Lighting is the backbone of photography. It determines mood, color, and texture in your images. Without the right lighting, even the best model and location won’t translate into the shot you envision. Learning to control and experiment with light is one of the most impactful ways to elevate your work.
Coming to you from Brandon Woelfel, this informative video explores the versatility of using just one light to create dynamic and varied looks. Woelfel starts with a red spotlight effect. By positioning the light at a high angle and focusing on backlighting, he achieves a dramatic and moody look that highlights the model’s silhouette. The red hue enhances the theme and pairs beautifully with the sparkly outfit, while a dreamy aesthetic is further amplified using a filter. This setup demonstrates how adjusting light placement and hue can completely shift the feel of a photo.
The next setup incorporates blue Mylar to create a reflective, textured look. Woelfel rolls out the Mylar and sets the Storm 80C to a bright blue color, maximizing saturation and brightness. By adjusting the direction of the light and experimenting with reflections, he introduces an abstract, ethereal quality to the images. The Mylar wrinkles add depth by scattering highlights unpredictably.
For the final setup, Woelfel opts for a warm yellow backlight, using the light’s small size to hide it directly behind the model for a rim-light effect. The subtle glow frames the subject while keeping the focus soft and natural. By desaturating the yellow slightly and adjusting the white balance to complement the hue, Woelfel achieves a timeless, cinematic style. Adjusting the light’s placement mid-shoot leads to a side-backlight effect, proving the value of flexibility and experimentation on set. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Woelfel.
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!"
