Join us for a new monthly series that highlights a different Elinchrom Light Shaper or Lighting Technique, with sample images (full length and cropped headshots) and lighting diagrams. All the images were photographed with the same model and outfit (standing in the same spot on the background – about 3 feet away), the same day in the same blacked out studio, with the same strobes at the same height (forehead height) & distance (about 5 feet) from the model and the same camera setup. I tried to remove as many obstacles as possible so we can compare light shaper effects.
I used an Elinchrom FIVE battery monolight triggered by the Elinchrom Transmitter Pro. My trusty Gossen Digisky light meter ensured consistent exposure values – it has an integrated Skyport transceiver to remotely trigger the FIVE. My Nikon D810 had a Tamron 85mm f/1.8 lens and all was mounted on a Vanguard VEO 3+ 263CB tripod. Camera settings are ISO64, f/8, 1/125s
I’ll start with light shapers and techniques for portraiture. This month, our focus is on the Elinchrom Deep Octa 70cm, which is mounted as a traditional softbox on a Rotalux speedring.
Octaboxes in the 70-100cm range are the preferred light shaper for headshots and portraits. The near-round shape creates circular catchlights in the eyes. The light wraps around the face and creates really pleasing transitions from light to shadow. The Deep Octa creates slightly more contrast than a regular Octabox.
Let’s look at the full-length portrait. The Octa lights Maya from the top of her head down to just below the knee, where the light falls off towards her ankles. Maya casts a soft shadow on the background but the background has enough illumination that there is separation between Maya and the background on both sides, although the opposite side is a touch darker.
When we inspect the crop, you can see soft shadows that sculpt her face, perfect catchlights in each eye and soft highlights on her nose and lips and in her hair. Her gold chain and pendant has nice soft highlights as well. Due to the “wraparound” shape of the Octa, light from her hair is reflected back on the jaw line to further define her jaw. Overall, the Deep Octa 70 creates a really pleasing portrait.
Next, I added the Elinchrom Rotagrid for Deep Octa Softbox 70cm – a textile grid that replaces the front diffuser. I had to decrease the light output by almost 3 stops to have the same amount of light on Maya. The light appears much cooler, meaning the front diffuser on the Deep Octa adds the warmth. The background is much more blue, but also darker as the light is focused more on Maya. Light falloff is similar on her but starts just above the knee.
Comparing the cropped images, the shadows are a little darker and the sculpting a little tighter. Catchlights are still ideal and her hair shines. The highlights on the nose and lips are a little smaller but a touch brighter and Maya’s right cheek and chin have a touch more highlighting. There’s a little less light reflected back from her onto her chin and the highlight on her necklace is sharper. If you zoom in, skin texture is more apparent with the Rotagrid added.
Next month, I’ll show the effects of the Elinchrom Silver Beauty Dish with each of the four deflectors (White, Silver, Gold and Translucent) At the end of the series, we’ll compare each of the Elinchrom light shapers to each other. See you next month!
Items Discussed
Author: Will Prentice
A portrait, fine art and commercial photographer for 30 plus years, Will Prentice is not just a contributor to PHOTONews magazine, but also host of PHOTONewsTV, owner of Captura Photography+Imaging and Technical Support/Brand Manager for Amplis Foto, Canada’s largest distributor of photographic equipment.
Will teaches photographers of all skill levels how to improve their craft – from creative photo projects to picking the right gear for their needs to flattering lighting to getting the best expressions to creating final images for screen and print. His unique style of highly detailed images with perfect tonality, wide dynamic range and stunning colour is instantly recognizable. Commercial clients rely on Will’s creative eye and mastery of lighting.
When he’s not behind the camera or in front of a class, you’ll find Will outdoors in any weather – usually on one of his bikes or enjoying time with his grandchildren.
