Photography Blog Tips - ISO 1200 Magazine

In this video, photographer Karl Taylor explores how different lighting setups can create bold, dramatic looks, using affordable DIY props and secondhand surfaces. You’ll learn why aggressive lighting works best for male portraits, how to control light spread with softboxes and grids, and when to use rustic props to add depth and texture. These techniques will change the way you approach male portraiture, giving you instant, professional results.

From its stunning cinematography and atmospheric lighting to the film's gothic aesthetic, director and cinematographer Sareesh Sudhakaran will explore the artistic choices that made The Crow stand the test of time. He’ll also look at how the film differs from the original comic and the tragic story surrounding its production. Whether you're a filmmaker or a fan, this video will show you why The Crow's visuals remain unforgettable.

In this week's episode, Mark Denney discusses how metering modes can affect your exposure. Metering modes are one of those often overlooked aspects of photography. It wasn't until a few years into his career that he fully understood their purpose. And, as with most things in photography, there are many different metering modes to choose from: Matrix, Center, Spot, Highlight, depending on what you're photographing. In this video, he will guide you through a hands-on approach that will help you decide which metering mode is best suited for your genre of photography.

Couple photography can be challenging due to the need to balance light across two subjects. In this video, Gavin demonstrates the significance of positioning light sources and using modifiers like softboxes to achieve desired effects. Lighting not only illuminates the subjects but also shapes the mood, depth, and dynamics of the image.

One of the most significant questions that budding travel and documentary photographers face is whether they should focus on building an impressive photography kit or prioritizing travel and real-life experiences. This debate highlights two competing approaches in photography: acquiring the best tools or learning by doing in the field. In this video, Mitchell Kanashkevich explores these two paths.

Photography is — in part — a process of removing everything that we don’t need in the frame. But this is where a lot of beginners’ work falls down. There’s often too much stuff in the shot; too much distraction, and this leads to shots that lack both aesthetic and narrative focus.

Every photographer knows the importance of a good backdrop, but purchasing high-quality backdrops can be quite expensive. In this DIY project, Dawid Rymar will walk you through the steps to create your own professional-looking backdrop at home, saving you a significant amount of money while still getting great results.

Most of us have been conditioned to believe that a higher megapixel count directly correlates with better image quality. After all, 24, 61, and even 100-megapixel cameras are on the market, promising incredible detail and sharpness. In fact, they might not matter as much as you think. In this video, PhotographyExplained breaks down why more megapixels don’t always lead to better images.

As you grow in your filmmaking career whether you call yourself a videographer or cinematographer, you will run into modifying light and the larger the source the better… for the most part. In this video Anthony Rodriguez is comparing the traditional Westcott scrim jim booklight setup to ginormous softboxes like the Aputure Lightdome 150 and the 7ft Impact Parabolic umbrella for the softest light possible with the least amount of setup!

In the current landscape of content creation, producing high-quality videos is crucial for standing out and building a loyal audience. The MKBHD team gives their full masterclass on how they make high quality video, from initial concept to final cut. Below is a breakdown of the key lessons from this detailed tutorial, offering insights into efficiently creating professional-level videos.