The Portrait System Podcast: Episode Summary Title: Lighting For Everyone with Felix Kunze
Host: Nikki Klosser
Guest: Felix Kunze
Release Date: July 28, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Portrait System Podcast, host Nikki Klosser welcomes back renowned lighting expert Felix Kunze. The conversation delves deep into Felix’s unique approach to portrait lighting, his educational endeavors, and the foundational principles that have driven his successful career in photography.

Felix Kunze’s Journey in Photography

Felix shares his remarkable journey from being born in Communist East Germany to migrating to England at the age of ten. His relentless determination led him to New York, where, [02:48] he began assisting top photographers without any familial connections, emphasizing that his success was built on sheer luck and hard work.

Felix Kunze [02:48]: "I ended up assisting some of the top photographers in the world through sheer luck and determination. Not through familial connections or anything like that."

Despite the elitist nature of the photography industry, Felix highlights how his background didn't initially align with his career path, yet he managed to learn from the industry's best, uncovering the simplicity behind effective lighting.

Philosophy on Lighting in Portrait Photography

The core of Felix’s expertise lies in his belief that lighting should be simple and unobtrusive, allowing the subject to shine without complicated setups. He emphasizes that while technical aspects like lighting are crucial, the true magic happens in the interaction between the photographer and the subject.

Felix Kunze [05:03]: "Portrait photography is about the person in front of the camera. Everything magical happens between the photographer and the subject."

Felix criticizes the overcomplication often found in lighting techniques, advocating instead for straightforward methods that prioritize flattering the subject over ornate setups.

Introducing "Lighting for Everyone"

Felix discusses his acclaimed course, "Lighting for Everyone," designed to democratize lighting education by making it accessible to photographers of all levels. The course focuses on simplicity, requiring only a camera and a single light to achieve professional results.

Felix Kunze [09:49]: "Lighting for Everyone is for any photo, no matter where you are. The barrier of entry is very low. You need to have a camera and one light, and you're good to go."

Key features of the course include:

• Signature Light and Wraparound Light: Innovations that flatter all ages and groups without the need for multiple modifiers.
• Practical Application: Encourages photographers to practice with peers, fostering a mutual exchange of skills without the complications of formal assistance roles.
• Avoiding Technical Jargon: Felix ensures that the course avoids overwhelming technical terms, focusing instead on foundational principles that yield beautiful, flattering portraits.

Assisting Other Photographers and Building Connections

Felix elaborates on his approach to assisting other photographers, emphasizing the importance of serving and supporting rather than competing.

Felix Kunze [22:32]: "Trading time with other photographers in your area is a gift. If you want to, just get into the mindset of serving that person."

He shares anecdotes from his early days in New York, highlighting how building genuine friendships within the photography community opened doors to significant opportunities, including working on high-profile projects like Vogue covers.

The Simple Formula for Success

A recurring theme in the conversation is Felix’s straightforward formula for a successful photography career:

1. Photograph Something You Care About: Focus on subjects you are passionate about and knowledgeable in.
2. Photograph It Well: Ensure your work is technically sound and aesthetically pleasing.
3. Get It in Front of the Right Audience: Share your work with audiences that appreciate and value it.

Felix Kunze [31:10]: "Find something you're interested in and you know something about. Photograph it well. Get it in front of an audience that appreciates it."

This approach, influenced by the book "On Being a Photographer," underscores the importance of authenticity and connection over merely adhering to technical perfection.

Developing a Unique Style

Felix and Nikki discuss the pitfalls of mimicking other photographers’ styles, stressing the importance of developing a unique aesthetic that resonates with both the photographer and their audience.

Nikki Klosser [42:10]: "Don't feel like you have to look like everybody else... just be really careful about that."

Felix encourages photographers to stay true to their vision, likening it to music—choosing what genuinely resonates over what is merely popular or trendy.

Practical Application: Vogue Cover Shoot

Felix recounts his experience working on a Vogue cover featuring Blake Lively, where he applied his simple lighting principles to a large-scale shoot. Despite the complexity of the set, Felix's foundational approach proved effective, demonstrating that simplicity can scale to handle high-profile projects without losing its elegance.

Felix Kunze [56:34]: "I scaled up what I do in simpler setups that I teach—it's so simple and so beautiful."

This story exemplifies how Felix's methods not only work in small, controlled environments but can also be adapted to more demanding contexts without sacrificing quality.

Final Q&A Section

In the concluding segment, Nikki asks Felix a series of personal and professional questions:

1. What is something you can't live without on a photo shoot?

   • Felix Kunze [58:23]: "I can't do without the participation of the subject. Without their involvement, the shoot falls apart."

2. How do you spend your time when you're not working?

   • Felix enjoys sleep, playing with his dogs, and traveling—activities that fuel his creative energy and passion for photography.

3. What is a photography-specific product you can't live without?

   • Felix Kunze [60:52]: "Oliphant studio backdrops. The Felix Classic backdrop, in particular, has been instrumental in his career."

4. Where can people find “Lighting for Everyone”?

   • Available at lightingforeveryone.com. Felix encourages listeners to explore his course for a transformative learning experience.

Conclusion

This episode offers valuable insights into Felix Kunze’s approach to simplifying lighting in portrait photography. His emphasis on authentic connections, straightforward techniques, and a passion-driven approach provides a roadmap for photographers aiming to elevate their craft without getting entangled in technical complexities. Felix’s success story and educational offerings inspire both novice and seasoned photographers to focus on what truly matters—capturing flattering, meaningful images that resonate with their intended audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Felix Kunze [02:48]: "I ended up assisting some of the top photographers in the world through sheer luck and determination."
• Felix Kunze [05:03]: "Portrait photography is about the person in front of the camera."
• Felix Kunze [09:49]: "Lighting for Everyone is for any photo, no matter where you are."
• Felix Kunze [31:10]: "Find something you're interested in and you know something about. Photograph it well. Get it in front of an audience that appreciates it."
• Nikki Klosser [42:10]: "Don't feel like you have to look like everybody else."
• Felix Kunze [56:34]: "I scaled up what I do in simpler setups that I teach—it's so simple and so beautiful."
• Felix Kunze [58:23]: "I can't do without the participation of the subject."

For more insights and educational resources, visit suebryceeducation.com.