On The Road With Monte; The Yucatan Experience: Seeing The Light—Part 2

One light pattern for everything--that's what I teach. Boring, you say? I don't think so. It simply makes life easy. With one light pattern, two poses (Feminine and Basic), and three camera positions (you place the lens where it sees either full face, 2/3, or profile)...

Imagination To Reality; Mental Stimulation To Take Your Photos To A Higher Level

Imagine you're on a trip of a lifetime and want to bring back memories that will last more than a lifetime. It all began with my deciding to teach a class in Tuscany, Italy. I was already going there for a convention of photographers...

On The Road With Monte; The Yucatan Experience: Seeing The Light—Part 1

My classes out of the country offer possibilities that keep my life and my photography exciting. For the past three years Merida, Mexico, has been an adventure in teaching. Sights and sounds...color and composition...all available just for looking and seeing.

Master Class On The Road; Monte’s Journey To China—Part II

While the city of Shanghai is a wonder to see, this portrait photographer, on a trip to Shanghai, still looks at faces first. I couldn't help but noticing the incredible faces on both the adults and the children. Everywhere I turned, the faces are what grabbed me.

Master Class On The Road; Monte’s Journey To China—Part I

Although I've been somewhat pigeonholed as a portrait photographer, I am a traveling man...and love taking pictures along the way, of course. Recently I made a trip to Shanghai and loved every second of it--what great opportunities for pictures!

A Shared Experience

Eddie Tapp, my personal Photoshop guru/teacher, and I joined together to teach portraiture and wedding photography in Hollywood, Florida, for our first annual class. I've been studying Photoshop with Eddie for years, but had never taught a class with him.

Why Black And White? In A Word—DRAMA!

There's something about a good black and white image that makes it jump off the page. It should be simple, direct, and hit you right between the eyes. It stands on its own. It doesn't even need color to make it stand out.

Six Photographers, Six Styles... One Camera!; You Won’t Believe The Results

I had worked before with some of the other Explorers. I had even employed and trained one of them. But I had never before experienced the likes of Paul Aresu, a New York-based commercial photographer. His clients are like a who's who of dream customers.

Taking The Mystery Out Of Lighting

Isn't it time that we simplify and clarify what portrait lighting is about? I think so! Many photographers are afraid to photograph indoors, because they don't know what to do with light. Others go outdoors and take snapshots, because they don't know how to control light.

Classic Photographs Are Made In The Camera

Making black and white photographs in the darkroom was never as exciting as it is now on the computer. I spent many years developing my own negatives and making prints. I settled for a lot less quality then than I'm getting now from my digital images.

Where Strangers Become Friends; The Impact Of Photography

I was teaching a class in Gouverneur, New York. Well, at least I was trying to teach a class. In reality I was so sick I could hardly get out of bed. For a few days I didn't. I was taken care of by my host and hostess, Nelson and Donna Lawrence at their bed and breakfast home...

Always Be Prepared For Portraits; Carry Your Window Light In A Box

The sun will come out tomorrow...or even tonight if you need it! Yes, you can now have your window light wherever and whenever you need it. You can turn it on 24/7! Plus, you can move the window from one side to the other if you want...

Who Teaches The Teacher?...

I've often heard it said that the teacher learns from his students. Such has certainly been the case for me. My Photoshop guru, Eddie Tapp, was in my classes years ago when he was first becoming a photographer in Dallas.

Making A “Monte” Portrait

My philosophy in my work: I don't photograph the world as it is; I photograph it as I want it to be. So, yes, I'm an incurable romantic. I confess...

Light Control; The Key To Good Portraits

Good portraits need to be created with controlled light. You just can't bring people out into open spaces--where light is coming in from all around--and get good results. There are many ways to control light for portraits both in a studio environment and outdoors.

...Going With What You Know

Picture this: You're in the golden era of your life. You're at the top of your professional career. Your reputation as a significant portrait photographer and teacher is as solid as ever, even after being in the profession for over 50 years.

