Shooting skin care and beauty is not something I’ve really ever done before. But I’ve learned that stepping outside your comfort zone and learning new things is what keeps photography fresh and exciting. These types of shoots stretch my abilities and I’m almost always feel like I’m a better photographer afterwords. Continue reading

The Shocking Truth About Low Light Performance

Low Light

Every few months a new camera comes out boasting an even higher megapixel count and higher ISO numbers. I’ve been in the market for a new body that will shoot 4k video. I’ve been considering the Panasonic GH4 because I already own some compatible lenses. I’ve also had some second hand experience with the new Sony mirrorless offerings. I’ve even had friends try and sell me on the specs of the Sony over the Panasonic stating: “This camera is better in low light. I can crank the ISO so far up without much noise!”  Continue reading

Make a Seamless Backdrop Holder out of Hooks & Conduit

seamless paper backrop holder

Like many photographers, I like using seamless paper as a backdrop in my photography studio. Up until now I’ve used one of these backdrop stands to hold the paper rolls. It get’s the job done, but I found myself wishing for a better solution. Anytime you want change colors, you have to lower both stands, roll up the paper, slide off the roll, and slide a new one on before raising both stands again. It’s awkward, time consuming, and frustrating as I’m always tripping over the legs of the stands.  Continue reading