How to create a moody character shot using one light

Learn how to create a moody character shot working with just one light.

This is a simple lighting style showing you how to create several different looks in one location using one light and one reflector. Here, Gina has used her Elinchrom Quadra battery operated lights and a beauty dish but you can create a similar effect using Speedlights and a small softbox.

We recorded this tutorial in the corridor of a hotel but you can apply the same techniques anywhere.

In this tutorial, Gina will show you:

  • How to use shutter speed to increase or decrease ambient light in an image
  • How to use aperture to control flash
  • How to work with reflectors
  • How to eliminate ambient light to create low key lighting
  • How to shoot a portrait with lighting in the frame
  • A super quick and simple way to remove light stands from an image non-destructively using Photoshop
  • Her workflow for editing an image in Lightroom and Photoshop.

categories: Lighting, Lightroom, Photoshop, Tutorial, , , , , , , , , ,

One light low key image photographed in a corridor
One light moody character shot using shutter speed to control ambient light
Original image with lights in the frame
Empty background or “clean plate”

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About Gina

About Gina

Gina Milicia is one of the most widely known and respected photographers in Australia. She is the master of capturing that ‘magical moment’... READ MORE

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