When we think of portrait lighting, the first lighting modifier that comes to mind is the softbox or octabox. While these two modifiers are very effective, Tim and I prefer to use variations of the octabox or perhaps the nylon panels.

The panels when used as we did in the video below, offer a very soft light quality for elderly subjects. Or, we may use the same panel setup for beauty lighting.

For the creative senior portrait, I might suggest the octabox ring light modification. This ring light modification looks great for fashion, musicians and editorial portraits as well.

One of the difficulties of photographing outdoors in Seattle, the weather is unpredictable. For commercial photography, Tim and I modify the light quality…on the fly… as the weather conditions change.

Perhaps you are photographing a senior portrait or engagement photo or even a formal wedding portrait on a cloudy day. Try the “bare octabox” as a backlight, maybe add an orange gel. Now you have completely changed the overall look and you are offering your clients options.

We have clients that may only be available on a certain day and time, and they need that sunny look on a cloudy day? Now we have a solution and get the job.

Creative lighting options make us more valuable as photographers. Give your client a reason for choosing you over the 20+ other photographers down the street. Having the lowest price on the block is a no win situation…and we do not always get a job based on fee.

As an art director once said to me, ” we hire photographers that give us images we couldn’t shoot ourselves”. Well…there you have it….

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