There's so much incredible content in the Profoto archives on YouTube. Hundreds of videos, each with an ability to help you fine-tune your technique and elevate your skill set. I may have missed sharing this video from Pye Jirsa last year, but that doesn't change it's relevance to the images so many of you are working to capture today.

In eight minutes he's not only packed in ten different ways to shoot the same scene but with each one he's given you all the specs on his setup. Again and again, he shares the "recipe" for the image, and while most of you won't be shooting at the top of a mountain range, it doesn't change how much you can learn from watching a great educator at work.

Check out more of Pye's educational support for photographers with a visit to his teaching website. As one of the co-founders of SLRLounge.com, Pye always walks the talk when it comes to education and working to help photographers better support each other. He never compromises on his gear, the quality of his images or his passion for education and the industry.

Profoto never slows down in their product development or their efforts to help photographers raise the bar on their skill set.

Check out the Profoto B2 and find out what all the buzz is about. 

It's the off-camera flash system that literally goes just about anywhere! Click on the B2 banner to the right for more information and to find a dealer near you.

There's so much outstanding content being shared all year long on Profoto's website. Well, now and then I miss something that deserves to be shared. While it might have been released last fall, this blog post and video featuring Vanessa Joy are loaded with great information that, like Vanessa, is always relevant.

Vanessa shares a lot of "how-to" information in this short video. It's a solid reminder that your success as an artist is dependent on your ability to control the light rather than waiting as the light controls you!

                        "The world is my studio because with the A1 I can  
​                             bring that natural light look wherever I go!"

Enjoy the video and click on any of Vanessa's images in this post to read the entire story on Profoto's "Inspiration."​

Check out Vanessa's video and then check out her website and make sure she's on your radar. She's always doing something cutting edge and linking to her website is just a click away. 

I've written this many times before: I feel like I'm trapped in an old movie and the hands of the clock are just spinning by! Well, this week seems to have gone by in a flash, and I'm trying a little experiment. 

I'm involved in a lot of different projects, companies, podcasts, and products. At the same time, it's tough for me to keep up, let alone remember what we're sharing in posts and tweets. In fact, just this morning I found an outstanding guest post from Kevin A. Gilligan about finding an artist's collective to help get your work out in front of more people. Kevin sent it to me last year, and it wound up lost in my email!

So, welcome to The Saturday Summary and links to a few of the week's highlights. Click on any of the images below to connect to the original post.

As always, thanks for being a reader. I sure do appreciate the support and the feedback. And, we've got a new week coming coming up that's going to be filled with some great content, all thanks to so many of you and the industry we're all passionate about!

Happy Saturday everybody!

Profoto never slows down in their quest to develop great educational videos with a wide variety of artists and topics. I love this short piece featuring Albert Watson and one of his most iconic images.

There's so much solid content in this 1 1/2 minute video.  Remember, this image was captured in 1973 - forty-five years ago! No digital image to "chimp;" shot on film and all in manual mode on whatever gear Albert was using at the time. 

Most of you probably don't remember the image when it first came out, but it's another iconic portrait and there a few things that I love about it. First, it's black and white. Second, is Albert's concept behind the image and why, which he talks about in the video and third, Alfred Hitchcock was photographed by one of today's most significant contemporary artists.

Albert Watson's work is timeless because he's made it a point always to stay relevant. 
 
"Albert’s visual language follows his own distinctive rules and concepts of quality. With their brilliance, urgency, even grandeur, his photographs stand out so clearly against the world of today’s images. His way of lighting subjects, especially the fetish objects and portraits, creates a nearly meditative atmosphere in the photographs. Without a doubt, Albert Watson is an artist who greatly enriches our perception with his unique photographic view."

Check out more of Albert Watson's backstory with a click on his image above. It's part of an outstanding post by Clare Gillsäter. And, while you're there, you'll find Profoto's Inspiration tab a terrific resource about some of the finest artists in photography today.

Time to find out more about Profoto's extensive product line? Find a Profoto dealer near you with a click on the banner below.

Obviously, I started this mini-podcast series because Profoto is an SCU partner and I love their products, reputation, and support to the professional photographic community. But, there's been a side-benefit - each short podcast, typically 5-10 minutes has given you a chance to meet another photographer. 

