A One-Light Setup for Stunning Portraits

As a photographer, you understand the importance of light in creating compelling images. Mastering lighting techniques can elevate your photography to new heights, but it can also feel overwhelming. 

Coming to you from Jiggie Alejandrino, this informative video simplifies lighting, demonstrating the power of a single light source. Alejandrino sets up a simple studio with a white backdrop, representing a plain white wall, and uses a Profoto B10X Plus flash with a MagMod 42" MagBox. He emphasizes that you don't need complicated setups to achieve stunning results. 

Alejandrino encourages viewers to embrace existing ambient light as a fill light rather than always eliminating it. He demonstrates how to balance ambient light with a flash, creating a harmonious blend that enhances the subject's features. He further demonstrates the impact of white balance on the final image. By adjusting the white balance, he imparts a warm, golden glow to the subject, even without a pure white backdrop. This highlights the importance of understanding how color temperature affects the overall mood and aesthetic of your photographs. By simplifying your approach and understanding the interplay of ambient light and flash, you can unlock a world of creative possibilities. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Alejandrino. 

If you would like to continue learning about how to light a portrait, be sure to check out "Illuminating The Face: Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley!"

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

Log in or register to post comments