Studio Lighting

[Levina de Ruijter]

Yet another model shot of the day. Para 133 overhead, slightly left of camera. Paras even make hair come alive.
View attachment 8199

It truly is superb!

 

[JohnPD]

Yet another model shot of the day. Para 133 overhead, slightly left of camera. Paras even make hair come alive.
View attachment 8199

This is beautiful.

 

[Archibald]

Yes, wonderful shot in every way. Beautiful model, hair done perfectly, flawless skin, plain background, simple but elegant pose, no clutter anywhere. And the light!

So can I do shots like this in my studio?

What particular properties do those Paras have that contribute to a great portrait? Can I get a similar effect with my softboxes?

 

[ImageMaker]

Yes, wonderful shot in every way. Beautiful model, hair done perfectly, flawless skin, plain background, simple but elegant pose, no clutter anywhere. And the light!

So can I do shots like this in my studio?

What particular properties do those Paras have that contribute to a great portrait? Can I get a similar effect with my softboxes?

Yes. Thanks. Shots here show the results. I tried to emulate a Para look for a year and failed. A soft box produces a 2 dimensional light source.

A Broncolor Para is a true Parabolic modifier. It produces a 3 dimensional light (when no diffuser is used) Not all sides of a para will evenly “strike” all sides of a face. So you can see gradients of light and shadows on a face - which is also 3 dimensional.

A Para is made up of 24 panels. Looking into a para from the models perspective, you can see 24 hard lights, but due to the size produces a specular yet soft look. A delicious contradiction I haven’t been able to produce with a soft box.

By changing the focus and feathering along with placement in studio, one Para modifier can produce a hundred different looks. So maybe it’s a very cost effective modifier after all.

They are very pricey tools. After I took my first photo, though - I never thought about price any more. The results are so very worth while.

At least where I live, there are so few of these being used that word quickly got around. They paid for themselves within a year. Can’t say that will work for everyone, but I’m quite happy.

Editing is far easier. A models skin looks great before editing. Clothes look great too. A 3 dimensional modifier certainly makes a difference.

The womens fitness clothing shoot (above), only half of a feathered Para 222 illuminated the models. Working a Para is simply effortless IMO.

A challenge for me was which modifier to choose. There were no rentals in my area. There are many sizes to choose from. 88cm, 133, 177, 222. That was a challenge for me. Which size. I had to look at what and how I shoot and space available. Finally decided on 2 Paras. 133 & the 222.

Proportionally, you can achieve nearly the same result from each modifier based on the distance from a model. 88cm Para placed 88cm from a model. And so forth. The further you place a Para from a subject, the look changes too.

After you get used to how the Paras work, you can get a feel for what would look good on a model. Meaning where to zoom the strobe to focus the light to best take advantage or her look. To carve out shadows, contrast and bring out the best look for her. (Or him).

 

[ImageMaker]

Paras do wonders for guys too. Here’s an actor who called on New Years Eve. He was new in town and needed a set done ASAP. I told him I’m free that day or he’d have to wait a week or two later. So he hurried over that day around 1pm for a session.

He was a ton of fun. The kind of guy you’d like right away. Huge personality.

All shots with a Broncolor Para 133 in front and a couple gridded striplights in back.

 

[Jack Dawe]

Yes. Thanks. Shots here show the results. I tried to emulate a Para look for a year and failed. A soft box produces a 2 dimensional light source.

A Broncolor Para is a true Parabolic modifier. It produces a 3 dimensional light (when no diffuser is used) Not all sides of a para will evenly “strike” all sides of a face. So you can see gradients of light and shadows on a face - which is also 3 dimensional.

A Para is made up of 24 panels. Looking into a para from the models perspective, you can see 24 hard lights, but due to the size produces a specular yet soft look. A delicious contradiction I haven’t been able to produce with a soft box.

By changing the focus and feathering along with placement in studio, one Para modifier can produce a hundred different looks. So maybe it’s a very cost effective modifier after all.

They are very pricey tools. After I took my first photo, though - I never thought about price any more. The results are so very worth while.

At least where I live, there are so few of these being used that word quickly got around. They paid for themselves within a year. Can’t say that will work for everyone, but I’m quite happy.

