lighting techniques with one light

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lighting techniques with one light

Back in the Sept. 2013 issue, I explained how to create high key studio lighting that produces magazine-cover results. The setup involved three individual lighting zones, four umbrellas, four reflective panels, two subtractive panels, a beauty dish, a softbox and about a gazillion studio strobes (actually eight). This all probably left more than a few heads spinning. I did, however, promise to revisit the topic at a later date and provide a stripped-down version. One that anyone could easily replicate with a very short equipment list that most photographers already have on hand. A promise made is a promise kept, so this month I’m making good and sharing a super-simple one-light setup. It doesn’t get any simpler than that. The big question: Can one light really give you high-end lighting results that come even remotely close to what’s possible with eight lights? I’ll let you be the judge of that, but I’m betting the big results from this little setup will surprise you.

I’m all about shadowy dramatic light, but in the world of fashion/glamour magazine cover lighting, which is essentially beauty lighting, flat lighting seals the deal every time. The technique I’ll share with you this month produces beautiful, broad wraparound light with evenly distributed fall-off from a single light source that originates with anything but those characteristics. In fact, because it is one speedlight or bare-bulb strobe (either will work), by nature the light starts off as a small, hard source.

Get the full story

To read the full article, launch the digital version of the April 2014 magazine.

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Gerry

    There is something wrong, as it shows I am logged in, yet I cannot access the lighting article. So no, it is not user friendly enough.

    1. admin

      sorry brother. go to the actual magazine. not sure how else to assist. my apologies. sal

  2. kirk keoghj

    do you understand what ‘user friendly’ means?

    i want to read One Light Wonders in the April issue. How do I get there?

    1. admin

      the sign up or sign in at the bottom of the article is not user friendly enough? what about the sign up button on the navigation bar? please let us know if you have other ideas – we are always looking for ways to improve. sal

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