January 2025

“It’s not the camera. It’s the artist behind it.” - Rich Taylor Lighting Setup Rim Lights (PRimaRy Lights): I started by positioning two primary lights, one in front and onebehind themodel, parallel towhere shewas kneeling. For these, I used Grid Strip Softboxes with Beehive Honeycomb Strips (indicated by the green arrows). Their purpose was to create a rim light effect, wrapping around her body and hair for a striking outline. FRont FiLL Light: Next, I added a fill light using a large octagon diffuser, positioned high and angled downward toward the model (shown with red arrows). This provided a softer, even illumination to complement the rim lights. Light PoweR settings: On a scale of 1–10: Back grid light (left): 7, Front grid light (right): 6, Octagon light (fill): 3 Adjust these settings depending on your strobe power and proximity to the model. The goal is for the grid strip lights to serve as the primary light sources, with the octagon acting as a subtle fill. Setting up the MODeL To ensure comfort and ease during the shoot, I asked the model to kneel. This position made it easier for her to execute the hair flip. PRePaRation: The model leaned her head down (see Example #1), and I sprinkled a safe pink-colored powder evenly through her hair, ensuring full coverage. Capturing the ShOt Once everything was set, I positionedmyself with the camera, counted to three, and had the model flip her hair back sharply. At that moment, I took the shot (see Example #2). Timing is critical to freeze the motion perfectly, so be prepared for a few trial runs. equipMent anD CaMera SettingS Camera: Nikon D750, Lens: Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8, Lighting: Promaster SM300, Settings: 1/160 sec at f/9.0, ISO 125 www.richtaylorphotography.com FB: richtaylorphotography tipS FOr SuCCeSS Patience is key. If you don’t get the perfect shot on the first attempt, don’t worry—this takes practice. Clear communication with your model is essential. Talk through adjustments and ensure they’re comfortable with each step. Experiment with settings as needed. Also, keep in mind that this process can get messy, so choose your shooting location carefully! 14 Music and Mental Health How Sound Heals M usic has always been a source of comfort and inspiration, but its role in mental health is becoming more evident than ever. In 2025, sound therapy and music-based wellness practices are gaining momentum as powerful tools for healing and self-care. 16 How I Got The Shot I started by positioning two primary lights, one in front and one behind the model, parallel to where she was kneel- ing. For these, I used Grid Strip Softboxes with Beehive Honeycomb Strips (indicated by the green arrows). Their purpose was to create a rim light effect, wrapping around 18 Transforming Negative Thoughts R ecognize the negative thought Awareness: Pay attention to your inner dialogue. Negative thoughts often manifest as “all-or-nothing” think- ing, catastrophizing, or self-criticism. Jour- naling: Write down recurring negative thoughts to identify patterns. 20 Small Business Ideas to Kickstart the New Year in 2025 A s we step into 2025, the start of a new year offers the perfect opportu- nity for entrepreneurs to explore in- novative business ventures. With changing consumer needs, advancements in technol- ogy, and an increasing focus on sustainabil- ity, there has never been a better time... “Despite Experiencing Childhood Trauma, A Person Can Still Forge A Path To A Rich, Meaningful, And POWERFUL life.” TRansFORm nEgaTivE Thinking inTO POsiTivE JanUaRY 2025 StepS to tranSform negative thoughtS 1. Recognize the negative thought • Awareness : Pay attention to your inner dialogue. Negative thoughts often manifest as “all-or-nothing” thinking, catastrophizing, or self-criticism. • Journaling : Write down recurring negative thoughts to identify patterns. 2. challenge the thought • Evid nce Check : Ask yourself, “Is his thought based on facts or assump ions?” • Alternative Views : Consider different perspectives. How would a friend or mentor view this situation? • Test Validity : Look for real-life evidence that supports or disproves the thought. 3. RefRame the thought • Positive Spin : Replace the negative thought with a more empowering one. For example, change “I always fail” to “I’m learning from my experiences.” • Growth Mindset : Focus on what the situation teaches you or how it can lead to improvement. 4. PRactice Self-comPaSSion • Acknowledge Humanity : Remember, everyone has negative thoughts at times. • Kind Words: Speak to yourself as you would a close friend going through the same issue. 5. uSe mindfulneSS techniqueS • Stay Present : Ground yourself in the present moment through meditation, deep breathing, or sensory focus. • Detach : Recognize that thoughts are temporary and do not define you. 6. RePlace with PoSitive habitS • Gratitude Practice : List things you’re grateful for daily to shift focus from negativity. • Affirmations : Create and repeat affirming statements that counteract negative beliefs. 7. Seek SuPPoRt when needed • Talk It Out : Share your thoughts with a trusted friend, life-coach, or therapist. • Professional Help : For persistent negative thought patterns, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be highly effective. PRactical toolS • Thought Log : A simple table with columns for the situation, negative thought, evidence for/ against, and reframed thought. Daily affirmationS: wRite thRee affiRmationS each moRning to Set a PoSitive tone foR the day. FB: @richtaylorcoaching IG: @richtaylorcoaching TT: @richtaylorcoaching www.richtaylorcoaching.com rich@richtaylorcoaching.com (516) 749-9340 3