Here’s a simple headshot I took about an hour ago. I took it in the basement car park of our apartment complex using a Canon 580EX and a 43″ reflective Westcott Umbrella. I quite like the 43″ but it just doesn’t give out light as soft as I want so I ordered a 60″ (as recommended).
I took shots like the one above where I completely killed the ambient (overhead fluorescents) and a bunch of other shots where we used a second light and blew the rear wall to pure white. I’m enjoying this new found versatility!
I’d love to pick up some more techniques using just one light and an umbrella, if you have any little pointers, tips or gems then please share them in the comments section.
Updated (18th of October, 2009): Kate suggested sticking a second light behind the subject, so I did!
Hi Paul,
Great use of the technique; really like these shots.
All the best to you,
Glyn
Thanks Glyn.
I plan to use it at a shoot next weekend. I’ll post those pictures on the site and reference your excellent tutorial too.
Cheers
Paul
I think putting a bright light behind the subject creates a good, natural out line. You could also attain a number of effects from where you position that back light to highlight certain areas of the subject or to create different moods.
Paul,
Again nice work.
What light was behind? Another speedlite? Where was it positioned etc etc…
Keep it up!
Adam
Thanks Adam.
It was another 580EX at about 1/16th power, zoom at 35mm around 3 feet behind the subject. The subject was about 10 feet from the wall behind him and the front light was about 3 feet in front of him at, umm, 1/8th power I think. Position wise the light was just off the camera axis, usually over my right shoulder. For the first shot I moved around the subject (look at the 6th last page in your OneLight Workshop notes) and shot him from the side.
Cheers
Paul
Great shot, I really enjoy this very simple, but effective kind of portrait. Nice catch lights in the eyes.
One thing you could try, with a second flash (if you have one), mount it behind or off to the side, and use a snoot to create a hair light. That would give just a bit of a line along the right side of it, it can add depth to the shot.
Hi Kate
Thanks, I do have a second light and I did put it behind him but not off to the side. I’ll try that next time though. I like the outline of light you get when you put a light behind the subject but i really need some practice to get the light to be perfect.
Cheers
Paul