Shape Light Using Speedlights and Basic Modifiers

Mark Wallace

Mark Wallace is a photographer based in the United States. Best known for his web-based video series Digital Photography One on One and Exploring Photography sponsored by Adorama. Millions of people have watched Mark’s videos on YouTube, and the numbers continue to grow. Mark has a strong social media following on Facebook and Twitter, where he spends time interacting with viewers and workshop attendees. In 2014, Mark left the United States to embark on a 2 year worldwide adventure. He visited 28 countries and captured thousands of unique photographs across the globe. In 2016 Mark decided to give up planes, trains, and automobiles and is now exploring the world on his motorcycle.

You can use some basic light modifiers to dramatically change the look of the light on your subject. In this episode, Mark Wallace adds a softbox, grid, and strip light to his speedlights to shape the light and create a moody portrait in a bland setting. You can use this simple lighting style to add punch to your portraits.

Interested in learning more about portrait photography and lighting? Take a look at these guides on 42 West:

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