Athletic Portraits featuring Joe McNally and Daniel Norton

www.adorama.com
Join Photographers Joe McNally and Daniel Norton as they photograph some athletic subjects in the style of one of Joe's Iconic Sport Illustrated Kids Covers. Rim lighting is a great tool to showcase the strength and form of an athlete. In this video, Joe explains his thought process and technical set-up while recreating a similar shot with 3 models.
Related Products at Adorama:
Nikon D5
www.adorama.com/inkd5x.html?ut...
Profoto B1
www.adorama.com/pp901092.html?...
Profoto Softlight Reflector
www.adorama.com/pp505507.html?...
Profoto 1x3 strip box
www.adorama.com/pp254710.html?...
Profoto Grid for Strip Softbox
www.adorama.com/pp254629.html?...
Photos by Joe McNally
portfolio.joemcnally.com/index
/ joemcnallyphoto
You can keep up with Daniel on Instagram @danielnorton
Like, share, and comment on the video below...let's get the conversation started!

[@Vormulac1]

I never tire of Joe McNally, so much pure talent and a brilliant presenter.

[@nazsimons]

Is great to see such an experienced master photographer like Joe M. burst in laughter once he sees he got the shot at the first try. I mean, such a joyful reaction from a man who is surely used to that! I look up to you Joe. You are one of the greatest of these times.

[@JoeMcNally]

many thanks for the kind words Nazareth. Appreciate it. And yes, still lots of laughs, and enjoyment just shooting after all these years. It remains fun.

[@justhughmorme]

I believe this is one of the best videos I have seen from either of them. Their talents truly complimented each others. Amazing gentlemen, look forward to the others !!!

[@williej.allenjr.510]

Love Joe McNally! He makes everything look and feel achievable.

[@vtj2300]

WOW!!! Love your beautiful models Daniel, but this was the best On Set ever!

[@stevengreen9738]

Thank you Joe and Daniel, awesome video really enjoy the way you both explain why you do what you do.

[@wilsondixon9205]

I love that Joe complements the talent after each shot

[@simianinc]

Love seeing video with Joe.

[@JoseMartinez-jr3hx]

Thank you Joe and Daniel for this awesome instructional video.I'm a total fan of you both, great models as well.

[@JoeMcNally]

All good Jose...really enjoyed the day. I always learn something when I am with Daniel.

[@davidbailey4976]

Thanks guys. I learned a lot from that: Joe's actions and Daniel's comments to augment what we saw. Great. Thanks

[@DrKitanoTakashi]

You guys made my day, the comment about getting it right on the first shot was golden was hilarious. Many thanks, two masters, both very respectful to each other, sincere, sharing their wisdom to us the viewer. I hope to see more from you both in future.

[@d.l.mcluvin8067]

So much fun watching this. Thank you again for sharing with us

[@scottjsquires]

Very well done... Loved the problem solving style! 👍

[@stevecraig6286]

Dan is a very nice man, I spoke with him at the 2016 wppi and he so helpful in answering my questions.

[@adampoll4977]

Informative, modest, entertaining - great vid showing the nuts and bolts and the process behind a shoot. Joe is great!

[@watchlover8297]

Great video. Easy to watch a great photographer in Joe be genuine and humble. A pleasure...

[@cubistone]

Joe is the photographers' photographer. Outstanding!

[@dlphotodlphoto1098]

GREAT TO SEE JOE BACK DOING WHAT HE DOES BEST STROBES N STUDIO LIGHTING GREAT TIPS BRILL.

[@effectnayatube]

Wow!!!! Love love love! Love you both, and explanation is on point! Thanks for the video!

[@carlosdias1940]

Big fan of both photographers! Really helpful on my path to flash photography. As a sports photographers, exactly what I was looking for. Brilliant!

[@MrGioTarantini]

Joe not only a great photographer, but a great person. Had the honour to meet him here in Italy ^_^ GREAT!!

[@JackHoying]

Nice to see you guys working together for some videos. Lots of good information/tips were presented here.

[@PatMo1888]

Excellent - great rapport between the photogs and the talent!

