Jody Dole: Light Moves

Control of light is often the essential element in the making of a great photograph. Not long ago we asked still-life wizard Jody Dole to turn his expertise, experience and imagination toward the creation of a series of step-by-step lighting videos that would demonstrate how anyone can control light. Along the way he used everything from window light to…well, something a little more complex.

He begins with the most sophisticated image, and in the first video you'll see Jody create the lighting for a psaltery, an antique musical instrument that he surrounds with items from his extensive collection of curios. Lighting for this still life comes from five SB-900s which are controlled by an SU-800 Wireless Speedlight Commander on his D700; the lens is an AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED. And check out Jody's use of his laptop to monitor his results, a vital step made possible by Camera Control Pro 2 Nikon software.

Next, Jody creates a psaltery silhouette with his D700, an AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D and four SB-900s, which are, once again, controlled by his SU-800 Commander.

The third video is something completely different. It's simplicity itself: no Speedlights, no studio—just Jody's kitchen, a collection of colorful bottles illuminated by window light and a striking image captured by a D5000 and an AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR.

Then, another item from Jody's collection: an antique fire truck, and for this fourth video he once again uses window light, but this time combines it with flash from an SB-600 Speedlight. The camera here is a D90, the lens the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR.

In the fifth video it's time for dessert—that is, photographing dessert, as the cupcakes in Jody's kitchen look so enticing they attract imaging attention of their own. Daylight and a COOLPIX S630 delivered the (baked) goods.

These five videos are ready for viewing right here. We think you're going to enjoy Jody's easygoing approach, and we know you'll benefit from what he has to show and tell about the ease, power and potential of the Nikon Creative Lighting system and the ingenious use of several light modifiers. No special knowledge of lighting is required—only your desire to use light to your best advantage.

Jody's website, which features an extensive array of his studio images, is at www.jodydole.com.