Artist Lecture: Todd Wright

Last night, local Richmond photographer, Todd Wright, came to speak to my Advanced Studio class taught by David Stover. Todd began his career in photography after spending his last couple hundred dollars on a camera. He knew that is was what he wanted to do and was determined to succeed. This attitude and persistence, which he continues to exude today, has been the reason behind much of his success. Always the eager student, Todd assisted local photographers for about 4 years before deciding to open his own studio. Today, Wright has amassed an impressive body of work and shoots regularly for clients large and small.

Todd began his lecture by telling us a little about himself and how he got started. His easy-going nature and friendly demeanor make him easy to be around and learn from. The class spent much time laughing and joking along with him. His then did a demonstration with a ring flash, a piece of equipment that most students didn't know about or have had the chance to see in action. Wright began his career primarily as a fashion photographer and has used the ring flash countless times for jobs and test shoots. He loves the classic beauty look that the ring light gives and it's ability to wrap around the subject. He demonstrated that the closer the subject is to the background the less shadow there is and said that he will often go into an image in post-production and remove the tiny shadow all around the subject as he loves the crispness of a no-shadow image. Wright also demonstrated how a ring flash can be used in ways other than the typical placement of around the camera lens. For a different look, he will often place the flash on a light stand and used it from an angle. He said that it is important to experiment with your equipment, to learn new ways to use things and truly make them your own as this is how one develops their own style. I found this statement truly inspiring and was motivated to get into the studio and be creative.

He also brought a large octodome with him, a light encased by an eight-sided softbox; his light of choice when using strobes. He demonstrated how to use it from above when shooting portraits and difference between using black and white cards on either side of the subjects face. This demonstration was again extremely exciting, if only to see the the way a certain photographer thinks and the way he uses standard equipment. After the demonstrations Todd showed us his website and went through his portfolio with us, image by image, giving background info and explaining how he got the shot and what he did in post-production. This was probably the most educational part of the lecture as it was like getting behind the scenes information from 40 shoots. This was a great lecture and I left feeling educated and inspired, as well as excited, because I will interning with Todd beginning very soon and I know that there is so much that I can learn from him.

All images by Todd Wright
Richmond Bride Magazine
Fall 2008

www.toddwrightphoto.com