Can a small Speedlight be used in a larger softbox? It’s a question that often gets incorrectly answered with a flat no. But keep your light close to your subject and you might be surprised at what your little Speedlight can do. Low-key lighting gives photographer Gavin Hoey the perfect opportunity to put that theory into practice and take some beautiful studio portraits along the way.
Gavin starts out by showing the distance limitations of his Flashpoint Speedlight and offers a quick fix suggestion to get the best low-key lighting from a single flash. He then goes on to show three variations of low-key portrait lighting that are perfect for large softboxes and little lights.
Finally, Gavin has some top tips on how he maximizes the light output from a Speedlight and large softbox combo.
Timestamps and Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:10 How NOT to use a Speedlight and large softbox
2:37 Simple low key one flash lighting
3:39 Simple low-key portrait session
4:17 Feathering the softbox for a low-key look
6:23 Feathered low-key lighting photo session
7:15 Backlit low-key lighting
9:30 Backlit low-light photo session
10:30 Quick tips to maximize Speedlight power
11:20 Conclusions and Subscribe
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✘ PRODUCTS USED:
Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X Round Speedlight
Glow EZ Lock Collapsible Silver Beauty Dish (42″)
Glow S2 Round Flash S-type Bowens Mount Bracket
OM SYSTEM OM-1
OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II
Lexar Professional 1667x 64GB SDXC UHS-II/U3 Memory Card
Kupo 20″ Master Raiser C-Stand
Tether Tools Pro 16′ USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable
Tether Tools AeroTab
Sekonic L-308 Flash Meter
#lowkeylighting #speedlight #adorama
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Model Jade Lyon
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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!
Comments
36 responses to “Single Speedlight Low Key Portraits | Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey”
Thank you. Areally interesting video
What's the difference in having a speedlight pointing toward the subject like you have there and one pointing away to the back of a reflective umbrella?
How close is close? 3ft, 2 ft how close is close and can you get the same results with an AD200/
Gavin is the Best 🙂
Super!
Another amazing video. Thank you!!!
I just love Gavin’s videos – no hesitation, no faffing!!
Great video Gavin and Jade your a true teacher !!
There is a lot to be said for having some low powered strobes in your armoury. When I first started I bought some 400w heads and then, in my tiny dining room setup, could never get the power low enough to shoot what I wanted 🙂 Great video as always Gavin and Jade was an excellent model choice for the look.
Thank-you!!! Did u say what modifier that is???
Are you sure it's Low Key ?!??
Loved these images. Some had a real "old masters" vibe which I like. And you make it so simple.
GOOD DEMONSTRATION
Inspiring. Thanks, Stefano
As ever, simple explanations, demonstrations and great content.
QUESTION: I noticed reflectors stored in the roof space at 3:44 …any benefit in using one (above the model) to aid separating the background from the model?
With Mark gone, Gavin has really stepped up be a true leader in photography education. Thanks so much for your informative work!
Wooow mind blown!
Your education is a very important step, very important for those entering this profession.
Hey Gavin love all your lessons on Adorama. Can you tell me what tablet you use for tethering. I know you have mentioned thether tools but never seen you explain your tablet for thethering. Thanks for the great videos
Rembrandt lighting!
You get your “Setups” right, you are gold from there…. 😉📸💯
Love that I can tell it’s a Gavin video just from the thumbnail image! Great video, now I’m already planning a low key light session 😁
Another great tutorial. BTW, what type of blower was used? I didn’t see it mentioned I the Description equipment list.
Great as always!!! Thank you Gavin and Sam!!!
Really informative as usual Gavin.
I love your videos Gavin
I would have thought you needed a grid for that but after seeing this it seems so obvious. Thank you!
love your videos and work! you and daniel norton are amazing teachers!!!
Very nice looks, Gavin and Jade!
Really valuable learning for me with this video, thank you.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
As always you do a great job explaining everything. A fantastic teacher and your enthusiasm is contagious 🎉
Taking it back to the basics, but so good, great reminder for us all to rewind the complexity every now and again!
Love this Gavin especially the later shots, do love a bit of shadow and drama.
Hi Gavin, great video! Just wondering what software & tablet you are tethering to? Thanks.
Yet another great video. You should do multiple speed lighting videos. And also the use of reflectors and speed lights. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