We all know the names of the six artists featured on EDU10 so far this year, but listening to their comments about how they shoot, light their subjects and even a few of the challenges gives a blog post a new dimension. Best of all it provides you as a reader a little more insight into the importance of great lighting and creativity.

Click on any of the featured images below to listen to some of the most respected artists and educators in professional photography today. You just might be surprised at some of their stories and how Profoto is changing the way they capture some of their most favorite images.

Profoto has changed the way photographers work today, removing virtually all of the normal limitations on lighting. They've given photographers the ability to control the light - anywhere - and at the same time expand their creativity and capture some of the finest photographs in the world.

Find out what all the buzz about with a visit to your Profoto dealer, starting with their website - it's all just a click away.

In this new episode, Tony shares a recent experience of an on-location shoot and some remarkable results relying on Profoto TTL.

He's shooting with the Profoto's Off-Camera Flash System and the B1X. For more information on the B1X, just click the thumbnail to the left.  See more of Tony's work and check out his workshop schedule with a click on any of his images in today's post.

Skip Cohen

If you haven't visited Inspiration on the Profoto blog, you're missing a terrific opportunity to spend a little time getting to know some wonderfully talented artists. 

Meet Meg Loeks, a Michigan based photographer primarily specializing in children and family. She's an artist, author, educator, a Clickin Moms Mentor and gets a lot of her inspiration from her children and the outdoors. "Meg is drawn to environmental portraiture, lifestyle photography, landscapes, low light and color."

And, like so many of you she's a natural light photographer and wrote:

So, Meg went to work learning how to better control her environment and began working with Profoto's A1.

Check out the rest of Meg's story on the Profoto website and then put her blog and website on your radar. There are also two more videos  in addition to the one below and they're just a click away.

You can enjoy more of Meg's work and also check out her workshop schedule with a visit to her website. 

And, find out more of what all the buzz is about with the A1, the world's smallest studio light.

​Profoto never slows down in manufacturing the very best in lighting equipment or in their educational efforts to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images. Click on the A1 to the right for more information.

Repeatedly photographers, when talking about Profoto lighting, have used the words "game changers," but those words apply just as much to the staff as they do to their Off-Camera Flash System. The members of the Profoto team set the standard for support. So, I thought it would be fun to start a series of very short podcasts to introduce you to some outstanding artists and share how Profoto's changed the way they capture their images.

Sponsored by ProfotoUSA, EDU10 is one more example of how Profoto never slows down on their focus to help photographers raise the bar on the quality of their images. Thanks to support from some incredible artists and educators, we're sharing more ideas to help you expand your mind's eye visions on all the possibilities in lighting.

What a kick to have Sue Bryce join me on this new episode. She's an incredibly talented artist, educator, business owner and inspiration to so many of us in the industry. And, through Sue Bryce Education she's helping thousands of photographers not only develop a stronger skill set but a business model that's designed to help them be more successful, profitable and efficient.

Check out SueBryce Education with a click on any portrait above, and if you're looking for a remarkable educational opportunity, there are a handful of tickets left for The Portrait Masters 2018 conference in Phoenix.

Isn't it time you visited a Profoto dealer and found out what all the buzz is about? The worldwide dealer locator is just a click away on the B1X banner below. Profoto's not only a leader in education, but the leader in lighting technology offering photographers some of the most creative tools in the history of photography.

Profoto manufactures some of the finest lighting equipment in the world, but they also stay focused on excellent education and creative ways to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images. This short video is part of their "Master Series" on YouTube. It's an interview with Albert Watson, and I've shared a couple of their previously released background stories here at SCU.

While we all know and recognize so many of his images, there's something remarkable about hearing the story directly from Albert. And, there's a sidebar to every story which further emphasizes the importance of knowing your gear and the craft. The final image of "Golden Boy" was the result of two Polaroids and only four frames. That's all Albert Watson had to work with when the subject didn't want to be photographed any longer. (Remember, this image was captured in 1990. There was no digital photography and the Polaroids were the only way to get a proof shot before the final image.)

To read the complete article that goes with the video below, click on "Golden Boy" to the right.

If you haven't visited Profoto's YouTube channels, it's time to wander over. There are 147 videos in the ProfotoUS channel and 216 in the Profoto Global channel. While there's some overlap, you'll find a wealth of unique content and information on both channels to help you become a better photographer! Hit the subscribe button to stay on top of every new release!

