Why is my flash photo too bright?
Find out whether flash, room light or camera settings caused the problem. Fix one thing at a time with this simple portrait lighting check.
Get the simple steps →Flash lighting & portrait retouchingLess guessing.
Less guessing.
Better portraits.
Short lessons. Clear steps. One useful thing to try on your next photo.
Learn how to shape light, fix a photo and choose a finish. Each lesson points you to a free tool or a clear next step.
Browse all lessons below, or search by a word in the title or summary.
On the shoot
Explore free tools →Make the light work.
My flash meters f/4. How do I get f/5.6?
Use one real meter reading to find your next flash power setting. Learn the simple one-stop move, what to keep fixed and when to meter again.
Get the simple steps →I added a grid. Why is my background still bright?
A grid limits flash spread, but it does not block every source of light. Use four simple checks to find spill, bounce and room light.
Get the simple steps →After the shoot
Compare portrait finishes →Finish with care.
Natural skin retouching: what should stay?
Write a clear portrait retouching brief. Keep skin texture, freckles and the person’s real features while asking for useful cleanup.
Get the simple steps →Orange skin after editing? Check these three things.
Check white balance, extra color and mixed light before changing skin tone. Use a simple portrait editing order that keeps the person looking like themselves.
Get the simple steps →Will my portrait print sharp at 16 × 20 inches?
Check the crop and pixel size before you order a portrait print. See what 240 and 300 pixels per inch mean and when enlargement may help.
Get the simple steps →No lessons match that word yet. Try “flash”, “skin”, “power” or “print”, or clear the search.
Find help for your next shoot.
See a look you want to make?
Bring a reference photo. Get a lighting, color and retouch plan for your gear.
Turn my photo into a lighting plan →Published by DNA Premium Portraits. These lessons use plain language, worked examples and linked sources. Examples are starting points; check the result with your own gear. Articles are prepared with AI assistance. They do not claim a hands-on test unless a test is shown.
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