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
Master of Light [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:35
I feel like I have been studying Joe McNally’s work since I first picked up a camera, so this should be the easiest show post I have ever done. He is an absolute master of light, and I own his “The Language of Light” Vol…
Making Better Action Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:49
David Bergman is a legend in the world of concert photography, and he is someone I have looked up to for a long time. That may be the best summary of David I can come up with, that I am a fan, and honored to call him a f…
The Power of a Photograph [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:38
I have the feeling that Sam Abell has more stories than almost any photographer you know. Thirty-four years as a staff and contract photographer at National Geographic tends to have that effect. Sam is an Ohio based teac…
Focus On The Moment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:57
I have followed Zack Whitford on Instagram for as long as I can remember, in fact I think he was one of the first I followed after joining Instagram. You know how you have photographers whose work you like because it mak…
Finding Your Creative Voice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:35
Usually, I struggle when I write these. To start with, I’m not a writer, but more importantly I want each post to convey to you how much I admire the guest I am writing about. Today however, I gained inspiration from my…
Extreme Composites [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:41
Trying to write a post about Ryszard Horowitz has proven to be tougher than I had imagined. Ryszard Horowitz is a legend, literally. His life, and his journey through the art of photography, is almost impossible to disti…
The Traveling Photographer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:25
If you’ve been watching the show for a while then you may have seen the “Aurora and the Night Sky” episode with Dave Williams. Dave is a travel photographer, based out of London, and one of the most adventurous people I…
Blurring the Lines of Creativity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:38
I first met Australian music photographer Michelle G Hunder when she was a guest on the Sunday Night Photographer Hangouts I used to do with Adam Elmakias. We had such great time on those shows. After hanging out with Mi…
Real-World Use of the Canon EOS R3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:04
The Canon EOS R3 looks to be a beast of a camera. Like so many others, I want this camera, and like 99% of those people I won’t be buying one. Why? Because the Canon EOS R3 is for people like Jeff Cable. Ok, also because…
Focus on History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:26
Periodically I get a guest on Behind the Shot that makes me nervous. This episode is one of those moments. Wish me luck… David Hume Kennerly is a legend. In fact, I would wager money that other ‘legends’ look to David Hu…