And, if you haven't checked out all the inspirational stories on the Profoto website, what are you waiting for? Every week there's new content being added giving you a chance to be inspired at your own pace from some of the finest photographers and educators around the world.

It's pretty amazing how much great educational material is on the Internet, and Profoto leads the way in content rich short videos to help you raise the bar on your skill set. They also lead the way in adding to the creative tools photographers have available today, especially in controlling light.

I love sharing these short Profoto videos because each one allows you to meet another artist. In just two minutes it's packed with good content, and if you're results oriented, each image gives you another perspective in on-location portraiture.

"Hong Kong based photographer Chan Kit creates passionate couple portraits in four different lighting conditions, eternalizing each moment from dawn to dusk." 

Pay close attention to Chan's style in the video below. He's working with the B2, OCF Beauty Dish, and AirTTL under four completely different conditions. Profoto's Off-Camera Flash System not only allows artists the ability to control lighting no matter where they go but also to fulfill each mind's eye vision with maximum creativity and success.

Over the last few years, Profoto's technology has consistently been a "game changer." So, I wanted to have some fun with a series of very short podcasts to not only introduce you to some outstanding artists but to share how Profoto's changed the way photographers light their subjects.

EDU10 is sponsored by ProfotoUSA, who never slows down on their focus to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images. Today you've got the best and most number of creative tools in the history of photography. With the help of some incredible artists and educators, we're sharing more ideas to help you expand your mind's eye visions on all the possibilities in lighting.

Michael Anthony joins me on this new episode. He's an award-winning wedding artist, educator, business owner, and writer. Profoto's Off-Flash System has created an environment for him with virtually no limitations on any event or portrait he photographs.

While I don't usually share video's with EDU10 podcasts, check out this short video with Michael talking about three different sessions with a bridal client. I shared it recently as a stand-alone post, but there's so much solid content here, and if you haven't seen it, you can learn a lot watching another artist in action.  ​

There's an outstanding contest going on right now as well. Here's your chance to win $10,000 of Michael's Profoto gear and registration at his two-day workshop!  And, check out more of Michael's work with a click on his image above. ​

Last year Profoto launched a fantastic series of short videos, Tiny Talks. I've shared a lot of them but recently discovered a few I missed.  One of them is this four-minute piece with editorial and advertising photographer, Clay Cook.

Clay's based out of Louisville, KY, but he spends a good portion of his life traveling all over the world. Together with Profoto, Clay packs a lot of good content into this short video.

Bobbi Lane, when the B1 first came out, referred to the system as "The Game Changer." Well, here we are a few years later, and Clay's making the same point.

​He shares some terrific insight into the ease of traveling with a B2 Off-Camera Flash everywhere. Clay couldn't do a better job in explaining the beauty of the simplicity of his lighting setup as well as how he likes to enhance the ambient light. 

Check out more of Clay's work with a visit to his website. Just click on either of the images above.

Profoto never slows down in developing new products to help photographers build a stronger skill set and raise the bar on their creativity and quality of their images. They also never slow down on education and you'll find an incredible resource of information on their YouTube channel.
​
​Isn't time you checked out the lighting gear that sets the standard for quality and performance? Click on any thumbnail below for more information!

We've all seen the impact of the Internet and the way it's changed the way we share images, exchange information, build friendships and expand our reach to a global audience. But, I'm still surprised at the number of photographers who don't take full advantage of the Internet's educational potential. 

Understanding lighting is one of the creative skills that genuinely separates the amateur from the true professional. It's a dead giveaway when an artist refers to themselves as a "natural light specialist." In other words, they've chosen to not learn more about lighting.

Profoto has never slowed down in their efforts to help photographers raise the bar on their skill set and capture stunning images. At the top of great artists who understand lighting is California based wedding photographer, Michael Anthony. He doesn't compromise on the quality of anything in his life, including his images and relationships with clients.

I hope you'll take the next five minutes and kick back and enjoy this short video. Just like this video, Michael and Jennifer exceed the expectations of their clients.  And, keep in mind they both changed careers from law enforcement and nursing to start a career in professional photography. They've made sure they understand every aspect needed to capture incredible images and build a successful business.

