Classic Portraits & Classic Lighting

Classic Portraits & Classic Lighting

Author: Steve Brazill January 31, 2019 Duration: 36:21

When I first saw Ian Spanier’s portfolio I immediately noticed one thing… he has a complete understanding of light. Ian began taking photographs at six years old, and that early start lead him to majoring in photography in college. He ended up working in publishing as an editor, but making pictures never left him. Having only known 35mm, he taught himself medium and large format as well as lighting.

Today Ian is a respected and published artist. His first full book of published work, “Playboy, a Guide to Cigars” arrived in cigar shops in November 2009, with the public version hitting retail stores in the Spring of 2010. The book is a collection of his photographs made in six countries, and spanning two and a half years. His second book project was a different subject altogether, and “Local Heroes: America’s Volunteer Fire Fighters,” came out to critical acclaim in the Fall of 2012. “Right Next Door,” his latest personal project has been featured on Huffingtonpost.com (here and here), The Daily Mail, and the Platypod Blog, and he’s not even finished shooting!

Along with the books, Ian is a monthly contributor to PDN’s Photoserve where he shares advice and stories about his experiences. As an educator, he loves to share his experience as a lecturer for Canon, PPA and the NY Photo Expo, B&H, The Sante Fe Workshop (2019) and The Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC.

Ian is Westcott Lighting “Top Pro,” a long-time member of LowePro Bags “Loweprofessionals” Team, as well as a Brand Ambassador for Hoodman USA and Platypod.

The original “Masters of Photography” have always inspired Spanier as they shot what they saw. For him, there is no “one” subject that he photographs; he shoots what he sees. This approach has certainly paid off too. Ian is a regular award recipient of major photo competitions, including Communication Arts, American Photography, SPD, The International Color Awards, The International Black & White Spider Awards, PDN’s World in Focus, Best of ASMP, Planet Magazine, and Seeing the Light, to name a few.

Join photographer and educator Ian Spanier and me as we take a deep dive into his portrait of actor Jeff Bridges, and talk about classic portrait lighting.

Connect with Ian

Personal: ianspanier.com
Facebook: @ianspanierphoto
Instagram: @ianspanier
Twitter: @ianspanierphoto

Ian’s Books

Playboy: The Book of Cigars: amazon.com
Local Heroes: Portraits of American Volunteer Firefighters: amazon.com


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 200

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
StellaPro Reflex S Light Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:10
Back in June I did a review of the StellaPro Reflex line of lights titled “Is This My New Favorite Light?“. Well, today I’ve got an update. StellaPro has upgraded the hardware. The StellaPro Reflex lights are “Continuous…
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Duration: 1:17:29
There are times when I see a photographer’s work that I have an emotional response, a feeling that I am seeing something special. That’s what happened the first time I browsed through Victoria Will’s website. Photo after…
Musical Wildlife [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:08
Regular watchers / listeners of the show will know Dave Williams. He’s a great friend, and amazing photographer, and he has a skill I value… an eye for great guests. In fact, he has connected me to more potential guests…
What to Expect from a Photo Critique [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:35
It never surprises me how often Scott Kelby’s name comes up when I am talking about photography with someone. I remember, back when I started out in photography, how much I learned from watching his videos with “The Phot…
10 Questions with… Don Komarechka [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:27
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What Goes Into Creating Launch Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:06
My guest today most likely needs no introduction. As Vice President of Operations for KelbyOne, Erik Kuna has been around the photography world for a long time, and he’s been on the show before, for the episode titled Sh…
Is This My New Favorite Light? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:43
A few years ago I was walking around the WPPI Expo floor with a friend, when he suggested we stop by the StellaPro Lights booth. This friend does some work with StellaPro Lights, a division of Light & Motion, and he thou…
Photographing Deep Within the Arctic Circle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:50
My guest for this show is none other than my buddy Dave Williams, making his third appearance on the show. On the chance that you haven’t seen the other two shows I did with Dave, “Aurora and the Night Sky” and “The Trav…
Elevated Toy Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:16
So, funny story… I get people pitch themselves for my show very often. It’s usually some bizarre pitch, for a subject matter that has zero to do with what my show actually is about. Sometimes it’s the potential guest ema…
F1: Through the Lens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:53
I get guest suggestions sent to me regularly, and this show is the result of one of those. Dave Kallmann messaged me on Twitter to suggest a few motorsports photographers, and that instantly intrigued me. Dave is a sport…