Busting Photographers' Off Camera Lighting Misconceptions with Bill Stank

11/16/23 • 16 min

1 Listener

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Discover the truth behind off-camera flash misconceptions with award-winning wedding photographer Bill Stank on this enlightening episode of Workflows. Learn valuable insights to improve your photography skills and elevate your photography workflow!

Bill Stank is an award-winning wedding photographer based out of Baltimore, MD and the Lehigh Valley, PA. He has been photographing weddings since 2012. He is a self-proclaimed Tikka Masala Enthusiast and lives with his partner, 3 dogs, a cat, and over 100 house plants.

In this episode, Bill Stank debunks common misconceptions about off-camera flash in photography. From addressing the belief of not being capable of using off-camera flash to exploring the pros and cons of this lighting technique in various situations, Bill shares practical tips to help photographers master off-camera flash and enhance their photography workflow.

"Don't forget to embrace the light that's there because it might be really beautiful." - Bill Stank

(00:00) - 029
(00:50) - Introduction and Guest Introduction
(02:04) - Bill's Introduction and Topic Overview
(03:00) - Misconception 1: Off Camera Flash is Too Difficult
(06:05) - Misconception 2: No Time for Off Camera Flash on Wedding Day
(09:33) - Misconception 3: Off Camera Flash Always Improves Photos
(12:50) - Misconception 4: Not Using Off Camera Flash Means You're Not a Professional
(14:59) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(16:03) - Host's Closing Remarks

Key Lessons:

You can master off-camera flash with practice
- On a wedding day, prioritize using techniques you're comfortable with
- Understand the pros and cons of off-camera flash
- Embracing natural light doesn't make you any less of a professional
- Finding the balance between natural and added light yields exceptional results

Join the Imagen Community on Facebook to continue the discussions between episodes.

"Don't forget to embrace the light that's there because it might be really beautiful." - Bill Stank

(00:00) - 029
(00:50) - Introduction and Guest Introduction
(02:04) - Bill's Introduction and Topic Overview
(03:00) - Misconception 1: Off Camera Flash is Too Difficult
(06:05) - Misconception 2: No Time for Off Camera Flash on Wedding Day
(09:33) - Misconception 3: Off Camera Flash Always Improves Photos
(12:50) - Misconception 4: Not Using Off Camera Flash Means You're Not a Professional
(14:59) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(16:03) - Host's Closing Remarks

Key Lessons:

Previous Episode

How to Blow Your Photography Clients Minds with Nicole Ashley

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In this episode, Scott speaks with wedding and portrait photographer, Nicole Ashley, about her photographic and photography business workflows.

Nicole Ashley is a Canon Canada Ambassador and is not only a passionate photographer who sees the world through her lens but is also an active educator in the photo community, leveraging her Bachelors of Education degree to mentor other photographers. Beyond the camera, Nicole's personal life is equally captivating. Married to her best friend, Jon, an incredible artist and father, and a mother to a beautiful daughter. Nicole has an infectious energy that many of her clients say makes them feel like they've known her forever.

(00:00) - 028
(02:47) - What is one thing that you do for the photographic process that has saved you time?
(08:53) - What is one thing that you do for the business that saves you time or money?
(12:54) - What is one thing that you do for editing that has saved you time?
(15:33) - What is one thing that you do after a session that has increased business?
(25:43) - Can you share an outlined breakdown of your workflow from lead to delivery?
(33:41) - What does the future of AI in photography look like to you?
(43:00) - How did Imagen impact your life?

Get ready to dive into the world of photography in this captivating episode of Workflows! Join host Scott Wyden Kivowitz as he sits down with the incredible photographer and Canon Canada ambassador, Nicole Ashley. Discover Nicole's unique approach to photography, her love for weddings, and how technology has revolutionized the industry.

In this episode, Nicole shares her secrets to creating an unforgettable photography experience for clients, from sending sneak peek photos within 24 hours of a session to surprising them with tangible film prints at weddings. She also discusses her recent dream come true experience, working with a big brand and a diverse team of artists.

"Looking at photos should evoke a sense of happiness and nostalgia." - Nicole Ashley

Mentioned resources

Canva: A helpful tool for creating digital mood boards.
Pinterest: A valuable platform for inspiration and gathering ideas.
Instagram and TikTok: Platforms used for inquiries about weddings.
Focal: A fantastic AI-powered tool that has streamlined Nicole's editing process.
Pic-Time: An excellent tool for creating polished photo galleries and delivering stunning client experiences.