Shutterbug's Alaskan Cruise

Put together a boatload of Shutterbug fans looking for a fun, educational experience and you can bet that they're going to have the time of their lives! We did! Every day a new port. Every day more picture opportunities.

The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of...

For many years I've had the philosophy that I don't want to photograph life as it is; I would rather photograph it as I would like it to be. My thoughts continue in that direction, especially in a day and age where many photographers are seeking a "hands-off" style of shooting.

Getting Back To The Basics

It was my first class at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre in Delray Beach, Florida. The Centre and I had known about each other for years, but never really connected. I had heard that this was a happening place. Wow, that's putting it mildly!

Have Cameras...Will Travel! Monte's Mexican Memories-Part 2

When looking at the final results I felt that the dark, cloudless sky actually detracted from the photograph. So, I selected one of my sunny, fluffy clouds to keep up the white of the costumes the dancers were wearing. To eliminate the sky I used Select/Color Range.

Have Cameras...Will Travel! Monte's Mexican Memories-Part 1

It doesn't take me long to pack when I get invited to teach a class in an area that I'm anxious to visit. In my rush I did forget to pack my socks, however. But I had my cameras, a few lenses, a tripod, lots of memory cards, and my passport.

Red, Blue, And Green... My New Approach To Black And White!

It used to be that you bought black and white film, exposed it, took it into the darkroom and spent days upon days selecting the right paper, developer, time, and temperature. Not anymore...at least, not for me! I'm shooting with my Canon...

From Russia With Love... Part 3

One of the highlights of my visit to the Kremlin was undoubtedly seeing some of Russia's greatest treasures that are housed there. We entered by an incredible staircase into a wondrous collection of some of the finest artifacts...

From Russia With Love... Part 2

I had dinner that night and just about every night at one of Moscow's most exciting restaurants in the heart of the theater district. Before arriving in Moscow I had researched Moscow online and had met Dolf. He told me that he owned a fine restaurant...

From Russia With Love... Part 1

It's something that I would never have dreamed of...visiting Moscow and getting paid to do it! But that's what happened. And I still feel as if I'm living the dream. How did it all come about? Just by my deciding long ago that "good enough" wasn't!

On The Road With Monte

When I think back at my favorite travel photographs they almost invariably turn out to be of the people I ran into along the way. There are exceptions, of course. For the most part, however...

People, Places, And Things... On Holiday, All Are Fair Game

You may wonder what I do when I'm on vacation. You guessed it--take pictures! Memories are made from snapshots like these that I created recently on a trip to Florida's Keys. Now, when I look back at my vacation memories I realize that of all the countless people...

Use Black And White

There must be something to black and white photography. It's been around for years. It's had its heyday, its demise, and now a comeback that's making history. And why not? It's graphic, grand, and gorgeous!

Photographing People Of Color

Shooting digitally has made it easier for me to photograph black people. I can see what I'm doing as I'm creating each image and make adjustments accordingly. Detail is what I'm looking for...detail everywhere. It's not that difficult to achieve.

While Strolling Through The Park One Day Part III

In actuality, our stroll through the park only took one afternoon. With these monthly articles, however, it's taken three months to show you what we did. I guess that one of these days I...

While Strolling Through The Park One Day Part II

I began my column last month by saying, "I really never know what to expect when I'm taking one of my classes on a field trip." Boy, is that the truth! Since I began this column a couple of weeks ago I've been on several more field trips...

While Strolling Throught The Park One Day Part I

I really never know what to expect when I'm taking one of my classes on a field trip. I do know that I will be using the same portrait techniques outdoors that I use when I'm in a studio environment.

Natural Light Portraits...A Little Ingenuity Will Do

You say you don't have any beautiful locations around you for portraits? Who cares? You don't need any fancy environments for portraits. All you need is some light and a little ingenuity.

Simple Lighting Makes For Effective Portraiture...

Before we delve into portrait lighting and lighting techniques, it's important to understand what portrait lighting is and why it's an invaluable tool for three-dimensional photography. In trying to create a three-dimensional effect on a flat piece of paper...

