Rangefinder

Flying Dress Photography: Brittany Colt’s Tips to Get You Started 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. 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. But how can you convince someone to get a photo shoot they've never heard of before? 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.” 1. Be Aware of the Wind: Wind is unpredictable and tends towards flapping furiously rather than flying elegantly. 2. An Assistant is Mandatory: Having an assistant to “fly the dress” beautifully rather than chaotically is crucial. 3. Plan for Location and Lighting: Plan meticulously around location and lighting. Always scout ahead of time and check the weather–especially wind conditions. 4. Use a Fast Shutter Speed: You must have your shutter speed fast enough to freeze the flying of the dress. 5. Communicate with Your Subject: Long flowing dresses can be overwhelming at first, so guide your clients through posing and grounding into their bodies to help them feel natural and beautiful. 6. Focus on Composition: Composition is everything. You’re highlighting the landscape as much as the woman. 7. Leave No Trace: We have a profound responsibility to minimize our impact on the natural world. Avoid sensitive areas susceptible to being trampled, such as meadows, riverbanks, and areas closed for restoration. Read the full article for even more tips on building your flying dress portfolio (link in bio). Photo Credit: Brittany Colt @brittanycolt , @theflyingdressexperience @shawnreeder @adventureelopementexperience @yosemiteweddingphotography

Funeral Photography: Healing Grief Through Art Funeral photography is a genre that went from being commonplace in the Victorian era to taboo in the modern era, and yet photographer Duane Knight of Your Legacy Photography says that it is vital way for people today to process their grief through art. Knight has only been able to discover 50 funeral photographers currently in the world, and he is on a mission to change that by educating other photographers on how to add this genre to their offerings. Knight’s Legacy Funeral Albums provide family members with an invaluable remembrance of the family and friends who came from far and wide to celebrate their departed loved one. Often grieving people are not able to remember the details of that day including who was there, and having an album of the day can be a great comfort to them. For those who were unable to make it, an album can be the way they feel included in that event. Find out more about funeral photography and link to chat with Duane Knight about it in the full article (link in bio). Photo Credit: Duane Knight, Your Legacy Photography @funeral.photos

Why Top Photographers Are Embracing Hard Light (And You Should, Too) When it comes to lighting in photography, most of us instinctively reach for soft, flattering light. We diffuse our flashes, shoot through umbrellas, and seek out cloudy days. But what if we told you that some of the most striking portraits actually come from embracing hard light? That's exactly what renowned photographer Roberto Valenzuela teaches in his groundbreaking new Dynamic Lighting Masterclass, now available at WPPI On Demand. “Hard light gets a bad reputation because it’s more difficult to use. But it’s not really difficult,” Valenzuela explains. “If you have some control over your subjects, hard light is going to look ten times more dynamic, ten times more amazing. People are going to look at the photo, and they can’t stop looking at it. There’s something beautiful about it because it’s not normal to see lighting like that.” Valenzuela recommends using both hard and soft light, which he calls “The Batman and Robin Technique.” 1. Use your hard light (Batman) as the main light for your subject’s face 2. Add a softer light (Robin) to compensate and fill in the shadows Find out more in the full article (link in bio). Photo Credit: Roberto Valenzuela @roberto_photo

Photos of the Week October 28: Remarkable Halloween Photography Halloween can mean many different things to different people. For some, the October holiday is all about candy, fun, and sweets. For others, Halloween is all about horror and costumes. But whether your memories look spooky or sweet, the season can be a great source of inspiration to break from the norm and experiment with Halloween photography. This week, we asked four photographers for tips on creating conceptual Halloween photography. Find inspiration in this week’s Photos of the Week by Meg Loeks, Tyler Clement, Mariah Arianna Wall, and Floriana Mantovani. 1. Meg Loeks, Meg Loeks Photography, @meg_nlo ▻ “I like to have an experimental day where I set things up and play prior to the actual shoot. This allows me to freely make mistakes and make alterations without being rushed. . . On the day of the shoot, I have everything ready to go.” 2. Tyler Clement, Clement Portraits, @clementportraits ▻ “Halloween is all about stepping into characters and personas, so don’t be afraid to get creative and push boundaries. Play with dramatic lighting, unusual angles, and bold concepts.” 3. Mariah Arianna Wall, Mariah Arianna Photography, @mariahariannaphoto ▻ “Get weird! Halloween is one of the few days of the year where adults get to believe in magic again and indulge in fantasy worlds. Lean into your creativity and take risks.” 4. Floriana Mantovani, @floriana.mantovani ▻ “Experiment with dramatic lighting cuts, extreme framing and unusual exposure times. This mix of techniques will not only help us discover our personal style but will open up new ways to interpret and transform our subjects in original and frightening ways.” To have your images considered for Photos of the Week, submit up to 5 at a time to [email protected].