"Light is the essential component in storytelling."
Michael Anthony

This video is part of Profoto's Inspiration Series and one small part of the company's support of Internet education.. Click on the image at the top to link to the complete blog post about the shoot and then make sure Profoto's blog and their YouTube channel are both on your radar. And check out Profoto's Off-Camera Flash System full collection of light-shaping products with a trip to your Profoto retailer or rental house!

I started this series of short podcasts to not only introduce you to some outstanding artists but to share how Profoto's technology has continued to change the way photographers light their subjects.

​There are more creative tools for photographers today than at any time in the 175+ year history of photography, and Profoto has certainly contributed to those tools.  Edu10 is sponsored by ProfotoUSA, who never slows down on their focus to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images.

Ana Brandt joins me on this new episode. As one of the industry's leading maternity and newborn artists, she sets the standard for everything from her images to the relationships she builds with her clients...and more. It's not just her images that capture the personalities of her subjects, but her role as an educator, business owner, and innovator who sets the standard for an industry she loves dearly both as a photographer and a designer.

"Ana Brandt was the first photographer in the world to design, create and market Maternity gowns to the Photography Industry 13 years ago. She revolutionized the Maternity Photographer industry by setting the design standard for Maternity gowns and use of fabrics for client sessions. Her store www.shopanabrandt.com has shipped her gowns to over 100 countries worldwide."

Earlier this year I shared an outstanding Profoto video of Ana working with her clients. It's just a click away. In less than five minutes Profoto and Ana share a lot of excellent content, along with an opportunity to watch the B1X Off-Camera Flash System and Ana in action.

​Ana's also responsible for one of my favorite quotes:

This video is in Spanish with English subtitles, but before some of you roll your eyes and think you're not going to learn anything here's why I'm sharing it.

• It's been said that photography is the universal language and without question Profoto and Mara Saiz proves that point in this short video featuring her work and the A1.
• Telling a story with photographs is also universal. Every portrait artist is a storyteller and Mara's images tell a story.  

• What each of us like is all about personal taste. Well, I love her work and the style of her images. Developing your own unique style is one of the biggest challenges for every artist.

 Click on either of my two favorite screenshots from the video to link to the Profoto blog and the complete story.

• Pay attention to the way Mara and Profoto tell the story. Obviously it's about the A1, but in the process you've got a chance to watch another photographer at work. So, how would you tell your story?

There's so much great content on YouTube on both ProfotoUSA and Profoto's channels. Take the time to wander over and take a scroll through their archives. They're always sharing information to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images and especially to expand your skill set in lighting.

And, take the time to wander into a Profoto dealer - just click on the banner below and find the retailer or rental house nearest you. Isn't it time you found out what all the buzz was about?

I've spent my entire adult life, or at least all the time I was expected to act like an adult, in the photographic industry. I have to admit there are times when I think I've seen it all, but then someone comes along with an accomplishment that just can't be topped, and I'm left speechless!

It's time for you to meet Jesper Grønnemark. I've shared a lot of videos and posts over the last few years about Profoto's Off-Camera Flash System, and the ability for their gear to go ANYWHERE!  Well, Jesper's taken it to a place the majority of us would NEVER think of! On Profoto's blog he's described as: 

Jesper Grønnemark’s work is characterized by power and speed, conveyed through the subjects he shoots, the choice of location and the unique angles he pursues. As a sports and action photographer, Jesper is not afraid to stray from his comfort zone. In this recent shoot, Jesper took the power of the B1X to new heights.

What a kick to watch this video! It's hard to believe how much planning and execution Jesper and the team pack into the next three minutes. The idea to try and get a studio feel to an image of a skydiver is right at the top of the charts, especially when answering the question, "Can Profoto gear really go anywhere?"

While Jesper's mind's eye vision is remarkable, so is the reliability of Profoto's equipment. He had one chance to get the shot he wanted.  Just the risk of missing the shot and the planning that went into the jump was enough to work through without worrying about his gear.  He had to have equipment he could completely trust.

To read the entire post, Profoto's blog, "Inspiration" is just a click away.

And, if you haven't visited your Profoto dealer, it's time for you to find out what all the buzz is about. Click on the B1X below to visit Profoto's worldwide dealer and rental house listings, then click on the image above to visit Jesper's website for an adventure in sports and action photography!
 