Want to learn how to create a memorable photography experience for your clients? Tune into this episode of Workflows and gain invaluable insights from Nicole Ashley's expertise! Don't miss the opportunity to enhance your photography business and create a lasting impact.

Key lessons in this episode

The importance of creating a date-like atmosphere for clients during portrait sessions.
Using digital mood boards to showcase textures, color schemes, and shopping for items.
The value of utilizing AI and automation tools to streamline and enhance the photography process.
Leveraging client portals for organized communication and professional presentation.
The positive impact of technology on reducing burnout and making photography more feasible as a full-time career.

Discussed in this episode

Sending sneak peek photos to clients within 24 hours of a session
- Carefully choosing and retouching the sneak peek photo
- Clients' appreciation for receiving the sneak peek and sharing it on social media
- Bringing a mini Canon printer and using the Canon Connect app for weddings
- Putting film prints in clients' seats as a surprise and tangible memento
- Being hired for one role but ending up doing multiple tasks on a large production
- Collaboration with different artists and learning opportunities
- Referring to sessions as "portrait sessions" instead of "headshot sessions"
- Mood boarding and discussing details with clients to reflect their identity
- Transition from physical mood boards to digital mood boards
- Emphasizing the importance of meaningful photos that can evoke emotions in the future
- Thoughts on AI-generated photos and the value of traditional photo shoots
- Mention of social media platforms for inquiries and directing clients to email
- Importance of creating a date-like atmosphere during photography sessions
- Capturing memorable photos that evoke emotions and happiness
- Valuing family and personal time alongside work
- Regret over not using a certain tool earlier to save time
- Enjoyment of photography and gratitude for ...

Next Episode

Simplifying Wedding Photography Workflows with Michael Anthony

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Scott sits down with award-winning wedding photographer Michael Anthony to discuss time-saving techniques and workflow optimization in the photography business.

Michael Anthony Photography is a Los Angeles-based Wedding Photography studio that was started in 2011 by Michael & Jennifer Loizzi. Their work is best known for its colorful, contemporary, cinematic style of portraiture.

(00:00) - 030
(05:40) - What is one thing that you do for the photographic process that has saved you time?
(10:24) - What is one thing that you do for the business that saves you time or money?
(17:47) - What is one thing that you do for editing that has saved you time?
(22:07) - What is one thing that you do after a session that has increased business?
(28:55) - Can you share an outlined breakdown of your workflow from lead to delivery?
(33:18) - What does the future of AI in photography look like to you?
(38:23) - How did Imagen impact your life?

In the episode, Scott and Michael discuss various aspects of the photography process, from lighting techniques and outsourcing to the potential of AI in the industry. They share insights and personal experiences, offering valuable tips and resources for photographers looking to streamline their workflows and improve their businesses.

"Outsourcing and automating tasks in your photography business will not only save you time and money but also allow you to focus on what you do best – capturing beautiful moments." - Michael Anthony

Ready to optimize your photography workflow for efficiency and creativity? Tune in to this episode of Workflows to discover time-saving techniques, automation tools, and the future of AI in the photography industry.

Discussed in this episode

Discussion of workflow for photography sessions, including engagement sessions, wedding shoots, reveal sessions, and album delivery
The importance of marketing to previous clients and using ongoing promotions
Outsourcing and automation to maintain profitability and efficiency in the photography business
The belief that AI will not replace wedding and family photographers but will make their jobs easier
Advances in autofocus algorithms and AI tools for retouching
AI's potential for analyzing leads and conversations to determine conversion rates and predict booking timelines
The benefits of AI analytics and data for optimizing business operations
Discussion of culling processes and the importance of removing oneself as a creative director
Michael's recommendation to automate the reveal process and scheduling
The benefits of automation in terms of saving time, reducing errors, and preventing the need for manual follow-ups
The importance of outsourcing and delegating tasks for work-life balance and preventing overwhelm
Making a list of tasks and prioritizing outsourcing based on personal preferences
Having systems in place for handling situations where time off is needed
ProSelect and Lightroom for IPS and slideshows
Michael's use of off-camera lighting and controlling light with equipment like a three-foot Profoto Octa box, grids, and reflectors
Focusing on getting the final look in camera to save time in the editing process
Michael's outsourcing of editing, training associate photographers, recruiting, and creating timelines