Core Concepts
"Why" - Value
"How" - A walk through (PART 2)
"Why" - Value
Why are you here? Because you want more than just pretty pictures you want a streamlined volume workflow that delivers both dynamic video and high-quality stills. The challenge? Most photographers are stuck using strobes, locked into a system that can only capture a single frame, not a story. Why does this workflow have value?
"What" - Gear
"How" - A walk through (PART 2)
"Why" - Value
This section covers the gear you'll need from cameras and lenses to lighting and backdrops. We'll look at tools that support both photo and video workflows, with an emphasis on flexibility and speed. You'll learn what setups work best for volume environments without constant breakdowns or resets. The goal is to keep you tethered to the action, not tangled in the tech.
"Which" - Settings and Layouts
"How" - A walk through (PART 2)
"How" - A walk through (PART 2)
In this section, we’ll dive into the camera settings that make it all work. From shutter speed and frame rate to ISO, aperture, and white balance, you'll learn how to dial in for both stills and video. We’ll also cover lighting intensities how to balance constant light for motion while still getting crisp, clean stills. It’s all about consistency, efficiency, and knowing your tools well enough to move fast.
"How" - A walk through (PART 2)
"How" - A walk through (PART 2)
"How" - A walk through (PART 2)
Join our second class - Learn how to edit and deliver videos and stills. Edit fire or other post quickly in to your already great and ready to deliver images! This is an in-depth Editing and theory class!
Why learn this workflow? it builds a value-added skill
Stand Out from the Flash Crowd
Create More Opportunities for Sales
Create More Opportunities for Sales
Most photographers rely on flash and stills it’s the standard. But that also means it’s saturated. Mastering a workflow that seamlessly captures both motion and stills with continuous lighting breaks the mold. It positions you as a hybrid creator in an industry that often draws a hard line between photo and video. This skill not only differentiates your work, it expands what you're capable of offering on set and in post.
Create More Opportunities for Sales
Create More Opportunities for Sales
Create More Opportunities for Sales
We live in a video-first world. Social platforms are prioritizing motion content, and your clients especially parents know it. TikTok-savvy moms aren’t just asking for video, they expect it. Delivering high-quality motion alongside stills allows you to offer premium packages, generate more deliverables from a single session, and stay aligned with modern content needs.
Future-Proof Your Business
Create More Opportunities for Sales
It Increases Efficiency and Scalability
Trends shift fast, but one thing is clear: the future is video. Developing this skill now keeps you ahead of the curve while others scramble to catch up. It ensures your workflow stays relevant, your portfolio stays current, and your business remains competitive as client expectations continue to evolve. Plus, every video you create doesn’t just serve your client it feeds your own business channels, helping you grow your brand through reels, sizzle edits, and social-ready content that sets you apart online.
It Increases Efficiency and Scalability
It Increases Efficiency and Scalability
It Increases Efficiency and Scalability
If you already do both? When you build a workflow that supports both video and stills in one session, you save time, reduce gear changes, and streamline post-production. That means more content, faster turnaround, and the ability to handle higher client volume without burning out.
The biggest why - The Look changes
It Increases Efficiency and Scalability
The biggest why - The Look changes
Incorporating video into your workflow doesn’t just add a deliverable it unlocks a new creative dimension. With continuous light, you're free to shoot wide open, creating soft, cinematic images that many moms prefer over the hard-edged contrast of flash. This opens the door to beauty-driven aesthetics, perfect for cheer, pageants, and lifestyle work where a polished, glowing look is a major win. More flexibility in light and lens choices means more ways to tell a story and more ways to stand out.
Bonus: You Unlock WYSIWYG Shooting
It Increases Efficiency and Scalability
The biggest why - The Look changes
With continuous lighting, what you see is what you get. There’s no guessing, test firing, or metering required you see your final image as you shoot. This speeds up your workflow, builds confidence during fast-paced sessions, and helps you nail the look in-camera.
The Ideal Cameras/Lenses - The Best Hybrids
Sony A1
Nikon Z8
Nikon Z8
Sony A1 II
- Stills Resolution: 50.1 MP full-frame sensor
- Video Capabilities: 4K at 120fps (no crop), 8K at 30fps
- Dynamic Range: 15+ stops
- Other Notes: Best-in-class autofocus and subject tracking, perfect for fast-paced shoots (like cheer). Dual image processors keep things responsive.
