Can You Learn Lighting With Just a Computer?

It sounds like a crazy idea when you first hear it: learning how to light a portrait using only a computer. However, set.a.light 3D promises to give you access to an almost unlimited library of virtual lights, modifiers, studio spaces, and subjects, all with strict adherence to the laws of physics, making it easy to quickly build and explore complex lighting setups. Is it the ultimate learning tool? This great video review takes a deep dive into the software and shows you everything you can accomplish with it. 

Coming to you from John Gress, this awesome video review takes an in-depth look at set.a.light 3D. If you have not used it before, set.a.light 3D is remarkably powerful software, and through it, you can really explore the art and science of editing portraits. I think that while the software is awfully powerful and can indeed be a great way to explore light, its ultimate power lies in planning. With it, you can precisely design even the most complex lighting setups, dial in all the settings, print them out, and show up to set ready to jump right in, making it a very worthwhile professional tool. I've had my copy for a little over a year and have really enjoyed using it. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Gress. 

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.

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