Large Light Sources In Studio Photography
The look of a portrait can vary hugely depending on the type of modifier used on your strobes. I want to give an example of using extra large light modifiers.
While smaller light sources cast strong shadows, larger light sources cast subtle shadows and tend to be more flattering and "painterly." Combining large light sources with some heavy handed retouching can enhance the painterly effect, though it may not be to everyones taste.
Here are some examples of large light modifiers. The Orb and the Softlighter will set you back a few bucks, but there are of course, cheaper "knock-off" versions on eBay etc. I personally prefer the softlighter style for sheer practicality.
You can see from the catchlights how I used a small strobe for fill light, giving an even flatter look. This was, in hindsight, perhaps unnecessary. Shadows can add drama, and shadows from large light sources are certainly nothing to fear.
Nikon D750. Sigma 85mm 1.4 HSM. Godox TT685/X1.
Beautiful shots.
I really wish I had the space to do this in New York City. One day maybe. My large light source has always been the sun :-)
The sun, while strong, is considered a small light source that casts strong shadows. Clouds modify it of course, and create very soft flattering light.
I prefer balancing it out with a reflector. One day I'll hopefully have the space for a studio.
upvoted you and its great to read all your posts because it adds a great skills and knowledge in myself, already followed you and inspired from your posts, hope that you also follow me back so that it will be a great pleasure for me and a big contribution from ur side for me , thanks kindly follow me aswell @shanzaylizay
Thanks for taking the time. Following you back now. Will check out your posts.
I bought a softbox earlier this year but I haven't got round to using it yet lol .
Ahh you gotta get stuck in. Looking forward to checking out the results.
It's a bit embarrassing, but I never got what a strobe was used for other than basic lighting. Thanks for posting! :)
Hello @condra and thanks for this post. Very informative. One quick question. You have covered lighting for large subjects in your post but what about lighting for something smaller. I'm thinking along the lines of flowers and insects. Thanks.
For flowers and insects, you can use much smaller light sources, even a bare flash. Many macro shooters choose not to use strobes, but to use a tripod instead. I'll be making a post on that exact topic soon. Cheers.
Thank you for the reply @condra. I will look forward to your post.
Great info. Very helpfull once I start my practicing photography skills haha.
Thanks for the comment. Just started following you.
Nice pictures, following you now :)
Following you right back. Thanks for the comment. :)
Thanks for the tips.
Another couple great shots from you Condra.