Nikon Z8
Nikon Z8
Nikon Z8
Nikon Z8
- Stills Resolution: 45.7 MP full-frame sensor
- Video Capabilities: 4K at 120fps, 8K at 30fps
- Dynamic Range: 14+ stops
- Other Notes: Nearly identical performance to Nikon Z9 in a lighter body. Excellent for both beauty and action with Nikon’s rich color profiles and skin tones.
Canon R8
Nikon Z8
50 mm f1.2 is my main lens
Canon R8
- Stills Resolution: 24.2 MP full-frame sensor
- Video Capabilities: 4K at 60fps (oversampled from 6K), 180fps at 1080p
- Dynamic Range: Around 13 stops
- Other Notes: More budget-friendly, great color science, compact and lightweight — ideal for run-and-gun sessions. Note: No 4K 120fps, but the 1080p slow-mo is usable for certain clients and social delivery.
50 mm f1.2 is my main lens
85 mm f1.2 is my compression lens (more in the how section)
50 mm f1.2 is my main lens
I use the 50mm f/1.2 as my main lens for both video and stills in volume work because it strikes the perfect balance between intimacy and flexibility. The 50mm focal length is incredibly versatile natural enough for full-body shots, yet close enough to capture engaging portraits without distortion. At f/1.2, it creates a soft, cinematic b
I use the 50mm f/1.2 as my main lens for both video and stills in volume work because it strikes the perfect balance between intimacy and flexibility. The 50mm focal length is incredibly versatile natural enough for full-body shots, yet close enough to capture engaging portraits without distortion. At f/1.2, it creates a soft, cinematic background blur that flatters subjects and eliminates the need for elaborate backdrops. It also performs beautifully in low light, making it ideal for both controlled studio setups and fast-paced outdoor sessions. Most importantly, it delivers a consistent, elevated look that feels both polished and personal perfect for high-volume workflows where style and speed both matter.
105 mm f1.4 is my bokeh monster
85 mm f1.2 is my compression lens (more in the how section)
85 mm f1.2 is my compression lens (more in the how section)
The 105mm prime is a powerhouse for tight headshots, beauty portraits, and detailed expression work. It offers even more compression than the 85mm, creating an ultra-flattering look with creamy background blur and virtually no distortion. In volume work, it’s especially useful when you want to isolate the subject completely like in close-
The 105mm prime is a powerhouse for tight headshots, beauty portraits, and detailed expression work. It offers even more compression than the 85mm, creating an ultra-flattering look with creamy background blur and virtually no distortion. In volume work, it’s especially useful when you want to isolate the subject completely like in close-ups for cheer portraits, pageant beauty shots, or stylized marketing content. While it’s not ideal for full-body framing due to the distance required, its tight focus and premium feel make it perfect for hero shots or premium add-ons that justify a higher price point.
85 mm f1.2 is my compression lens (more in the how section)
85 mm f1.2 is my compression lens (more in the how section)
85 mm f1.2 is my compression lens (more in the how section)
I also use the 85mm f/1.4 (or f/1.2) in volume sessions when I want a more compressed, refined look. The longer focal length creates beautiful background separation and tighter framing, making it perfect for headshots, pageant-style portraits, or glam shots where the goal is polish and softness. Compared to the 50mm, the 85mm introduces m
I also use the 85mm f/1.4 (or f/1.2) in volume sessions when I want a more compressed, refined look. The longer focal length creates beautiful background separation and tighter framing, making it perfect for headshots, pageant-style portraits, or glam shots where the goal is polish and softness. Compared to the 50mm, the 85mm introduces more subject isolation, flatter facial features, and less background clutter ideal when you're shooting outdoors or in busy environments. While it gives up some flexibility in framing full-body shots, the trade-off is a high-end, editorial feel that can really elevate hero images and cinematic video cuts.
Why high-end hybrids are best?
Working with What You’ve Got? Sure! But....
You don’t need 120fps to create beautiful content but it helps. Cameras with lower frame rates like 60fps can still produce great slow motion, especially for subtle moments or storytelling cuts. But 120fps offers a distinctly cinematic, dreamy look that 60fps struggles to match. It’s also a time-saver: with fewer takes, you can stretch each clip longer in post and still hold visual interest.
On the stills side, anything over 30 megapixels gives you room to work smart. A single full-body image can double as a thigh-up crop and a clean headshot—saving time, increasing deliverables, and giving you multiple outputs from a single setup. When shooting in volume, that kind of flexibility is gold.
