I didn't know hairlights were 90's, but that could be cool to try to get that vibe if I want. But what I'm most impressed with, and learning from, is how you direct the model. Little by little I'm working on that, learning how to do it.
As a headshot photographer that travels/needs a mobile studio, this was such a perfect set up for me to really take my shoots to the next level with minimum effort! Excited to try this out!
I was professionally schooled back in 1980 and you used a hair light for portraits, period. Good and proper use of a hair light. Also photographers these days that were not schooled like I was do not know how to properly use a background light also. I used to set my background light so it would separate the subject from the background. 50 school portraits per day you must have everything looking even for yearbook production.
Great point, Gary! We're working with three-dimensional beings on a 2D medium, yet we still strive to make them appear 3D. I love how light helps achieve that sense of depth and the feeling that the subject is almost 'popping out of the screen.' Fantastic tutorial, as always! I have a quick question about the Eyelighter-how far can you push its use for portraits? For example, it works beautifully for head-and-shoulders shots, as you've shown here, but does it still perform well if you back up and shoot the full upper body?
Absolutely. It can do a lot of heavy lifting. You may not get the benefit of those curved catch lights quite as much, but it works well for 3/4 length. The trick is going to be keeping the distance of the key light similar to the distance of the reflector.
Thanks Adorama for having me back on, this was a lot of fun to make!
Love to have you on!
I didn't know hairlights were 90's, but that could be cool to try to get that vibe if I want. But what I'm most impressed with, and learning from, is how you direct the model. Little by little I'm working on that, learning how to do it.
As a headshot photographer that travels/needs a mobile studio, this was such a perfect set up for me to really take my shoots to the next level with minimum effort! Excited to try this out!
Heck yeah, good luck!
I was professionally schooled back in 1980 and you used a hair light for portraits, period. Good and proper use of a hair light. Also photographers these days that were not schooled like I was do not know how to properly use a background light also. I used to set my background light so it would separate the subject from the background. 50 school portraits per day you must have everything looking even for yearbook production.
Volume photography will certainly train you up right. Thanks for watching!
Your 1993 portrait is my new favorite thing
Gary always knocks it out of the park! Love these techniques!
Thanks buddy!
Thanks Adorama. Thanks Gary!
loved doing it, any time!
Gary’s a great educator!
thank you, my friend!
“Subtle” is the word. Well done, sir. Thank you!
Super!
I wonder if I’m doing the corporate headshot for men with blue suits, what background color should I pick for nice but not too dramatic look?
How do you feel about some crazy non-traditional colors for some hair lights?
Great point, Gary! We're working with three-dimensional beings on a 2D medium, yet we still strive to make them appear 3D. I love how light helps achieve that sense of depth and the feeling that the subject is almost 'popping out of the screen.' Fantastic tutorial, as always! I have a quick question about the Eyelighter-how far can you push its use for portraits? For example, it works beautifully for head-and-shoulders shots, as you've shown here, but does it still perform well if you back up and shoot the full upper body?
Absolutely. It can do a lot of heavy lifting. You may not get the benefit of those curved catch lights quite as much, but it works well for 3/4 length. The trick is going to be keeping the distance of the key light similar to the distance of the reflector.
Always learn/pickup something from your videos. Thanks for sharing.
What stand/grip did you use for the background light?
@@JR-ro5kv that’s the flashpoint C-stand with boom attachment. Use it every day :)
Cowboy photographer has no clue how to hold the camera cowboys should only be using a phone