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.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
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 :-)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
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.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I prefer balancing it out with a reflector. One day I'll hopefully have the space for a studio.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
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
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks for taking the time. Following you back now. Will check out your posts.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I bought a softbox earlier this year but I haven't got round to using it yet lol .
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Ahh you gotta get stuck in. Looking forward to checking out the results.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
It's a bit embarrassing, but I never got what a strobe was used for other than basic lighting. Thanks for posting! :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
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.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
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.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thank you for the reply @condra. I will look forward to your post.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Great info. Very helpfull once I start my practicing photography skills haha.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks for the comment. Just started following you.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Nice pictures, following you now :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Following you right back. Thanks for the comment. :)
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Thanks for the tips.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Another couple great shots from you Condra.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
I also have a softlighter style, it's great although it is a ebay knock off, it's pretty good for the price, especially for hobby.
Good post captain, resteemed.
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit
Hi @condra
I have read your post.
Its realy useful to update information about cryptocurncy
Downvoting a post can decrease pending rewards and make it less visible. Common reasons:
Submit