Tethered Shooting
Tether Tools TetherPro USB-C to USB-C Dual Right Angle 15' (4.6m) Cable Orange
Tethered shooting offers a range of advantages that can significantly elevate both your efficiency and image quality during a session. By connecting your camera directly to a laptop or monitor, you gain the ability to review images in real time at full resolution, making it easier to catch focus issues, lighting inconsistencies, or composition problems before they become bigger setbacks in post. This setup also speeds up your workflow by allowing images to flow directly into editing or catalog software like Lightroom or Capture One, where you can apply presets, tag favorites, and even begin organizing files as you shoot. PLUS client love to see the magic real time as it apears visibly on their screen.
Memory - External
SSD 1050MP/s - The more the better. Scale as needed depending on number of clients.
Recommended External SSDs (All ≥1050 MB/s):
1. Samsung T7 Portable SSD
- Speed: Up to 1,050 MB/s
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2 (USB-C)
- Sizes: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Great for: Lightweight, reliable on-location backup and editing
2. SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2
- Speed: Up to 1,050 MB/s
- Interface: USB 3.2 Gen 2
- Sizes: 500GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB
- Great for: Rugged outdoor use, heat resistance, and portable workflows
Memory Cards
For cards, I strongly recommend V90-rated cards. While the V90 label guarantees a minimum sustained write speed, which is critical for recording high-bitrate 4K at 120fps, the actual read and write speeds often range from 300 MB/s up to 800 MB/s, depending on the card brand and model. This high performance ensures smooth video capture, fast image buffering, and quick offloading of both video and large RAW files. If you're working in a hybrid workflow, V90 cards give you the speed and reliability needed to keep up with both stills and motion.
The Software We use
Premier
Premiere Pro is designed for assembling and editing video from simple sizzle clips to full story-driven edits. For volume shooters, it’s ideal for quickly turning around short-form video content that’s client-ready for social media or promotional use. You can batch import, apply templates, and cut together multiple clips into polished edits using presets and automation tools. It’s the video equivalent of Lightroom when it comes to scalable output.
Photoshop
Photoshop is your tool for detailed, high-end retouching. In volume workflows, it’s best used for select hero images that need advanced editing beyond batch adjustments. You can clean backgrounds, retouch skin, remove distractions, or build layered composites. It’s powerful, but slower—ideal for polishing final selects, not processing entire galleries.
Lightroom Classic
Lightroom excels at organizing, culling, and batch-editing large numbers of images efficiently. It’s perfect for syncing edits across full galleries, applying presets, and exporting multiple crops or sizes from one master edit. Its cataloging tools help you stay organized, especially when working with frequent shoots or multiple clients. In a volume workflow, Lightroom is your go-to for speed, consistency, and output.
Lighting Equipment for Volume Video and Still
Overview: Constant Light Volume Setup
We’ll use color-capable RGB lights in the rear to add energy, mood, or brand-specific hues to the background, while keeping the front-facing lights Kelvin-controllable for clean, consistent skin tones.
Gotchas - White Balnce and RGB lights
We When using colored rear lighting, especially RGB lights for background or rim effects, it’s important to understand how they can disrupt your white balance. These color casts—particularly from bold tones like red, green, or blue—can reflect onto your subject or bounce into your lens, causing skin tones to shift and neutral areas to take on unwanted hues. To maintain consistency, you should lock your white balance manually rather than relying on auto white balance, which can fluctuate with every frame as colors change. If you're intentionally switching background colors between looks, be sure to test and adjust your white balance with each setup, using a gray card if needed, to keep your tones clean and your edits simple in post.
Cotchas - Lack of lighting control
A room with moving or changing light sources like windows with shifting sunlight, overhead fluorescents, or even reflective surfaces can quickly become a major problem in a controlled photo or video workflow. These fluctuations introduce inconsistencies in exposure, color temperature, and shadow direction, which can throw off your lighting ratios and make your edits much harder to match. That’s why it’s essential to choose a large space with minimal to no ambient light, giving you full control over how light behaves in the environment. The more predictable your lighting, the faster you can work, the more consistent your output becomes, and the fewer surprises you'll run into during post-production.