[@mikek1681]

Great video guys. Love to watch Joe work.

[@JoeJacksonJr]

Awesome video. Really enjoyed it. Joe McNally is awesome..

[@hsueh1021]

Absolutely enjoyed the video! Am a big Joe McNally fan and have read books by him and watched almost all the videos there is on KZbin. This video is very informative and teaches how to layer up your lighting, and I believe anyone who watches it will benefit from it.

[@rishigunness9794]

this vid was awsome. I love the repore the two guys had with each other and no competing to see who was the better photographer. the video was very informative also and the best part was they were not trying to push any brand of gear, just a clean tutorial on getting the shot.

[@JoeMcNally]

Many thanks...really enjoy listening to Daniel. He's forgotten more about lighting than I'll ever know.

[@RayValdezPhotography]

damn you remind me of me and my friend when we shoot. I be explaining things to him and figuring out how I want it with some science but some personal flavor as well. Anyway if you have anything you want to give away hook a brotha up McNally.

[@danielhamilton2157]

Loved this, nice to see the work process from the pros.

[@kurtisca]

Top notch video, great information and a real treat to watch Joe work.

[@MarDiHo]

Such a great session!!

[@elitemediaproduction9773]

I haaaave to say that i LOLed when you said "If it comes a good shot in the beginning, you have to delete it otherwise the customer will think it is to easy :)))))))))))))))) great say

[@IlRabaiotti]

Simply Amazing. Thanks guys

[@jeffreysnyder3979]

Super video & thank you! These two are great together.

[@londonfoto]

Great video, effortless delivery of knowledge & experience.

[@clickmaniac1]

great video by two talented photogs

[@dobermansnp]

I have no words to express how awesome this vid is. Thx for sharing it!

[@rugbyfowler]

Thanks for sharing and keep creating these wonderful videos!

[@paulocontente9993]

Great video hope to see more.

[@AMStark77]

More videos with these two talented photogs!

[@JayChanKH]

Great stuff! Thanks for sharing!

[@RBullCZ]

Excellent video, the whole process feels like a diamond grinding from rough stone to a brilliant :)

[@bleuswiffer]

Great work Joe!

[@BrotherBloat]

absolute KING!

[@a.flowers8737]

Awesome - I'm inspired to do more, learn more, explore. Many thanks.

[@IanWhiting]

Great video, very inspiring

[@TheVegasISrael]

Thank you for your free videos!

[@lisahight1194]

Joe McNally, I really enjoyed this video. Also, I need to compliment you on the fact that you are great to listen too. Not to insult the other individuals providing great educational videos, but they can just be annoying by talking too much and I end up fast forwarding a lot. Everything was relevant your style is calm and you are just easy to follow. --THANK YOU!!

[@alansmith72]

Fantastic tutorial, many thanks 😎

[@Neil-Hanson67]

Fantastic video,i learnt a lot about lighting from this..Cheers guys

[@RamZep]

Amazing video, you guys rock... good stuff

Mr McNally is fastastic!! Great video

[@ellisguerrero212]

Amazing photographer 🙏🙏🙏

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Thanks again, guys! (and excellent models)

[@RogerGallant]

Great video!

[@albertr915]

Great video.

[@michaeljemery]

Great video. The back and forth discussions were really helpful, I just wish you showed us more of the "getting there" shots of Scott, when you were setting up for the first time. It's useful to see "bad" shots, as they help us better understand what makes a good one.

[@gurumoorthy1875]

Many thanks

[@AndyMoranPhoto]

Really would've loved to see the photos as a viewer as they were taking them, instead of just seeing them look at the back of the camera and describe what they see. Otherwise, great video!

[@cubistone]

Great comment, but Joe McNally shares the Beatles' professionalism in the studio. Experimental, yes. But only perfection gets released. We only see what is meant to be seen.

[@markkempton4579]

Doesn't sound like a helpful learning model.

[@kpmoone]

@@cubistone but then how will we learn?

[@LucianeMarcus]

I love this video and how humble Joe McNally is... nice to see an incredible talented photographer like that! Something about Joe that makes me smile... How do you nail focus every single time? Back focus? Single or C?