How to Photograph Fireworks for Couples Portraits 🎉 Fireworks aren’t just for the Fourth of July! You’ll find them regularly at theme parks, sporting events, and maybe more surprisingly, at weddings. For the latter, fireworks offer photographers a wonderful opportunity to capture epic couples portraits with a truly unique backdrop. Of course, if you’re not familiar with how to photograph fireworks, there are some basic tips you’ll want to keep in mind, all on top of what it already takes to create incredible couples portraits. 1. Find the Best Location – Make sure you scout in advance, so you are prepared to capture the best angle. 2. Maximize Dynamic Range with RAW Files and Exposure Settings – Ambient light will be dark while the fireworks can blow out your highlights, so be sure to use RAW to retain as much detail as possible. A good starting point for exposure is: Aperture f8, 5-10 second shutter speed, and ISO 200. Keep an eye on your white balance. Set it somewhere around 3200 Kelvin. 3. Choose the “Right” Lens – Think about if you want to shoot wide or tight. A tighter shot will compress the fireworks, making them feel larger. A wide lens will make it easier to catch an epic shot. If you shoot wide, you can always crop in post. 4. Try a Long Exposure – The longer the exposure, the more fireworks you’ll see. Try 5-10 seconds. 5. Light Your Subjects – Light them as if there were not going to be fireworks. 6. Use Manual Focus – Fireworks can cause havoc on autofocus, so stick to manual. 7. Create a composite – Get a solid shot of your couple first without fireworks. Then you can add the fireworks in behind them. Get more tips for shooting with fireworks🎉(and also sparklers!!✨) in the full article (link in bio). Photo Credit: 1. Natasha Lamalle @natashalamallephotography 2. We the Light @wethelightphoto 3. Michael Freas Photography @michaelfreas 4. Aidan Dockery @abdphoto 5. Mauricio Ureña @photobymaug Other photographers featured in this article: @stefani_ciotti_photography @jcmphotographyasheville @linandjirsa @katinovphotography @andysiddersphotography @smjphoto @kevinheslinphotography

Magic from Air: Anne Geddes’ Phenomenal Photography Career “The way I see photography . . . [is] it's snatching magic out of the air that wasn't there before,” says world-renowned photographer Anne Geddes. Geddes’ phenomenal 40-year photography career began in the portrait studio working with children of all ages and expanded into greeting cards, posters, and books. Throughout it all, she has pursued a strong creative drive that she sums up as “striving for magic.” She encourages photographers to go into every session thinking, “What can I do that’s unique – that's not going to make me feel bored, that they’re going to love?” Above all, she says photographers shouldn’t hold on too tightly to their idea of what they want to create, so that there are no blinders keeping them from capturing the magic naturally evolving in the moment. “Especially if you’re dealing with children. . . You’ve got to be on the lookout [for magic]!” Geddes encourages photographers to take one day a month to pursue their own creative passions free from the expectations of clients. It was in this kind of creative session that she captured her iconic image of infant twins seated in cabbage heads. Creative sessions can kindle your inspiration and fuel your careers, and they are the perfect place to try out new things and make mistakes. Geddes says, “Mistakes are great. Never be afraid to admit that you’re green about something because green is where the energy is.” Photo Credit: “Under the Sea,” by Anne Geddes @annegeddesofficial Find out more about Anne Geddes in the full article (link in bio).