The Wedding Day, Part I

Small weddings are becoming very popular, perhaps because couples are thinking ahead and want to avoid many of the difficulties and costs associated with large weddings. Be that as it may, photographers still have the opportunity to take lots and lots of pictures...

Wedding And Portraiture Lighting, Whats It All About

Much has been written about light and lighting equipment. Yet, I've found very little written about what we're trying to accomplish with lighting. Maybe, with a little more discussion along these lines, lighting will not become such a mystery to so many photographers.

Wedding And Portraiture Just When You Thought You Knew Me

I keep growing, changing, and evolving. Nothing stays the same. I learn from experience and use my successes to trigger more. Some work, some don't. So, I decided to put together a few of my recent successful images and tell you how they were created.

Photographing People Of Color

My recent trip to Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean gave me opportunities that I hadn't expected. In particular, I photographed many black people--some wearing stark white--many against light, bright backgrounds. I thought that the contrast would be too much, especially using digital.

A New Direction For Portraiture

For the past few years there's been a lot of apprehension as to what's happening to the state of classic portraiture. Now, there's an answer. It's growing, maturing, and blossoming out. And, it's also going digital!

The Whitewater Experience Wedding And Portrait Class For All Seasons

Fall came late last year to Wisconsin. Either that, or my annual Whitewater class was earlier than it has ever been. Usually, we have autumn color. This time we had sunshine, rain, and a lot of fun (nothing new!). Through it all we learned to photograph in the studio...

Seeing Pictures, Outdoor Backgrounds Around Every Corner

I arrived at the International Wedding Institute, Hasselblad's annual school for wedding photographers in Tucson, Arizona, a day early to get a feel for things and scout locations for outdoor portraiture. I didn't have to look far.

Simple Lighting Techniques For Professional Photography Outdoors

Professional photographic technique means an approach that works consistently--no trial and error. Through the years I have developed several methods for lighting outdoors that have become a significant part of my style. I'll detail some of them for you.

More Simple Lighting Techniques For Photography Outdoors

When I added JJ to the portrait, I turned Danielle around to put her into a feminine pose, kneeled him down beside her and made another exposure. I was on a roll! This time, however...

Out Of The Darkroom, And Into The Light

The story began when I volunteered to assist photographing a wedding in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as part of my position as Photographic Consultant for Carnival Cruise Lines. While sharing the drive to the location of the wedding with the bridal couple, Mike and Beth Bundy...

See And Think Like Your Lens

For the moment think about what the lens is doing for us, what it's seeing and how it's reacting. By doing so we can eliminate surprises. We know what to expect before we even see the picture. Why? Because it's there in the viewfinder of our cameras.

Seeing Is Believing...Or Is It?

Some weddings take place in obviously gorgeous surroundings. But it's not always obvious how to take advantage of the settings. Also, it's not easy to get to those backgrounds at the time of day when the light is just right. You simply have to make do...or do you?

Color, The Enemy Of Form

Photo 1 leads you directly to the bride and groom. Everything in the composition keeps bringing your eye back to the couple. The ceiling has almost vanished.

What Do Computers And Portraits Have In Common?

At a glance, one might not think that there is a common denominator with these photographs. A closer look will reveal that lighting is the key. Each one has a very similar lighting pattern on their faces.

Cheat Sheet For Bride & Groom Portraits

What I wouldn't have given for something like this when I was new to the business. Here's a quickie shot list of portraits that you can take the next time you're photographing a wedding.

Simple Steps To Elegant Portraiture

At a recent class in Cleveland my sweet and gracious bride model, Avril, told me that she wouldn't be able to come in the next day because she had no one to take care of her children. I told her to bring them in. I'd photograph them.

Wedding And Portraiture: Black And White--Its The In Thing

Now that black and white has had a resurgence of popularity, I'm glad that there are some great labs out there that can produce fantastic black and white (and sepia, too)...