Lights (Cost conscious)
NEEWER RGB Option 1- Rear
NEEWER RGB Option 1- Rear
NEEWER RGB Option 1- Rear
NEEWER CB200C 200W RGBWW COB LED Video Light, APP/2.4G 360° Color 2500K-7500K (Duv±0.0003) 23000lux/m Bowens Metal Shell Silent Continuous Output Lighting TLCI/CRI97+ for Photography Video Recording
ULANZI RGB Option 2 - Rear
NEEWER RGB Option 1- Rear
NEEWER RGB Option 1- Rear
ULANZI VL-200Bi Video Light, 200W Bi Color LED Video Light COB Fill Light Continuous Output Lighting with APP Control, 2700K-6500K, 6 Scenes Bowens Mount Studio Light for Photography Video Recording
NEEWER RGB Option 3 - Rear
NEEWER RGB Option 1- Rear
Falcon Eyes - Key Light - Round
NEEWER MS150C RGBWW LED Video Light with 2.4G/APP Control, 150W Metal Mini RGB COB Continuous Output Lighting Bowens Mount Handheld Spotlight 2700K-6500K, 18000lux/1m, CRI97+/TLCI98+,17 Effects, RGBCW
Falcon Eyes - Key Light - Round
Clam Shell emulation - bellow knees above feet.
Falcon Eyes - Key Light - Round
Falcon Eyes SO-300TDX 300W Bi-Color 2800K-6500K Soft LED Light with 9 Effect Scenes Mode
Fill - Opposite of Key
Clam Shell emulation - bellow knees above feet.
Clam Shell emulation - bellow knees above feet.
Godox KNOWLED F400Bi Foldable Waterproof Flexible Bi-Color LED Mat Panel with Flicker-Free Frame Speed for On-Set Lighting
Clam Shell emulation - bellow knees above feet.
Clam Shell emulation - bellow knees above feet.
Clam Shell emulation - bellow knees above feet.
Godox KNOWLED F400Bi Foldable Waterproof Flexible Bi-Color LED Mat Panel with Flicker-Free Frame Speed for On-Set Lighting
Backgrounds, Misc and Props that work great with Video
Shimer
Go outside now!
Light props
Shimmer backdrops like sequins, metallics, or iridescent fabrics work beautifully with clamshell lighting. The light wraps softly around the subject while bouncing off the textured surface, adding movement and sparkle to the background without overpowering the subject. Ideal for cheer, glam, or pageant-style sessions where energy and polish are key.
Light props
Go outside now!
Light props
Neon props signs, tubes, or glow accents in colors like pink, green, or electric blue bring a fun, modern edge to your shoot. They work especially well with RGB lights placed behind or beside the subject. These props add visual energy and are great for content aimed at social media-savvy clients.
Go outside now!
Go outside now!
Go outside now!
Shoot wide open f/1.2, f/1.4, even f/2.0 you’re no longer tied to a backdrop. The city, the street, or even a textured wall becomes your set. That creamy background blur (bokeh) turns everyday locations into beautiful, cinematic frames. This approach gives your volume work a natural, editorial feel while keeping gear minimal and creative possibilities wide open.
The details by the numbers and settings
This lighting setup is carefully structured to create a high-impact, flattering look using precise placement and thoughtful layering. In front of the subject, three lights work together: a large 32" round key light, placed about three feet away, casts soft, even illumination and delivers clean catchlights in the eyes. Just below, a 2x4-foot vertical light simulates a clamshell fill, lifting shadow
In this volume workflow, my base settings typically start with a shutter speed of 1/500 to 1/800, which ensures crisp, motion-free stills even during active movement or light gestures. This fast shutter also helps when working with constant lighting, maintaining sharpness without relying on flash freeze. I keep my ISO at 160 as a default to preserve dynamic range and minimize noise while still giv
For video capture in this hybrid workflow, I shoot in 3840 x 2160 (4K) resolution at a frame rate of 119.88 fps, which gives me the ability to slow down motion fluidly for cinematic playback or social reels. Each clip is recorded in H.264 10-bit 4:2:2, which provides higher color fidelity and more flexibility in grading—especially when working with skin tones or brand palettes under controlled lig
Frame Rate Conversion
- Source: 120fps (used for slow motion)
- Export Target: 29.97fps
- Why: Social platforms (Instagram, TikTok, etc.) are optimized for 29.97fps. Exporting directly at 120fps will often cause jitter or dropped frames during playback.
- Method: Interpret footage in your editing software (Premiere Pro, Final Cut, DaVinci) to play at 29.97fps. This will give you buttery-smooth slow motion wi
In video, especially in fast-paced or dynamic environments, autofocus is the single most critical setting. Since I’m always recording live action, I rely heavily on autofocus but also assist it manually by tapping focus (rear or shutter half-press) during the recording to help the camera lock onto the right subject at the right moment. This allows me to stay fluid while still maintaining control.