National Park Wedding and Elopement Photography: Is it Worth the Trouble? Yellowstone is not only the next seemingly hot spot to get married but also one of the most visited parks in the United States. This means couples and their photographers will really need to pay close attention to the time of year and alternate locations within the park for shooting... along with permits, location-savvy vendors, accommodations, and travel arrangements. With this in mind, elopement photographers might be asking themselves, “Is it worth the trouble?” Heather Woolery shares the pros and cons. PROS 1. National parks provide an outdoor experience for couples who want their elopement to be nature-based but not hike-heavy or extreme-adventure based. 2. Getting married in a national park allows couples to invite guests who may be ADA or need paved pathways to reach ceremony locations. 3. Each national park offers site-specific amenities and experiences that can help couples create a bespoke elopement or micro-wedding. 4. The SUP (Special Use Permit) process is fairly simple and rather inexpensive in the grand scheme of wedding costs, allowing couples to focus their money and attention on experiences for their wedding. CONS 1. You are getting married in a public place and can’t guarantee that park visitors won’t walk by, take your photos, or watch your ceremony. 2. National parks are 95% outdoors with minimal indoor spaces. If the weather turns, you have to be comfortable with a plan B. 3. Though the permit is inexpensive, couples most often don’t save money by opting to elope in a national park as other costs such as lodging, transportation, and photography end up costing in the end roughly the same amount as a traditional wedding. 4. Couples need to hire vendors who are well acquainted with the specific park and region and not just hire any photographer or vendor to avoid issues with park regulations. Find out more details in the full article (link in bio). Photo Credit: Heather Woolery @heather.woolery

Would you like your work featured in Rangefinder magazine? We're seeking submissions for Photos of the Week. Browse past galleries for inspiration: /news-features/photo-of-the-day/ Submission Guidelines * No more than 5 images at a time * Attachments preferred, at least 1920 pixels wide * Avoid using galleries or links that expire, as some submissions may take more than a month before being selected Themes: * Halloween * Seniors * Northern Lights * Fall * Real film * Direct flash * Double exposure * Portraits of the groom * Personal branding * Christmas Send images to: [email protected] Photo Credit: 1. Nicole Forbes, @nicoleforbesphotography 2. Eric Trunzo, @erictrunzo 3. Oren Sew, @orensew_portrait_photographer 4. ISKRA Photography, @iskra_tony + @jane_iskra 5. Niolaichik Photo, @nikolaichik.photo

Photos of the Week October 21: Iconic Childhood Portraits The rapid pace at which children seem to grow makes capturing portraits during childhood even more challenging. But, when done well, photographs at this young age can become iconic childhood portraits. This week, we’re featuring five maternity, infant, and childhood photographs from the Icon Awards. Find inspiration from Kelly Brown, Martina Wärenfeldt, Hanna Neret, Rachel Lee, and D’Ann Boal. 1. Kelly Brown, Kelly Brown Photography, @kellybrownphotographer ▻ “True creativity comes from having the courage to embrace your unique vision and push boundaries.” 2. Martina Wärenfeldt, Warenfeldt Fine Art Portraits, @martina_warenfeldt ▻ “Know your worth and value, get organized and serve with love.” 3. Hanna Neret, Fotograf Hanna Neret, @hannaneretfoto ▻ “There are entire universes hidden among the pages of books, and our minds have this wonderful ability to transport us there.” 4. Rachel Lee, Scribbly Gum Photography, @scribbly.gum.photography ▻ “Choose mentors, or awards programs with great critiquing options to hear what those with high levels of expertise think of your work and provide that constructive feedback.” 5. D’Ann Boal, Smitten and Swoon, @smittenandswoon ▻ “With every click of the shutter you will learn and grow, and if you want to be a good photographer, you will be. It’s just a matter of putting in the hours.” Find out more about these gorgeous shots were captured in the full article (link in bio). To have your images considered for Photos of the Week, submit up to 5 at a time to [email protected]. See the live judging for the next round of the Icon Awards in fabulous Las Vegas at WPPI in March 2025. Get your tickets at wppiexpo.com.

