As a portrait photographer, learning how to work with artificial light will enable far more creative exploration and free you from needing to rely on certain times of day, locations, and conditions. The best place to start is with a single light. This great video tutorial will show you the ins and outs of working with a single speedlight and how to use it to create a professional-level portrait.
Coming to you from Jiggie Alejandrino, this great video tutorial will show you how to shoot a compelling portrait image using just a single speedlight. If you are new to working with artificial light, it is crucial to start with a single light until you are comfortable with its operation and properties. There are some fundamental properties — things like subject-to-source distance, modifier size, fall-off, etc. — that you will want to build an intuitive grasp of. Once you have these down, you will it far easier to tackle more complex multi-light setups. 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!"
