Lipstick Brief Shoot (With Jamie Smart)

In this inspiring video, Karl Taylor mentors 9-year-old wildlife photography prodigy Jamie Smart in the art of precision studio lighting for a small-scale product and cosmetics shoot.

Already making waves as an award-winning photographer, Jamie joined us not only as a guest on our talk show but also to deepen her understanding of controlled lighting—skills she can apply directly to her stunning macro and insect imagery.

Together, Karl and Jamie explore the nuanced interplay between gradient lighting and soft, reflective highlights, contrasted with crisp, defined shadows. They demonstrate how to master both while preserving a clean, light-filled aesthetic.

Karl also introduces Jamie to the concept of ‘Global Illumination,’ revealing how to emulate the look and feel of natural sunlight with convincing realism.

‘This captivating session between mentor and rising star is as educational as it is entertaining—a powerful glimpse into the future of photography through the eyes of the next generation.

Comments

  2. Hi Karl

    What is your go- to Lens for these small product shots please and what did you use for this particular shoot?

    1. Hi, this was the 120mm macro lens but I also regularly use the 90mm lens too sometime with the extension tube.

    1. Hi, the software we use is called Helicon that does the stacking. The camera software is the Hasselblad camera software called Phocus, but I believe Capture One can also do this.

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