Even to the non-photographer, the look of light through a window is quite recognizable, and as such, it is an excellent way to give your portraits an elegant and timeless look. Of course, we do not always have the ability to just use a window with natural sunlight streaming through, and as such, knowing how to create it in studio is a useful skill. Thankfully, it is not that difficult, nor does it require a lot of equipment. This excellent video tutorial will show you how to do it with just a single speedlight.
Coming to you from Jiggie Alejandrino, this awesome video tutorial will show you how to create window light in studio using just a speedlight and a scrim. If you have not seen one before, a scrim is nothing more than a bit of material placed between your light and the subject the diffuses and softens the light. They're fantastically easy to use quite versatile. 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!"
I was just having a conversation with Lee about the prevalence of small on camera speedlights in photography today. I might be wrong but it sure feels like the speedlight has fallen out of fashion in exchange for Godox and Profoto type mono lights. It's great to see videos like this showing what you can do with a small 4AA powered speedlight. Does anyone else feel like photographers aren't as interested in speedlights as they are smaller battery powered studio lights?
I think it's prevalent in events; and those on a budget; and those just learning. I have a Godox v860ii and is pretty powerful and the battery lasts forever. The only reason I bought a Godox Ad200Pro is for shooting outdoors midday. But, since I have it, I use it most of the time, except for events where a on-camera-mounted speedlight is just more convenient. If all I did were to shoot indoors (or outdoors low light), I'd be shooting with speedlights most of the time. They are small, inexpensive, and versatile.
Yes. Why should I invest in speedlights (and I started with speedlights as they have been the only affordable solution to me), when I can get a bigger monolight for the same amount of money. Let's not think battery, think light output: you can get wall powered monolights with up to 250 watts for less then 100 bucks.
I am still using Speedlights in the studio for colored gels on backgrounds (it's cheaper) and - as I have very limited space - in my foldable strip boxes who only work with Speedlights (or AD200 with detached heads)
I still believe that speedlights are here to stay, for me It still is the most versatile light out there. I still haven't been faced with a scenario that my tiny Speedlight couldn't handle. I've used it outdoor to tame the sun and at the same time at night when I have to really bring it to its lowest power just to match the power of the existing ambient light. And of course its more than capable as a studio portrait light too :)