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Mastering One Continuous LED Light: A Photographer's Guide

with Nikki Harrison

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Mastering One-Light Continuous LED Lighting: A Photographer's Guide

"Discover the simplicity and stunning results of using a single continuous light, demonstrated by Nikki Harrison with the StellaPro Reflex S, as they create beautiful portraits in a studio set."

Introducing Nikki Harrison, a portrait pPhotographer, who will demonstrates techniques for utilizing a single continuous light as a light source in these videos. She creatred a studio set to resemble a room, with a seemingly empty frame that will be filled with a picture in post-production. Before delving into the video featuring her model, Nikki briefly shares the contents of her bag emphasizing the simplicity of the one-light setup. She mentions various brands of modifiers suitable for Reflex or Reflex S lights and for this particular shoot, Nikki opts not to use the battery and instead relies on the power cord for continuous studio lighting. This choice eliminates concerns about the battery running out, allowing Nikki to reserve its usage for on-location or outdoor shoots. Her setup consists of the StellaPro Reflex S light, an Elinchrom adapter, and a Mola Demi beauty dish equipped with a white grid for focused lighting. Surprisingly, it's just one light and one beauty dish – an uncomplicated setup that yields incredible results.

As she begins the shoot, Nikki explains that she will be using the Reflex S as a continuous light. Using the Sony A7R5), she appreciates the instant results on the camera's display. Nikki typically adjusts the ambient light by reducing its intensity before gradually increasing the continuous light until achieving the desired effect. She mentions using “Capture One” for tethering, enabling her to showcase the photographs throughout the process. Her model for the day is Asha, a professional who requires minimal direction. Nikki uses a 50mm f/1.2 lens, shooting wide open at f/1.2. The process begins by adjusting the ambient light without turning on the continuous light. Once the desired ambient light level is achieved, she turns her attention to the Reflex S and the chosen light modifier, dialing in the light until it reaches the desired intensity. With continuous light, what you see is what you get. The goal for this portrait session is to create simple yet painterly images. Nikki highlights how continuous light allows for subtlety and control that is challenging to achieve with flash or strobes. She adjusts the light's brightness, dialing it down for a moodier look. When the puppy is introduced into the scene, Nikki promptly refocuses the light and slightly adjusts its brightness. Throughout the shoot, Nikki emphasizes the ease and effectiveness of working with continuous lights along with the flexibility to capture the subject and the set flawlessly.

As the subject transitions from a sitting position to standing, Nikki raises the light higher and adjusts the angle to approximately 45 degrees, maintaining focus on the light's direction and monitoring the results on the camera's display. For Nikki the StellaPro Reflex S proves to be an excellent choice for continuous lighting for this shoot. Nikki highlights the simplicity and remarkable results achieved with just one light, one set, and one beautiful model. She encourages viewers to try this approach, emphasizing its ease and effectiveness.

About Nikki Harrison

Meet Nikki Harrison, a professional photographer with 15 years of experience in the industry. Nikki holds a Master's degree in Photography and has received numerous awards and publications for her work. Nikki won the Bronze Medal for Canada in the Portrait category for the WPC - World Photography Cup 2017. She specializes in photo art and is highly respected in the field for her unique vision and creativity.

Nikki’s photographs are a visual representation of her passion for the art form and her ability to capture the beauty in the world around us while throwing her own artistic spin on it. She has an eye for detail and composition, and her work is known for its emotive quality and technical excellence. She strives to push the boundaries of traditional photography and inspires others to do the same.

" Believe it or not, this is the simplest one light setup you could possibly imagine. "

 - Nikki Harrison

Gear Used

Reflex S
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Reflex S

Reflex S

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