Lighting plays a crucial role in shaping a portrait, and sometimes, it’s worth bending the rules to capture a unique shot. When you’re working in a stunning location, balancing ideal lighting techniques with the composition can push you to make creative decisions that break away from the norm.
Coming to you from Jiggie Alejandrino, this engaging video takes you to the breathtaking Lake Vermilion in Alberta, Canada, where Alejandrino steps out of his comfort zone to experiment with unconventional lighting. Traditionally, lighting the short side of your subject—where the face is turned away from the light source—is preferred for creating depth. In this scenario, the existing ambient light from the mountains forces Alejandrino to light the broad side instead. While this approach can flatten a subject and potentially make them look larger, he adapts his techniques to preserve the overall composition. Using a 50mm lens, Alejandrino prioritizes framing and background aesthetics while managing the challenges of lighting direction.
Alejandrino utilizes a Profoto B10X Plus strobe paired with an octabox for this shoot. To maintain an f/1.2 aperture and stay within his flash sync speed, he attaches an H&Y variable ND filter. This combination allows him to control the exposure more completely. The filter also ensures balanced highlights, keeping the subject’s face evenly lit despite the ambient light source being at odds with the flash placement. Alejandrino showcases how to manipulate flash power, adjust light angles, and maintain the right exposure even when lighting from unconventional directions.
Throughout the shoot, Alejandrino demonstrates the importance of controlling both light and motion. By giving clear instructions, he captures dynamic yet natural shots. This includes incorporating walking poses, leaning motions, and profile angles to emphasize the subject while maintaining harmony with the background. His meticulous adjustments to flash power and positioning highlight how minor tweaks can make a significant difference in the final image.
What makes this video especially valuable is its practical approach to overcoming common challenges. Alejandrino shares why he deviates from his usual methods and how those decisions impact the overall image. By experimenting, he demonstrates the importance of adapting techniques to suit the scene rather than rigidly adhering to textbook rules. 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!"