Editing is far easier. A models skin looks great before editing. Clothes look great too. A 3 dimensional modifier certainly makes a difference.

The womens fitness clothing shoot (above), only half of a feathered Para 222 illuminated the models. Working a Para is simply effortless IMO.

A challenge for me was which modifier to choose. There were no rentals in my area. There are many sizes to choose from. 88cm, 133, 177, 222. That was a challenge for me. Which size. I had to look at what and how I shoot and space available. Finally decided on 2 Paras. 133 & the 222.

Proportionally, you can achieve nearly the same result from each modifier based on the distance from a model. 88cm Para placed 88cm from a model. And so forth. The further you place a Para from a subject, the look changes too.

After you get used to how the Paras work, you can get a feel for what would look good on a model. Meaning where to zoom the strobe to focus the light to best take advantage or her look. To carve out shadows, contrast and bring out the best look for her. (Or him).

I can only dream of equipment—and ability—like this. It neatly demonstrates why I am only a tyro hobbyist. Kudos!

 

[Archibald]

I can only dream of equipment—and ability—like this. It neatly demonstrates why I am only a tyro hobbyist. Kudos!

Yeah, same here.

 

[ImageMaker]

Yeah, same here.

For portrait work, a beauty dish works well. The company Parabolix has a much more affordable Parabolic modifier. I’d say it comes in second place in performance of all Parabolic umbrellas behind the Broncolor.

Here’s a really good comparison. Luis does use the Parabolix.

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[ImageMaker]

And a very lovely lady:

Para 133 and a couple gridded striplights in back.

 

[ImageMaker]

An actor

 

[ImageMaker]

Another pic of the day

 

[Levina de Ruijter]

Oh my. These are sooo good! Outstanding work, Don. And your model is beautiful!

 

[Levina de Ruijter]

Paras do wonders for guys too. Here’s an actor who called on New Years Eve. He was new in town and needed a set done ASAP. I told him I’m free that day or he’d have to wait a week or two later. So he hurried over that day around 1pm for a session.

He was a ton of fun. The kind of guy you’d like right away. Huge personality.

All shots with a Broncolor Para 133 in front and a couple gridded striplights in back.

View attachment 8396View attachment 8397View attachment 8398

I love these too. The shots are obviously superb, but the man is so relaxed in front of the camera. He's not posing or anything. It's all so natural. Great shots, great guy.

 

[ImageMaker]

I love these too. The shots are obviously superb, but the man is so relaxed in front of the camera. He's not posing or anything. It's all so natural. Great shots, great guy.

Thanks. The stories he told were so funny. …and some advice he had was insane. Most of which I can’t repeat in public. Hilarious. I just put down my camera and laughed so hard.

 

[ImageMaker]

Workin it!

 

[tacphotog]

Workin it!

View attachment 8632

Stunning. I really love your work.

 

[ImageMaker]

Stunning. I really love your work.

Thanks. Truly having a great time. The ladies deserve more credit for tolerating the photographer…. Typing this out on a newly purchased iPad Pro. Just a couple hours old. I like the magic keypad.

 

[Levina de Ruijter]

Thanks. Truly having a great time. The ladies deserve more credit for tolerating the photographer…. Typing this out on a newly purchased iPad Pro. Just a couple hours old. I like the magic keypad.

Congrats on the new iPad! I love mine too. It’s getting old though and a bit sluggish. It needs replacing.

 

[ImageMaker]

Congrats on the new iPad! I love mine too. It’s getting old though and a bit sluggish. It needs replacing.

Also have the pen pro. Not sure I’ll use it - or how…. The 13” IPad Pro is kinda nice. Plan on tethering the camera to it while outdoors versus schlepping a laptop.

This is the replacement for my old iPad Pro.

 

[Levina de Ruijter]

Also have the pen pro. Not sure I’ll use it - or how…. The 13” IPad Pro is kinda nice. Plan on tethering the camera to it while outdoors versus schlepping a laptop.

This is the replacement for my old iPad Pro.

I have the pen too. Not using it much either. I bought it for drawing animations, but all I did was little more than doodling. And I did a walking cycle but that's about it.