I read a great quote recently:

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.
Neale Donald Walsch

And so does creativity!

Two years ago, almost to the day, the first Bill Hurter Memorial Award was presented to Vicky Papas Vergara, a phenomenal artist from Australia. Over the last couple of years I've caught up to Vicky on Facebook a few times, and just recently Profoto released this video of her in action. She's a phenomenal artist, and Profoto captured a little of her creative process in this short video.

There's very little that tops being able to watch another artist work. I especially love Vicky's comment in the video about catchlight and the importance of the eyes. If it's true that the eyes are the gateway to the soul, then Vicky is the ultimate gatekeeper!

If you haven't checked out Profoto's Off-Camera Flash System, it's time to wander into one of their dealers.  And, to see more of Vicky's stunning work, click on either image above to visit her website.

I know I'm dangerously close to Staples' tagline, but the other day a good friend asked me "What's new?" and it took me ten minutes to explain. I'm pretty proud and honored to be a part of a diverse collection of new features, plus maintaining a series of solid standby topics supported by videos and sound bites. 

So, here's what's new? Click on any image in this post to connect to the individual podcast or series.

Sponsored by PhotoShelter, we're having a blast with this new series. There's a new episode every month, with our goal always being the same, creating content that not only supports your need to better define your business but podcasts that are fun too. Remember the word "fun?" It's a word too often lost under the stress of business today. We've posted two episodes so far this year with a new one coming up on the third Wednesday of each month.

We're excited to be working with PhotoShelter and creating content in line with their philosophy as a company who does an outstanding job of supporting the industry. They're one of the few companies in professional photography which not only supports artists but encourages them to call and talk to somebody directly when needing help!

"Why?" started out as a way to introduce you to the movers and shakers in photography, but it's grown into so much more. Adding a 5-10 minute mini-podcast gives a post another dimension as each artist shares the backstory about one of their favorite images. Each backstory has also given us some incredible insight into another artist in photography. Plus, each image links to the artist's website, giving you a chance to explore their work on your own.

We're coming up on 100 artists in the series since it started April 22, 2016, with dozens more coming in 2018. I pulled a few to share the diversity in the subject matter in the rolling slideshow below. Click on any one of them to visit that photographer's "Why?" episode.

This is a remarkable industry we all share a love for, and programming like this doesn't happen by accident. While I'd love to take credit for these new features, the truth is they wouldn't happen without photographers who believe in our industry; companies who keep providing us with the tools to exceed client expectations and build stronger businesses, and all of you! 

​Thank you!

EDU10 is a unique series of short podcasts for professional photographers. It's sponsored by ProfotoUSA, who never slows down on their focus to help you raise the bar on the quality of your images.

"EDU" is for education, while "10" is all about keeping these episodes short and to the point. We're doing our best to keep them to ten minutes and focus primarily on one unique topic, things you can do with lighting today that you couldn't do in the past!

Justin Marantz is in the spotlight. Working together with Mary, they represent one of the strongest couples in wedding photography, but not just as artists, but as educators, writers and good friends to so many of us in the industry. They've been instrumental in helping photographers better understand lighting and create stunning images that exceed client expectations.

In this new podcast, Justin shares the background story on both of the images in this post. Click on either of them to visit Justin and Mary's website and blog.

As the "Why?" series comes up on its first hundred artists, I continue to be amazed at the diversity behind each story and the passion each artist has been willing to share about the image, and their philosophy about their journey as a photographer.

Hannah Couzens joins me on today's new episode, and she's a perfect example of the fun of the Internet and social media. I "met" Hannah thanks to Profoto. She's one of three online educators who helped launch the Profoto Academy, a series of webinars designed to help you raise the bar on your skill set.

Looking at Hannah's work, I knew right away I wanted to talk her into doing a "Why?" episode. Thanks to Facebook, I tracked her down with an IM, and finally thanks to Skype, we recorded this new podcast. 

While there are days when the interruptions social media creates sometimes make us crazy, and we all wish we weren't so accessible - nothing changes the fact that it's made the world a much smaller place. Hannah is based near London and not only did we have a great conversation about the image, but the best part of the industry is all about the friendships we make along the way!

Check out more of Hannah's work with a click on either of her images in this post and then wander over to the Profoto Academy - you won't be disappointed!