Want to take your photography lighting skills to the next level? In this video, I’ll cover the often-overlooked aspect of lighting that separates amateur photos from professional ones: passive and active fill. Learn how adding fill techniques can improve the details in your shadows, making your shots more dynamic and competition-ready.
A photographer once asked me for feedback on their photos. Although their subject was well-lit with key lights and edge lights, the shadows lacked detail, which can often make or break an image. Passive fill (using reflectors, walls, or bounce cards) and active fill (using additional light sources) can make a significant difference in creating balanced and professional-looking photographs.
Watch as I demonstrate step-by-step how to use passive fill both in the studio and outdoors, followed by active fill lighting techniques that provide more control over shadow details. You’ll also learn about common gear setups to use and practical demos to help you elevate your lighting game.
To learn more from me, please visit: https://johngress.com/academy
Get all the gear I use in my studio here: https://shop.howl.me/JohnGress
This video was shot with a
Canon Cinema EOS C70
Adorama https://howl.me/cjCnaWADdkp
Amazon https://amzn.to/3vkvy7X
B&H https://bhpho.to/44dCV23
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens
Adorama https://howl.me/cjCnaWBvRsx
Amazon https://amzn.to/3o3BZK0
B&H https://bhpho.to/3LyIa5g
Canon C300 MK 2
Adorama https://adorama.rfvk.net/kjnVP3
Amazon https://amzn.to/3YM6fKo
DZOFILM Pictor 20-55mm T2.8
Adorama https://howl.me/cjCnaWOCkuM
Amazon https://amzn.to/420C6Z0
B&H https://bhpho.to/3NlRcUv
Items mentioned in order of appearance
Elinchrom Rotalux Deep Octabox (100cm / 39”)
Adorama https://howl.me/cjCnv90VNi5
Amazon https://amzn.to/3fRG5AH
B&H https://bhpho.to/3oSg0cy
Studio Titan Side Kick STA-06-090
B&H https://bhpho.to/3UakUM1
Elinchrom FIVE
Adorama https://howl.me/cjCnmmUpjV1
Amazon https://amzn.to/3Um6V61
B&H https://bhpho.to/3LcypYZ
V-FLAT WORLD Foldable V-Flat, Set of 2, Black/White
Adorama https://howl.me/cjGcCZBleDO
Amazon https://amzn.to/3NI0f29
B&H https://bhpho.to/3VD8tKR
V-Flat World https://bit.ly/3fXqaid
Studio Titan Camera Stand STA-01-360 MK2
B&H https://bhpho.to/3cf4RfL
Tether Tools TetherPro Right Angle Adapter USB 3.0 to USB-C Pigtail Cable, 20", Orange
Adorama https://howl.me/cjFnO8ODuMQ
Amazon https://amzn.to/3lo6gj4
TetherPro USB-C to USB Female Adapter (Extender), 15' (4.6m) (High-Visibility Orange)
Adorama https://howl.me/cjFnQCwSGnF
Amazon https://amzn.to/33Eeca8
Elinchrom Indirect Litemotiv Strip Softbox (13 x 69”)
Adorama https://howl.me/cjCnml5FQG0
Amazon https://amzn.to/33NTasn
B&H https://bhpho.to/44b7B43
Sekonic LiteMaster Pro L-478DR-U-EL Series Light Meter for Elinchrom EL Skyport System Adorama https://howl.me/cjzWPnYhPVY
Amazon https://amzn.to/2NM9DTz
B&H https://bhpho.to/3Lz1Og7
Elinchrom Rotalux Stripbox 35x90cm
Adorana https://howl.me/cjCnv9oDSZ6
Amazon https://amzn.to/3nUwD3M
B&H https://bhpho.to/40PXZbZ
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:31 Passive Fill
06:54 Passive Fill Demo
09:19 Take It Outside
11:19 Active Filll
16:52 Active Filll Demo
19:03 Fill Options
20:41 Conclusion
Music: Evolution and Going Higher by Bensound http://bensound.com/
#PhotographyLighting #PassiveFill #ActiveFill #LightingTechniques #StudioLighting #JohnGress #PhotographyTips #CanonC70 #Elinchrom #PhotographyGear #LightingModifiers #PhotographyTutorial