This image had to balance continous lights, strobes, and, electric candle light.
First, let's discuss how I made the stained glass panels. I covered pieces of plexiglass with stained glass printed window cling wrap. I then gaff taped two insulation panels together, like a book. I then taped the plexiglass sheets to the panels to create a triangle. I used white insulation panels to help reflect the light out through the panel. I then placed a two-foot Aperture light bar set to 2500K at the bottom and a piece of aluminum foil on top. The aluminum foil bounced the light back down the structure, helping to even out the light across the plexiglass and make it glow.
For the actual set, I started by putting up a grey backdrop and draping it over a table and bench to create layers. I then placed stained glass panel on top of the table, ensuring that I could not see the white insulation panels. I then placed two stained glass panels on the floor to create an alcove type space. I then place candles around the scene to frame the subject and give it a chapel like feeling.
For this image I used Photixs strobe with a bell reflector with a 40-degree grid on it to create a spotlight of light and placed it at about a 45-degree angle. This light would be the main light. I then placed the FJ400 with an umbrella, diffusion sock, and an orange gel to the camera's right to fill the shadows. I placed an orange gel on the FJ400 to add warmth to the image and help mimic candlelight.
This image was shot at ISO 400, Aperture 4.0, Shutter 1/100s, Focal Length 33mm
In post I did enhance the glow from the candles.
You do some wonderful work, Heather. Your imagination will serve you well. For the picture you submitted here, I wanted to make a couple comments without seeming snarky or mean. You put a lot of work into creating that photograph. And I stated in a general competition comment that hearing the words "needs work" for a photographer who put their heart and soul into an image was gonna be tough. That said...
The first thing that hits me with the photo is that the natural cooler light on her face seems at odds with the warm light of the candles. I understand that the natural light source, a strobe simulating light from a window or whatever, is stronger than the candles, but nevertheless the natural light fights against the mood that the candles are setting. I'd like to see more warmth in terms of color in her face and upper body.
I also find the bright highlights on the lower end of the stained glass panels to be distracting. A little Photoshop editing could darken and colorize those areas to blend better with the mid to upper portions of the stained glass, and keep my eye from wandering toward those unimportant highlights. I wish you plenty of success in photography. It appears from your website that you're well on your way.