When you think of studio lighting, you probably think of elaborate multi-light setups, and while those certainly have their place, there’s no reason you can’t create compelling imagery with a single light. This great video will show you how to achieve exactly that. The shooting lessons are designed to start simple and build in complexity. First, begins by shooting in one of the harshest possible light conditions, hard sunlight. Although most photographers shy away from this difficult to use lighting, demonstrates how you can use mid-day lighting.
Next, teaches how you can use back-lighting, dappled light, and shade to further control the light illuminating your model. After covering natural light, proceeds to incorporate various lighting modifiers into his setup including large scrims and small reflectors. In the final “mastering the basics” lessons, begins combining both natural light and artificial light by incorporating a simple speedlite on and off his camera.
Once the basics of natural light have been covered out on location, invites you into his personal studio where he steps up the complexity. It is here where you will learn how to build unique sets and backgrounds using easily accessible materials found anywhere. The first studio lesson incorporates both studio strobes and natural light. As each photoshoot progresses, shows you how to effectively use simple one light setups as well as how to build more complicated lighting schemes with a wide variety of light modifiers.
Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma – which is living with the results
Marry Sarys, UI/Ux Designer
Perhaps some of the most valuable information in this entire tutorial is shared within the business lessons. Not only shares how he got started and became successful in the industry, he also offers business advice on pricing and marketing. He distinguishes between editorial and commercial work and gives examples of how he might price and invoice specific jobs based on their unique markets.