Single flash portraits are a great way to master the basics of studio lighting. Limiting yourself to just one flash can make getting the exact lighting style you want harder. With one flash you have to compromise on the look but along the way, you’ll learn a lot about how to light portraits in different ways.

But where should you put a single flash? Photographer Gavin Hoey suggests that there are only three places to put your light. It can be in front of your model, to their side, or overhead.

Gavin explains that a direct front light is perfect for models that like to turn and move. Side lighting gives shape to the face and drama but limits where your model can look. Finally, overhead lighting can remove shadows on backgrounds.

Gavin Hoey is a freelance photographer, writer and trainer of all things photographic. His work is regularly featured in photography magazines, websites and videos. Gavin has a real passion for sharing his photography and Photoshop knowledge. In 2008 he started recording and uploading video tutorials to YouTube.

Timestamps and Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:09 Establishing control of the room's ambient light
1:33 Setting up a light in front of the model
3:22 Flash in front of subject portrait session
4:00 Setting up a light on the side of the model
7:05 Flash on the side of the subject portrait session
8:02 Setting up a light over the model
10:44 Flash over subject portrait session
11:10 Grid with an overhead lighting portrait session
11:58 Final thoughts

SUBSCRIBE AND BE PART OF THE ADORAMA FAMILY:
➥    / adoramatv  

__________________________________
Be the first to shop our great deals and sales by signing up for emails from Adorama!
https://www.adorama.com/MyAccount/Login

__________________________________
✘ GEAR USED:

Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X PRO Speedlight
https://www.adorama.com/fplfsmzlxps.h...

Flashpoint R2 Nano Touchscreen TTL Wireless Flash Trigger
https://www.adorama.com/fprrr2nanoca....

OM SYSTEM OM-1
https://www.adorama.com/iomom1.html?h...

OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II
https://www.adorama.com/iom1240pb.htm...

Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm
https://www.adorama.com/fplsc.html?ht...

Sekonic L-308 Flash Meter
https://www.adorama.com/sksk401305.ht...

Glow EZ Lock Collapsible Silver Beauty Dish (42")
https://www.adorama.com/glbdez42s.htm...

Glow EZ Lock Collapsible Silver Beauty Dish (25")
https://www.adorama.com/glbdez25s.htm...

#studiolighting #flashphotography #adorama

__________________________________
❐ LET'S GET SOCIAL ❏
➥ TikTok   / adoramanyc  
➥ Facebook   / adorama  
➥ Instagram   / adorama  
➥ Twitter   / adorama  

❐ MORE ADORAMA ❏
➥ Shop https://www.adorama.com/
➥ Blog https://www.adorama.com/alc/
➥ Adorama Events    / @adoramaevents  

__________________________________
Follow Gavin Hoey on
  / thegavinhoey  

Model: Chloe Kerley
  / chloekmodel  

__________________________________
THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!