I just dropped a new breakdown on how I created this senior portrait using one Westcott FJ400 and the sun. The lighting setup itself is pretty simple, but the bigger lesson is about learning to see color, light, and opportunities in the environment before you start adding gear. I walk through how I noticed the blue-on-blue color harmony, exposed for the sky first, used High-Speed Sync to control the ambient light, and then brought Phillip back into the exposure with one FJ400. I also included the available-light version, my camera settings, the lighting pullback, and my actual Lightroom adjustments so you can see what was captured in camera versus what I finished in post. Whether you're just getting started with off-camera flash or you've been using it for years, I think there are a few things in this one you can take into your next shoot. Check it out here: https://www.leroytademy.com/blog-1/one-light-one-sun-creating-a-tone-on-tone-senior-portrait-with-the-fj400?fbclid=IwY2xjawUJwNRwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4gSjFeFQDmzEvtXEky2l9wEaalGEpqhEl_lK9X5vkffg8mqeFbDpxszSyHmg_aem_UnIMOzdpnTvoajuzUGAltQ After you read it, drop a comment and let me know: When you're shooting on location, are you looking for the background first, the light first, or the color first?

Most clients can tell you what they want. Very few can tell you what they actually need. In this video, I break down the questions I ask after a client tells me what they’re looking for. Those follow-up questions help me uncover the real goal behind the session, whether that’s attracting better clients, increasing sales, building trust, or telling a stronger story. Once you understand the why, you’re no longer just taking pictures—you become a problem solver. If you’re a photographer who wants to create more value (and book higher-paying clients), this simple conversation can change the way you approach every consultation. 👇 What question has helped you uncover a client’s real needs? Let me know below.

What do you do when you book so many sessions that you have no time to actually sit in the studio and get them ready for your clients? I’ll be honest — this is something I still struggle with. I can generate the sessions. But sometimes I become the bottleneck when it comes to portrait production. Right now I’m: • Waking up earlier to get quiet work done • Chipping away at edits throughout the day whenever I get a free minute • Working toward building stronger SOPs so other people can help carry the load Because at some point, growth requires structure. I don’t want to slow down bookings… but I also don’t want delayed delivery. So let me ask you — What are your best practices when production starts stacking up? How do you prevent yourself from becoming the bottleneck? Are you outsourcing? Systemizing? Blocking days differently? Drop your thoughts below. Let’s sharpen each other before spring hits.

@Mark Motichek is a volume photographer based out of Alexandria Louisiana. He runs his volume business with his wife Heather a true power couple.

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