Curious about the best way to light your portraits? In this video, I dive deep into the technique of feathering your light. Feathering can control light spread and enhance texture and dimensionality, making your photos look stunning and professional. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, understanding how to feather your light can transform your work.
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I will walk you through a side-by-side comparison between feathered and direct light, highlighting the differences in background darkness and contrast, and demonstrating why feathering often results in more visually appealing photos.
Next, we debunk a common myth that feathered light is always softer light. Many photographers, including myself at one time, believed that feathering your light source would soften it. However, through a series of practical tests and comparisons, we explore how feathering can create a harder light with more defined shadows. By examining the nuances of light spread and the perceived size of the light source relative to the subject, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to manipulate light to achieve your desired effect.
To round out the tutorial, I share my insights on the best practices for placing your light. I introduce a concept I call “being in the L,” which guides you on positioning your light for optimal results. Understanding the principles of feathering will help you create beautifully lit portraits with enhanced three-dimensionality. Additionally, I discuss the importance of selecting the right light modifier to ensure the best results when feathering your light.
🎥 In This Video:
• Quick comparison between feathered and direct light
• Dispelling the myth that feathered light is softer
• The secret to placing your light which I call being in the L
✨Key Takeaways:
• Feathering enhances texture and dimension by controlling light spread.
• Feathered light creates darker backgrounds and more contrast compared to direct light.
• Feathering can result in harder light and more defined shadows.
• The “being in the L” technique helps with optimal light placement.
• Choose the right light modifier to achieve the best results in portrait photography.
📸 Gear Mentioned in This Video:
Click here for a full list of all the gear I use in the studio - https://shop.howl.me/JohnGress
Canon EOS R5
Adorama https://howl.me/cjCnaWpm8UM
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B&H https://bhpho.to/3VbPdUw
Canon BG-R10
Adorama https://howl.me/cjCnaWADdkp
Amazon https://amzn.to/2OUmRQY
B&H https://bhpho.to/3niVtNI
Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM
Adorama https://howl.me/cjCnaWYcCHb
Amazon https://amzn.to/3tHbPxm
B&H https://bhpho.to/3L6f1Na
Studio Titan Camera Stand STA-01-360 MK2
Adorama: [https://howl.me/cjGcfVD3aCG](https://howl.me/cjGcfVD3aCG)
B&H: [https://bhpho.to/3cf4RfL](https://bhpho.to/3cf4RfL)
ELINCHROM
Elinchrom FIVE
Adorama: [https://howl.me/cjCnmmUpjV1](https://howl.me/cjCnmmUpjV1)
Amazon: [https://amzn.to/3Um6V61](https://amzn.to/3Um6V61)
B&H: [https://bhpho.to/3LcypYZ](https://bhpho.to/3LcypYZ)
Elinchrom Litemotiv 120cm Parabolic Softbox
Adorama: [https://howl.me/cjCnmnbIuZ0](https://howl.me/cjCnmnbIuZ0)
Amazon: [https://amzn.to/3AumKiy](https://amzn.to/3AumKiy)
B&H: [https://bhpho.to/41JKL1V](https://bhpho.to/41JKL1V)
Elinchrom Indirect Litemotiv Strip Softbox (13 x 69”)
Adorama: [https://howl.me/cjCnml5FQG0](https://howl.me/cjCnml5FQG0)
Amazon: [https://amzn.to/33NTasn](https://amzn.to/33NTasn)
B&H: [https://bhpho.to/44b7B43](https://bhpho.to/44b7B43)
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CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction
01:03 - Feathering Test
02:41 - Improve your photography
03:52 - Is feathered light softer?
05:55 - Being in the L
06:58 - Shooting with feathered light
07:14 - Shooting with direct light
07:46 - Feathering from the right
08:16 - Conclusion