As photographers, we have the unique opportunity to use our craft for the greater good. While sustaining a successful business is essential, it is equally important to recognize our privilege and find ways to give back to the community.
This holiday season, I set out to address food insecurity in British Columbia, where 20% of children experience hunger. To support this cause, I launched a fundraising initiative offering 10-minute portrait sessions in exchange for a minimum $25 donation to Backpack Buddies, a local charity that provides over 1.65 million meals to children each year.
For over a decade, I have relied on Elinchrom lighting equipment for its reliability, colour accuracy, speed, and versatility. The distinctive quality of light from their Rotalux modifiers, with their pebbled silver interiors and silky diffusion material, sets them apart from anything else on the market. Paired with the Elinchrom Transmitter Pro, this system allows me to focus on creativity without technical distractions—making it the perfect choice for this project.
The Studio Setup
To create a valuable experience for participants and provide them with a variety of images, I designed two distinct sets with three unique lighting configurations. Upon arrival, clients could choose which setup(s) they preferred, with some opting for all three.
Setup 1: Classic Portrait Corner
This setup featured two painted canvas backdrops arranged as a corner. The key light was an ELC Pro HD 500 fitted with a 39” Rotalux Deep Octa, complemented by a D-Lite RX4 boomed overhead with a 53” Rotalux Octa for fill. To further enhance the lighting, I added a large white fill board on the right side and a small white fill board below, clamped to a floor stand.
Setup 2: Vibrant & Creative
This configuration utilized a cream-coloured backdrop with bold, colourful lighting. A D-Lite RX4, modified with a 70cm white beauty dish and a red gel, served as the key light. A D-Lite RX ONE with a 35x100cm strip box and a cyan gel acted as the second light, creating a striking two-tone effect. To add even more dynamism, I experimented with slow shutter speeds to incorporate ambient LED lighting for an artistic, motion-blended effect.
Setup 3: Professional Headshots
For clients needing a polished headshot, I designed a clean, professional lighting setup. The key light was a D-Lite RX4 inside a 59” Rotalux Indirect Octa, using only internal diffusion, positioned camera right. Behind me, I placed a D-Lite 4 with a diffused 64” umbrella to create soft, even fill. Since the older D-Lite 4 lacked a built-in receiver, I activated it manually as needed, using its photocell to sync with the primary strobe.
Streamlined Workflow
Thanks to the Elinchrom Transmitter Pro, I could seamlessly switch between setups by adjusting power settings on-the-fly, allowing me to maintain focus on my subjects. Shooting tethered via a Tether Tools cable further optimized the process, providing real-time previews for both myself and my clients. This not only ensured precise lighting adjustments but also allowed participants to get an immediate glimpse of their portraits.
A Rewarding Experience
This project was both enjoyable and deeply fulfilling. Together, we raised $635 for Backpack Buddies, helping to provide meals for children in need during the holiday season. Beyond the fundraising success, I had the opportunity to meet incredible people and create meaningful portraits with them.
I’m already looking forward to running this initiative again next year.
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Author: Aaron Aubrey
Aaron is a headshot and editorial portrait photographer who loves to showcase his subjects with a flair for the dramatic. From the hillsides of India, to his studio in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Aaron engages viewers with lighting that is crafted to make his subjects larger than life.
