Episode 70: One-Light Portraits with Sandra Coan

Portrait photography can seem awfully daunting if you’ve never done it. How many lights do you use? Which modifiers are the best? Do you need a studio? How much money should you spend to get started? Oh, and how do you relate to the person in front of your camera? We talk with pro portrait photographer Sandra Coan about shooting with just one light and one modifier—using film!—and her book Crafting the Natural Light Look.

Guest:

• Sandra Coan
• Sandra's Instagram

Hosts:

• Jeff's website, Jeff's photos, Jeff on Instagram
• Kirk's website, Kirk's photos, Kirk on Instagram

Show Notes:

• Rate and Review the PhotoActive Podcast!

• Crafting the Natural Light Look, by Sandra Coan
• Episode 39: Tripods with Mason Marsh
• Episode 35: Martin Parr Shot My Portrait

Our Snapshots:

• Jeff: Moment ND Filters
• Kirk: Fujifilm 35mm f/2 Lens

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Examples from Sandra’s Instagram feed:

"I'm a natural light photographer"- that's what I told myself for the first 12 years of my career⁠ ⁠ I was SO invested in that label. ⁠ ⁠ But the truth is when I told myself "I'm a natural light photographer" what I was really saying was "I'm scared". "I don't know how to do anything else, and I'm afraid to learn"⁠ ⁠ Can you relate? 🙋‍♀️⁠ ⁠ I let the fear of something as simple as a strobe head and a flash limit my art, my business and my income!⁠ ⁠ I let myself stay stuck for twelve years! ⁠ ⁠ Twelve years of stressing out on rainy days.⁠ ⁠ Twelve years of worrying about the weather.⁠ ⁠ Twelve years of making my job WAAAAAYYYY harder than it has to be.⁠ ⁠ I share this because I know I'm not alone.⁠ ⁠ So many other photographers make the same mistake. ⁠ ⁠ They let the fear of what they think artificial lighting is lighting hold them back from learning...⁠ ⁠ If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to stop surrendering to the fear and self-doubt. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Stop making excuses about why learning to use strobes and flash won't work for me.⁠ ⁠ I'd remind myself that I'm a professional photographer, and as a professional, it is my JOB to be able to create beautiful images under any circumstance, regardless of the weather or the available light in the room.⁠ ⁠ And friend, I want to say the same to you think to you, right now!⁠ ⁠ Are you letting fear hold you back? ⁠ ⁠ Are you making excuses ⁠instead of just learning what you need to learn to grow?⁠ ⁠ Raise your hand if strobes and flash scare you a little. And let me know if you are ready to let go of that fear!

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Yesterday I received the nicest note from a woman who's just signed up for my lighting class, The Missing Link.⁠ ⁠ In it, she shared that she's a teacher and a mom of three who's now home with her kids. "Photography is so very comforting now," she said. "It's time for reflection and skill development!"⁠ ⁠ I couldn't agree more!⁠ ⁠ How many times have you said to yourself, "I would love to learn (fill in the blank) but I just don't have the time?"⁠ ⁠ Well, guess what?! Now you do!⁠ ⁠ Use this time as a gift. ⁠ ⁠ Learn the new skill, so when things go back to normal (and they will) you'll be stronger than before!⁠ ⁠ And just so you know, I'm hosting a brand new webinar on Creating Natural Looking Light WITHOUT Natural Light all week long. ⁠ ⁠ Click on the link in my profile to sign up! See you there!

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What I know after 20+ years in the photography industry is that the three keys to long term success are Clarity, Communication, and Consistency.⁠ ⁠ Be clear on what YOU do and who you serve.⁠ ⁠ Communicate those things through effective messaging and marketing.⁠ ⁠ And then be consistent. Consistency in your work, your words, and your systems is how you build a strong brand.⁠ ⁠ Friends, now more than ever, we need to be making smart choices in our businesses. ⁠ ⁠ To help you out, I'll be giving FREE masterclasses all week long called "3 Steps to a 6-Figure Photography Business" ⁠ ⁠ Follow the link in my profile to join.⁠ ⁠ It will only be available until Friday, so follow the link and sign up now!!

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