Light Up Your Images

Light Up Your Images

Author: Steve Brazill April 23, 2020 Duration: 45:34

At WPPI this year I met a lot of great photographers, and one of those was Erin Holmstead. Skip Cohen had invited both of us to a party, and I was immediately I awe of Erin’s skill. Her photography is so clean, and impactful, and I asked her on the spot to be on the show.

Let me be clear here, that is not the norm. There are so many great photographers out with fantastic work, and I get suggestions often, but a great image doesn’t on it’s own translate into a great show. Sometimes you see a photo you love, even if you don’t really have any questions about how it was made. For a good show the image we discuss needs to be one where two things are true: it’s a great image, and I have questions about it. With Erin’s work the questions were in my mind even before I could say how wonderful the shot was.

Erin loves real, vibrant colors and clean, simple lighting. She started with family photo shoots and quickly escalated to commercial work, and that is where she thrives. Erin’s beauty portraits not only delight her clients, but create a sense of wonder in any viewer. Her self portraits will blow your mind, in fact you’ll wonder how they came to be and how you can get that kind of creativity in your own life. And Erin’s background is as versatile and delectable as her work.

Photography has been a mainstay in Erin’s  life for 15 years. She shoots for national brands like Paul Mitchel, runs a local photo club with over 1,000 members, and writes educational articles for Photofocus. Erin runs her business, and a household that includes her husband, two kids, and also children in foster care. Although she lives in Utah, she maintains the Kentucky sass she was born with.

You’ll know Erin Holmstead’s work when you see it, and I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I do.

Join beauty photographer Erin Holmstead and me as we discuss lightening up your photos with amazing creativity, on this episode of Behind the Shot.

Connect with Erin

Website: erinholmstead.com
Instagram: @erinholmstead
Facebook: @erinholmsteadphoto

Erin on Photofocus

photofocus.com/author/erinholmstead


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
Adventure Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:54
Alex Buisse is an adventure photographer based out of Alberta, Canada, but it would seem that Chamonix, France has his heart – at least photographically. Alex is a climber, but around the same time he fell in love with t…
Posing Tips [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:33
At WPPI this year I ran into Vanessa Joy, my first time meeting her in person. We chatted about the classes and workshops she was doing at the conference, and the friend I was with suggested that I get her on the show ag…
In Public: Street Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:34
George Schaub is a photographer’s photographer, and that may be the best compliment I can give anyone. George has a been a professional photographer since 1966, when he was the House photographer for promotion, brochures…
Overpower Daylight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:20
Rick Sammon has said that he specializes in not specializing, and I am seeing that approach to photography more often. Today’s guest is Will Cadena, and his portfolio include Weddings, Bar / Bat Mitzvahs, Corporate Event…
College Wrestling Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:51
A few days ago Jeremy Lanthorn (@Snackem on Twitter) sent me a guest suggestion: @stevebrazill check out @LeviVentura_ and this shot of @GableSteveson at the NCAA wrestling tournament. Would make a great BTS episode. I g…
Nikon Auto-Focus Explained [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:52
NOTE: This is not an official Nikon USA show. This is a podcast first and foremost, and Nikon was kind enough to allow my guest, Mark Cruz, to come speak about the Nikon AF system options. This is not intended to be a te…
Choosing Black & White [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:38
I don’t think Dr. Larry Tiefenbrunn, or Dr. T as he’s known to many, ever sleeps. Larry is a practicing pediatrician, and active photographer, and he’s the founder and CEO of Platypod. I first met Larry through Rick Samm…
Photographic Gesture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:44
I get guest suggestions on a very regular basis, and most of the time I actually do follow through on them. Unfortunately, I often don’t get any response. Periodically however I not only get a reply, but we end up with a…
Photographing History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:55
These last few years of the pandemic have been an interesting time. While I would definitely hope to not do it again any time soon, there are a few things that have come out of the pandemic that have been amazing. One of…
Canon Auto-Focus Explained [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
NOTE: This is not an official Canon USA show. This is a podcast first and foremost, and Canon was kind enough to allow my guest, Rudy Winston, to come speak about the Canon AF system options. This is not intended to be a…