[@johnspencer1146]

love it

[@melbawells5472]

Awesomeness

[@davidmoore349]

I'll watch anything with Joe McNally.

[@htorres1stk]

Excellent

[@PrecisionRifleGroup]

MAGICAL!!!

[@gary457]

I love how you guys explained all the lighting setups and ratios. I was curious as to was his camera settings were. Focus points, Continuous etc??? Do you mind sharing?

[@kennethmills5470]

Love Joe Mc

[@talltom0690]

Very helpful, thanks. The music was driving me insane though. They are interesting enough with out that background noise!

[@Neopulse00]

A beacon of knowledge

[@5705Seahorse]

Very interesting video. Would have been good to be able to see the back of the camera images whilst you guys were discussing them. Also I would like to hear about the problem of freezing motion with studio lights.

[@bentborn]

Great video. Would be a lot better without the noise-music.

[@sdjavan]

Bring McNally back again!!!

[@pax1961]

Why not show the test shots as you were discussing them so we could see the subtleties in the changes

[@kurtozan251]

A lot of photographers share their unfinished work.

Daniel awesome video. Great to invite Joe. BTW guess it's time to cut that hair pal.

[@gullbuttqasim]

Thank u for the lesson... :)

[@enduraman1]

would have like to see a wide shot showing the exact positions of the flashes and the camera in action.

[@tonyfphotography]

CC - Please show the test shots as you go in future videos so that the viewer can see the results of the subtle changes and learn from seeing rather than just hearing and interpreting. Thanks for the tips in this video.

[@monangel2388]

very helpful. I have a sport shoot coming this vdo help me. Thanks.

[@nolaPIC]

Great vid! I'm in the market myself for strip boxes...Are we sure the ones pictured here are only 3 foot long per the description and link below the video? The look like the Profoto 6'

[@KennethEverett_N]

Really like the methodical approach and walk through. Joe mentioned V-flats can be a very cost effective tool. But I've yet to find any supplier from which I can get any close to the size you demonstrate at any reasonable price, reasonable shipping cost or both. Can you suggest any sources?

[@dpvandeven]

Which focus settings are used?

[@StephanEilert]

Very very cool! I want to do this, but I dont have strip softboxes neither a studio. I was thinking about using a concrete wall, like bricks (gray bricks) and a couple of bare speed lights, maybe a softbox to fill. Any suggestions?

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

You can certainly do this with speedlights! Just remember to keep as much of the ambient light out of your exposure as possible to avoid "Pop and Blur"

[@ianisamo8828]

Why didn't you use a flash meter to get your exposure quickly ?? Just curious it would be a lot faster if you did

[@toddstrong1353]

I know this is quite old but, what focusing method was used? I've been trying this style of portraits lately but I'm having a hard time freezing motion and hitting focus.

[@TheFlowMind]

Can you do this in the gym or the ambient light will be detrimental?

[@Graham1904]

Awesome vid but would been nice to see the tethered shots while making the adjustments

[@beachbum4691]

Punchy + Useful :) + "Wow" (subscribed and I hit that little bell so I get emails when you guys add another educational vid') Thanks :)

[@4augustus18]

Afternoon gentlemen! pardon the lateness of this reply although any presentation from either Mr's. McNally and Norton are timeless😎. I've had the pleasure of attending both at Adorama and PhotoPlus! Question is , would you build the exposure around the sweet spot range of the 24-70 or it's a moot point?

[@effectnayatube]

Dont know if you will be able to answer, but where is you focus? Do you use auto focus or manual one on the upper side?

[@JoeMcNally]

Generally when they started to leap, I went with a Group AF on my D5.

[@dmwoodman814]

Юля Эффектная i

[@gatlinproduction]

May I ask what are you using on the floor? I'm having trouble creating me an all around background for a Drum Set to set on. Green Screen is not working for me because I'm inside of a small room. Can you help me please.

