Ok, we get it. You love shooting with daylight. And either you think that learning to use flash is hard or you think it’s not the look you’re after. The reality is that mastering flash will not only improve your photography by leaps and bounds, it gives you much greater flexibility, enables you to shoot in the most challenging situations and provides you an edge in the way you create your images. San Francisco-based photographer Luci Valentine used to be in the same boat. But she’s now embraced flash photography – and she did it in a week. She discusses: her past life as a publicist for bands like Snoop dog, Nine-inch nails, Dr Dre and No Doubt, how she overcame her reluctance to shoot with flash, the benefits of embracing the selfie, the garage lighting project, shooting high volume headshots of female leaders, attracting new clients vs chasing new clients, the positive benefits of giving, the amazing success of the front steps project, her flower photography, the benefits of personal projects and much more.
Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast. Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets at GinaMilicia.com. Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process.
Gina and Valerie hope you enjoy the podcast.
Sign up to the newsletter for great tips and free Lightroom presets.
Join the dynamic Gold Membership in our Community which delivers monthly tutorials, live mastermind and lots of behind the scenes videos into the creative process.
Connect with us on Instagram @valeriekhoo @ginamilicia
Click play to listen to the podcast or find it on iTunes here. If you don’t use iTunes you can get the feed here, or listen to us on Stitcher radio.
Luci Valentine first came onto my radar in 2020 when she joined the Gold Community.
Luci was a daylight lover and we spent the early part of 2020 butting heads about what good lighting is.
Luci like many of us, including me, love daylight. And flash is flashy and ugly
As a result of mentoring Luci, I was able to develop a beginners mind to lighting and really understand the frustrations a daylight photographer has when learning light
Luci’s willingness to ask great questions and follow my advice has meant that in the space of two years she’s managed to create a profitable headshot and portrait businesses
She lost her job in the pandemic and is now busier than ever
There is NO such thing as Mondayitis for the first time in her life
Luci mastered flash photography in less than 1 week
We chat about:
- Her past life as a publicist for bands like Snoop dog, Nine-inch nails, Dr Dre and No doubt
- How Luci overcame her reluctance to shoot with flash
- The benefits of embracing the selfie
- The garage lighting project=
- Shooting high volume headshots of female leaders
- Attracting new clients vs chasing new clients
- The positive benefits of giving
- The amazing success of the front steps project
- Her flower photography and the benefits of personal projects=
- Knowing your value
- And heaps more
BIO
I know how challenging stepping in front of the camera can be. A photo session experience with me nurtures ease and comfort. When we feel comfortable, we are able to present our most authentic and connected selves to the camera. And the results are meaningful memories captured in the best possible light.
Pursuing photography means daily vulnerability because the learning never ends. I endeavor to work from my heart for you and to deliver timeless memories that will have meaning for you for years to come.
I live in San Francisco with my husband, two teenage sons, two senior dogs, one senior cat and a goldfish. When I’m not out with my camera, being with my family is my favourite thing to do.
I grew up watching my father’s photography hobby bloom into one of his most passionate pursuits. When I picked up my first camera, I didn’t think I shared his creative essence. But from that first click of the shutter I have embraced the art of photography and it fills me with joy every single day.
