Model: Harriadnie Beau (harriadniebeau.com) WORDS & PICTURES KINGSLEY SINGLETON
Single light set-ups You might think that two lights is the minimum you need, but with just one flash, simple modifiers and a reflector, you can create a dramatic range of portrait styles Look around a typical portrait studio set-up and you’ll seldom see just one light – usually there’ll be three or more – but more lights doesn’t automatically mean better shots. In fact, the simplicity offered by a single light can be striking and revolutionary. Yes, there are certain styles you simply can’t achieve with just one flash, but there’s plenty you can do, especially when the light is twinned with suitable modifiers and reflectors. Not only that, but one light means there’s less to cart around, which opens up a wider variety of locations to shoot in, and the minimalist set-up means you can alter the style of lighting much faster. For those Advanced Photographer is also available as a fully interactive magazine – go to iTunes now!
just starting out in portraiture, the lower cost of a single light kit is also a factor – rather like sticking to a single camera body and expanding your range of lenses, investing in modifiers will arguably have more creative impact on your shots. Over the next few pages we’ll look at some ways to get it right with one light and avoid common mistakes.
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SET-UP Here, a light fitted with a beauty dish in front and angled down at the model with a silver reflector below gives a pleasing double catchlight. If you have a second light, you can use that, too.
ISSUE 50 ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHER
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