[@atephoto]

Hello Joe my Hero :) I hope you can take your time to answer these 5 questions I have despite bad English? :) It would really help a lot, and it would be useful for many people! 1. Do you shoot iTTL BL with matrix metering always or do you mix metering and flash modes? All times I see you shoot it's on some TTL with matrix metering. 2. The review you get on histogram/photo/blinkers on LCD is from a JPEG, so what "JPEG setting" do you review your image with? Camera Standard? 3. Is the color-space for JPEG set to sRGB or AdobeRGB since it potentially can affect readings? 4. Do you ever use handheld lightmeters like before with film? I have a Nikon D750, very nice camera indeed. I know 'enough' about histogram, blinkers etc, but I find it very hard to evaluate the contrast level, brightness and highlights on that little LCD. I'm trying my best to find the best way to shoot and be efficient with it but its very hard. 5. Final question, lets call this a Christmas gift for us fans :) ... On *e4 (Nikon D750) Exposure compensation for flash... Do you set this to "Whole image" or "Background only"? I find "Background only" very useful when I'm in A-priority shooting my speedlites on matrix metering with iTTL BL. If you answer this I will be happy for months :D Have a nice Christmas and keep sharing !

[@blurfestival4269]

Hi Guys - nice video. We have had a couple of questions in relation to this video so thought it might be good to throw them back to you. Firstly at the beginning of the video you removed the ambient by manipulating the aperture however when you added the soft boxes to the rim lights you had to adjust the aperture to allow more light to hit the sensor. In the shots you can see detail again in the floor. The questions is that given ambient light is affected by shutter speed and strobes are affected by aperture so why did you use the aperture to control your ambient at the beginning and not your shutter speed given the Profoto B1 can sync as fast a 1/8000 of a sec? The other question we had was why you just didn't move the rim lights closer instead of adjusting the aperture. We have done the best we can to answer these questions however would love to know your thoughts. Thanks again for the video is really great to watch you guys working together especially like the horror film analogy.

[@PerToreMolvr]

Yeah, is there any reason you didn't use the HSS capability of the B1?

[@midnightpaleo]

What lens was being used with the D5?

[@hanschristiangamst3959]

Great video...thanks guys. I understand that you use 2 profoto b1 as rimlight. What is your front light at around 12:30 ?

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

The front light is a 3rd B1 in a beauty dish with grid.

[@hanschristiangamst3959]

Thank´s ;-)

[@josecarlossobrinhoensaiosr904]

daniel if they used flashmeter wouldn't they get more accurate and faster results? hugs and classroom show

[@RabidzIITargetmaster]

Does anyone know what Size the Soft Boxes are? Joe is an absolute legend. I was gutted last year when he was in Edinburgh but I had a holiday already booked on that week. Was tempted to just cancel it when I found out.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Robin Malone those are 2x6 foot soft boxes.

[@rms2719]

Does Adorama sell these 2x6 soft boxes?

[@RabidzIITargetmaster]

Daniel Norton Photographer thanks for that :)

[@cwiklolo]

I've seen a couple of your videos and like what I see, didn't love this background music. :D

[@WoodyONeal]

...one way ticket to flare city need to trademark that :)

[@williamfitch1408]

I don't own my own studio but I work in them a lot, and I've never known them not to have blackout curtains. Half of this tutorial is spent dealing with ambient lighting and reflecting issues, which is interesting in its own right but, get some curtains, draw them and you'll reduce your studio time and costs by half at least.

[@ClareMcCahill]

It's a gut thing, yes, and you can wing it on sports/gym shoots. Just remember that these athletes are pumped for their shoot and if it takes 20 test shots to get your lighting right, then these people are getting tired and bored by the time "you' peak.

[@cbartsch]

This is something I´d love to try out, but when I hear 2*500Ws as rim light plus keylight, it´s out of my equipment league as an amateur :-( Love the explanations and cooperative style of the video, though!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

In a dark room, you could make this work with much less power, even speedlights! remember, our camera settings are based on the fact we are in a very bright daylight studio.

[@JoeMcNally]

I'm with Daniel on that one....try to control the light level of the room, and you won't need as much power.

[@cbartsch]

Thanks both of you for the encouragement, ***** and Daniel Norton Photographer . I´ll see if I can convince a colleague who does cheerleading to give it a shot with me shooting ;-)