Tips for Natural, Relaxed Wedding Photography Poses “Posing-wise, movement is key,” says Rangefinder 30 Rising Star, Rune Havn while describing his favorite image from the wedding of Fatima Mekdad and Eligijus Sukarevicius, which was in July 2024 in Stavanger, Norway. While Rune shoots 90% documentary, he does rely on some gentle posing, especially when it comes to portraits, to capture images with a cinematic feel. He says, “I want my photos to be from a ‘scene,’ and I am documenting a scene I created.” The key to creating these natural, relaxed wedding photography poses is to incorporate gentle movement. ~Rune Havn’s Tips for Achieving Natural, Relaxed Poses~ 1. Become a friend to the couple well before the wedding. Find out about their likes, ideas, stories, their love languages, and what makes them emotional. 2. During the day, ask how they are feeling. Make sure they have any needed breaks for water and snacks. The more cared for they feel, the more they will relax and open up. 3. Give lots of positive feedback. Keep it short and simple, like “Love it,” and “This is so nice.” 4. When posing, also keep it brief, like “Look that way,” “Focus on each other,” and “Move your hands.” By being quiet and unobtrusive, you give them more room to be themselves. Learn more about Rune Havn and how he accomplishes such cozy and emotive shots in the full article (link in bio). Photo Credit: Rune Havn @runehavn

Flying Dress Photography: Brittany Colt’s Tips to Get You Started 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. 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. But how can you convince someone to get a photo shoot they've never heard of before? 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.” 1. Be Aware of the Wind: Wind is unpredictable and tends towards flapping furiously rather than flying elegantly. 2. An Assistant is Mandatory: Having an assistant to “fly the dress” beautifully rather than chaotically is crucial. 3. Plan for Location and Lighting: Plan meticulously around location and lighting. Always scout ahead of time and check the weather–especially wind conditions. 4. Use a Fast Shutter Speed: You must have your shutter speed fast enough to freeze the flying of the dress. 5. Communicate with Your Subject: Long flowing dresses can be overwhelming at first, so guide your clients through posing and grounding into their bodies to help them feel natural and beautiful. 6. Focus on Composition: Composition is everything. You’re highlighting the landscape as much as the woman. 7. Leave No Trace: We have a profound responsibility to minimize our impact on the natural world. Avoid sensitive areas susceptible to being trampled, such as meadows, riverbanks, and areas closed for restoration. Read the full article for even more tips on building your flying dress portfolio (link in bio). Photo Credit: Brittany Colt @brittanycolt , @theflyingdressexperience @shawnreeder @adventureelopementexperience @yosemiteweddingphotography

Photos of the Week October 14: Creative, Iconic Portrait Photography Creativity is undoubtably a key part of creating a portrait considered iconic. This week, we talked with four photographers on the inspiration behind their creative portraits that won them Icon Awards recognition. Explore iconic portrait photography in this week’s Photos of the Week by Richard Wood, Jen Hargrove, Rachel Owen, and Alvaro Ruiz Nogues. 1. Richard Wood, Richard Wood Photography, @richard_wood_photographer , @richard_wood_commercial ▻ “I joined the NZIPP (New Zealand Institute of Photography) which is the NZ governing body of sorts in the industry here. When you belong to a body like this, you have access to so many mentors eager to give their advice in all aspects of photography.” 2. Jen Hargrove, Jen Hargrove Photography, @jenhargrovephotography ▻ “Always make sure that you are NOT the best in the room. By surrounding yourself with others who are at a level above yours, it gives you the opportunity to learn, and a lot of times it lights the fire to be better because who wants to be the worst in the room?” 3. Rachel Owen, JR Owen & Co, @jrowenco , @kyleeannartistry , @illuminescentdesign ▻ “Photography is going to be the most rewarding career that will bring you more joy and opportunity than you can imagine. There will be tough times, but as long as you keep at it, everything comes to fruition.” 4. Alvaro Ruiz Nogues, @alvaroruizfotografs ▻ “Early on, it’s easy to feel impatient and want to achieve perfect or quick results, but photography is an art that takes time to understand–light, emotions, and the stories you want to tell.” To learn more about how the photographers got these shots and to see the uncropped images, view the full article (link in bio). To have your images considered for Photos of the Week, submit up to 5 at a time to [email protected]. See the live judging for the next round of the Icon Awards in fabulous Las Vegas at WPPI in March 2025. Get your tickets at wppiexpo.com. @myiconawards @wppievents