Mastering the use of speedlights and a backdrop for full-body portraits is an essential skill for any photographer looking to elevate their studio work. This fantastic video tutorial offers a deep dive into this technique, showcasing the transformation of a simple setup into a professional-grade photo shoot.
Coming to you from Jiggie Alejandrino, this informative video demonstrates how two speedlights and a white backdrop can create stunning full-body portraits in a relatively small home studio. Alejandrino, a seasoned wedding photographer, shares his expertise on achieving optimal lighting and composition with limited space. He explains the importance of the distance between the camera, subject, and backdrop, and why a 50mm focal length is sufficient for such a setup. The video not only provides technical details but also illustrates the visual impact of clamshell lighting on the subject's face and attire, emphasizing the versatility and beauty of this lighting technique in portrait photography.
Alejandrino's choice of gear highlights the potential of using accessible equipment to achieve professional results. The tutorial goes beyond the basics, offering insights into camera settings, flash power adjustments, and the subtle yet significant effects of controlling ambient light to enhance the subject's features. This presentation is particularly valuable for photographers seeking to refine their studio lighting skills and understand the nuances of crafting a full-body portrait with precision and creativity. 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’m not sure what others think but for me successful portraiture has little to do with what gear you use but everything to do with your intent, vision and your relationship with the subject. You can have all the ‘best gear’ whatever that is, you like but without that creative concept and the ability to convey that to the subject any image you take will never amount to much. This endemic gear focus on photography in my opinion is very much the limp and flaccid tail wagging the dog.