It's a no brainer that if you are a photographer, you ought to know how to use light; ambient or man-made. Zack Arias is a master photographer and teacher of light. I attended one of his workshops and was totally blown away. I have mentioned before that he is coming out with a set of DVDs that will walk you through his way of lighting (I am sure he urges you to find your own style though).

Here is the teaser to that DVD. It looks amazing and I will be dropping some coin soon when it becomes available.

Sign up for Zack's pre-sale email list and get into the action early. I, for one, can't wait.

My brother-in-law, Vinod, has taken up photography like nobody's business. He and his wife just had twins and so there is nearly double the need to make (great) images. I introduced him to his first DSLR (a Nikon D80) and urged him to start making images with a single focal length 35mm f/2.0 lens and a dedicated flash unit (his choice was a SB-600). The results are spectacular.

But before I unveil some of his images here, I must also say that I was instrumental in having him use off-camera flash. Why? Because on-camera flash is blech!

Check out his latest experiment and see for yourself:

This image is the on-camera (blech!) version:

This image is the off-camera (wow) version:

Both images had to be optimized for the web and so you may not fully appreciate the quality of these two images. The first, more easier, option delivers an image that is “good-enough” (oh, how I hate that expression!) It renders my sis-in-law in harsh, unforgiving light and says nothing of her relationship with her newborn son. The second option, to move the flash off the camera shows how you can really play with light and affect the mood, quality and emotion that's built into any moment. What does this second image say? Is the image not more dramatic, inviting, soft-in tone? Vinod placed his strobe in such a way that it gives the entire image a dimensionality that the first option simply lacks. Bravo, Vinod!

So, all you dads and moms out there with point-n-shoot cameras, I hope you will reconsider and buy a DSLR, one lens and of course a flash unit that you can trigger using your camera's wireless system. Your kids will thank you for it.

For more information about using your flash, the go-to-site is The Strobist.

Ok, I get nothing for plugging products here and this time it's no different.

David Hobby, aka. The Strobist, has an instructional DVD set coming out on Tuesday. If you are a photographer and haven't been living under a rock, I highly recommend you take a look at David's website and buy his new DVD. It promises to be chalk-full of great info. Cost: $139 (I believe)

Here is a preview (via) of what you can expect. Be prepared to upgrade your skills.

Another lighting master on the verge of a DVD release is Zack Arias. Having been to Zack's One Light Workshop in Boston, I have gotta say that his DVD will also revolutionize your photography. Cost: $250 (I believe)

Also, check out his series on high-key fashion lighting on his blog. Part 1, 2, 2b, 3, 4. Simply amazing!

Update: The Strobist now has his DVD-set on sale. Go get 'em!

Bill Waldman of 365 Portraits fame is on a roll. First it was Jhumpa Lahiri in Time and then this excellent advice about buying equipment. Read both posts and book mark this guy's sites. He is awesome!

Adrees Latif wins the Pulitzer prize for photography. Read all about it here.