Lighting settings
My Kelvin Preference for front lights
For warm skin tones, lighting in the 3200K range can be incredibly flattering, especially when you're going for a soft, cinematic, or beauty-driven look. 3200K creates a naturally warm glow that enhances golden and peach undertones in the skin, making it ideal for cheer, pageant, or lifestyle sessions where a polished feel is important. This warmer color temperature also helps create a cozy, intimate vibe—especially useful when working indoors or simulating sunset tones. While cooler settings like 5600K can appear more clinical or commercial, 3200K wraps the subject in light that feels rich, inviting, and emotionally engaging right out of camera.
Controling rear color lights.
Managing spill from rear lights is key to keeping your subject cleanly lit and your background controlled. Start by separating your rear lights into three zones: rim lights, hair light, and background light. The rim lights (left and right behind the subject) should be angled precisely to skim the edges of the body—shoulders, arms, waist without spilling onto the face or front plane. The hair light, placed above and behind, should be flagged or barn-doored to avoid washing out the shoulders or overexposing the crown. Lastly, the background light, positioned behind the subject and pointed backward, should be feathered or diffused to light the backdrop evenly without flaring into the lens. Many newer RGB lights allow for precise control of brightness and color via phone apps, making it easier than ever to manage spill and fine-tune each light’s role. Each brand and model has a different interface, but once connected, adjusting these zones becomes fast, repeatable, and studio-friendly.
Light from the Eyes out!
When setting up your light intensity, your goal is to follow the general ratios illustrated in the lighting diagram, but more importantly, to fill the eyes with clean, balanced light. This means adjusting your key and fill lights to produce soft catchlights without creating harsh hotspots or overexposing the skin. To get consistent results, work in a controlled, darkened room where you can shape and manage the light fully—ambient light can throw off your ratios and make it harder to read shadows accurately. Always monitor for overexposure—nothing should be blown out, especially on the forehead, cheeks, or nose—and watch for a gentle, soft-edged shadow under the chin or cheek to maintain natural depth and contour in your image.
Use the hair group to control hair edge lighting.
Once the eyes are dialed in and the face is lit with soft, flattering light, your next critical step is managing the exposure on blonde or light-colored hair. Because blonde hair reflects more light than darker tones, it’s especially vulnerable to overexposure—even when the skin tones and catchlights look perfect. This is where your rear hair light group becomes essential. Positioned above and behind the subject, the hair light is meant to add separation and dimension, but if left too strong, it can easily blow out highlights, flatten detail, or create an unnatural glow. Pay close attention to how the light is hitting the crown, especially if you’re shooting at wide apertures where depth of field is shallow. Often, you’ll need to lower the intensity of the hair light, feather it slightly off the scalp, or narrow its beam using barn doors or grids. In some cases, adjusting the angle just a few inches can make the difference between clean, textured highlights and hot, unusable ones.
The same careful attention is needed when working with varying skin tones, especially in group settings or high-volume shoots. Lighter skin can clip or reflect light faster, while deeper skin tones may require more subtle fill or reflective control to maintain richness without flattening contrast. Each tone responds differently to your lighting ratios, and your goal is always to maintain detail, depth, and dignity across all subjects. Light should sculpt, not erase—so take the time to fine-tune exposure for every skin and hair combination, keeping your lighting both inclusive and intentional.
Pose Guide and Steps
In a fast-paced workflow, posing needs to be repeatable, teachable, and efficient. The guide allows you to move from one pose to the next with confidence, helping reduce downtime and maximize output per session. When used with constant lighting and wide apertures, the poses in this system are optimized to show off flattering angles, clean catchlights, and subject separation—whether you’re shooting stills, video, or both. It also supports quick cropping in post: a single pose can yield a headshot, a waist-up, and a stylized detail shot when framed correctly, giving you more deliverables from fewer movements.
Editing Guide
Now that we've built a strong foundation in lighting, posing, and image capture, we're ready to move into the deep dive on Photoshop editing. This section is about refinement—taking strong images and enhancing them with subtle, professional polish. We’ll cover everything from non-destructive retouching and skin tone balancing to background cleanup, texture control, and composite layering when needed. The goal here isn’t to alter reality but to elevate it—preserving the authenticity of your subject while making the final image client-ready, scroll-stopping, and brand-worthy. Whether you're working on a standout hero image or preparing a gallery for delivery, these Photoshop tools and techniques are what help push good work into exceptional territory.
We’re With You Until It Clicks
This course isn’t just about information it’s about transformation. We’ll answer your questions, clarify details, and walk through real setups with you until you feel fully confident replicating and adapting this system on your own. Whether you’re stuck on lighting ratios, camera settings, posing flow, or editing techniques, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Success is the goal, and we won’t stop until you’re lighting, shooting, and delivering with clarity, confidence, and results you’re proud of.