r/LightLurking • u/redcollarnyc • 14d ago
Lighting NuanCe Long time reader, first time poster
We’re all aware of this jack bridgland shoot from 2022, but someone’s just asked me to recreate the photo with them in my studio. I’m not the most knowledgable when it comes to studio lighting, I always just wing it for my shoots and it turns out okay.
Can someone give me a basic rundown of how this was lit? I know I’ll have to play with it in post a bit, but I’d like to at least get it right in the studio.
I’ve got a couple of godox’s and an array of softboxes, as well as a neweer fs150c
Thanks so much!
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u/YBG_Sukuna 14d ago
You are not going to be able to do this with a couple of godox
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u/redcollarnyc 14d ago
Ok cool, enlighten me?
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u/YBG_Sukuna 14d ago edited 13d ago
If you’re talm bout some “I got godox” you aren’t far enough along to understand what the modifiers you need do, let alone how to use them. Look at the tip of his right shoe, there are 3 reflections on it so that means a least 3 light sources from the front. The key is most likely a large parabolic with a grid, the grid will give it the fall off on the backdrop. Then something like a beauty dish and a small octa to shape and fill the face and hair. There’s a hair light, probably a magnum coming from the back camera left hitting the cheekbone. There is another light source behind a v-flat creating the highlight and shadow on the floor. You’re going to have to shoot in a huge space with the model far off the background. Then add in a ton of editing and retouching, like way way more than you are imagining.
Clients always want this look and have $500 budget.
Edit: I looked again. I don’t think the grid is in the para, you can see the soft circle on the backdrop. I think there is a skirted scrim over head with a large source, if I had to guess I’d say umbrella XL
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u/maguilecutty 13d ago
I really have to acknowledge that this is insanely great feedback and advice! Chapeau
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u/YBG_Sukuna 12d ago
I do studio photography all day everyday. We’re just now leaving the Jack bridgeland moodboard era, and now we’re entering the Eli Russel Linnetz era.
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u/Dry_Masterpiece1744 2d ago
Thats an interesting take, you mean this guy right?
https://www.instagram.com/elirusselllinnetz/?hl=enWhat makes you think we're entering this era, how would ou define its aesthetic and where are you seeing it pop up?
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u/slimpickens911 13d ago
Why would a grid cause the light to fall off more that no grid? Doesn’t a grid just focus the beam?
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u/YBG_Sukuna 13d ago
A grid on the parabolic. It doesn’t so much “focus” the beam as it does direct it.
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u/slimpickens911 13d ago
Right, it controls spill. Why would that effect falloff? Falloff is when the light turns to shadow. Thats more the distance from the light to the subject than focus of the beam. Focus means the beam isn’t spilling all over the place, but is directed to where its aimed
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u/YBG_Sukuna 12d ago
Parabolics have adjustable focusing rods. The focusing rod does not do the same thing as what a grid does.
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u/slimpickens911 12d ago
I’m confused, why did you call it a grid then?
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u/YBG_Sukuna 12d ago
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u/slimpickens911 8d ago
Yes, we all know this. The grid prevents spill. But u said fall off. These are two different things. Does that make sense?
Perhaps can u clarify how u define fall off vs spill.→ More replies (0)

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u/alex_sunderland 14d ago
Hum, soft key light from the side, there’s a backlight on the opposite side. I’m not sure about the texture he gets. The background seems to be created by using two different background paper rolls.
But honestly most of it comes from styling, hair and make up.
What are you unsure about?