I started shooting portraits when I was 16, that's 60 years ago, using the metal reflectors with spring clamps I bought in hardware stores. I used 500-watt daylight photo floods or 100-watt regular light bulbs( I shot a lot of black and white). That rudimentary system worked well and it didn't cost much. I still like constant light and daylight.
I agree with seeing continuous light. I started with continuous sources back in the late 50s, and I still use it. It's especially good for animals and small kids that don't like the flash.
Amazing work and results as always. I've learned so much from your work and was able to elevate my photography game to the next level. Undoubtedly the best in your class and style of photography. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Thanks Peter and B&H team this is a great reminder/recap on natural versus constant versus flash I enjoyed seeing your setups and thoughts andideas on the process and also your people skills with a little coaching bringing out the best in the talents posing and looks. In my top floor studio I have barely opted to use the natural light that floods in as I enjoy creating moody dramatic shots with flash but more recently have been drawn towards using the big windows I have as I have been getting more business from actors and their agents who specifically ask for a natural light shoot (even if they cant tell in a shot what light was used !) So I have indeed actually gone back to basics with using natural light for more shoots than before - it almost feels like cheating.
So, I am just getting into headshots and I don't have these LED pads. I have and AD400 and a couple AD300's and 36" beauty dishes that will fit each of them. Is it best to use the modeling lights for the lights or just the flash? Or can the modeling lights run and use flash at same time? Thanks this info helped much
Quick question? Why didnt you have the Natural light from the window coming straight head on from the outside and why did you decide to put the natural light coming in from the window on his side?
Peter’s using Capture One Pro to tether. I’ve used it for years, it’s far and away the best and most reliable tethering software and the RAW quality is amazing.
The Flex lightingkit is super-compfotable for the models as you can see in our video above. The models exhibit no squinting or eye fatigue at all. The system throws off very little heat and is a dream to use: Westcott Peter Hurley Flex Cine Bi-Color 3-Light Kit (1 x 2') BH #WE7662: bhpho.to/3DSaKsn >Mark
Have the subjects looking away from the lights (or close their eyes) as long as possible before the shot is taken and try using more diffusion and reflection. Lower the intensity whenever possible. >Mark
Is it possible to get good results without lighting the backdrop and using your triangle setup. I am advanced amateur and doing my first headshots for a small office.
I recently purchased a 3-pack of GVM Led lights. On their lowest setting they still seem very bright. Do you have any issues with models squinting because of the lights?
Can anybody explain why is it important to get the white balance correct during the shoot (4:11) ? Isn't it completely adjustable in post ? ( Assuming you shoot raw which I guess he does ^^ )
The simple answer is, if you are shooting RAW, it speeds up your workflow from needing to adjust white balance during post-processing on each image, and if you shoot JPEG, it is imperative to prevent destructive editing and creating artifacts in your image during post-processing. It is (sort of) the photographer's version of the carpenter's motto, _"measure twice, cut once."_ It is typically recommended to get as many settings correct in the camera so you reduce the amount of time spent in front of your computer for post-processing. White balance is a main camera setting that determines the way the camera interprets color based on the color temperature of your lighting. Setting your white balance properly ensures neutral white items actually appears white to your camera under the current lighting, eliminating color casts or overly warm/cool images. If you shoot RAW, then yes, you can adjust your white balance during post-processing, but it is a better habit (especially for professional photographers) to properly set your white balance before shooting. If your lighting is consistent, and if your white balance is set properly, then you do not need to adjust your white balance during post-processing. Also, for the professionals who shoot RAW + JPEG (or the few who only shoot JPEG), if you use the JPEG images to immediately upload to social media, setting your white balance in-camera is even more important as adjusting JPEG images is a destructive process and you can throw away data that would have been unnecessary to do if the white balance was initially set properly. In the way Mr. Hurley is using the technique (shooting tethered) in the above video around the 4:11 time stamp you eluded to above, to further reduce his post-processing, he set his white balance to the color temperature of his lights, he took his test shot, then he tweaked both his color temperature and saturation while looking at his subject in front of him in the same lighting and adjusted it until he was happy. The post-processing software can then use those same settings on all images taken of that model in that lighting situation, and he does not need to worry about adjusting color at all for all those images as it has already been done to his liking.
Howdy, Hurley is the man and thanks for setting up these videos:) I am interested in buying some continuous lights for my studio and wondering if you have a link for the lights and light stands he is using?
Is he intentionally leaving in the back of the light in the pictures or does he have to because of the focal length and set up and edits it out later in post? Also how does his body and camera not cast a shadow on Marina during the natural light shoot?
Use one of these: Seaport i-Visor Support Platform B&H # SEIV1202 bhpho.to/3yJU43Y >Mark< Designed to Hold a Laptop or Monitor For the Seaport Digital i-Visor Tripod Compatible with 1/4"-20 Reversible Mount Compatible with 3/8"-16 Reversible Mount Supports up to 44 lb Cast Magnesium Build
Question to the B&H team: I gotta say I found this SUPPERRRRR helpful as I find strobe a bit intimidating also and I'm trying to find a set up. BUTT I has a question: I'm seeing a flash pop off or am I crazy?? I thought this was continuous lighting??? he also has something on his hot shoe.... did I miss something in the set up. I've watched this 3 times and can't understand where the flash is coming from. Thanks in advance! I subscribed to this channel after watching this!!!
No worries... Yes, you may have missed a small bit of information. Mr. Hurley stated that he was using continuous lighting on his subjects (specifically, the 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗖𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝗶-𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗞𝗶𝘁 _(B&H # WE7664)_ in this video), but he was ALSO using two (2) 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 𝗙𝗝𝟰𝟬𝟬 𝟰𝟬𝟬𝗪𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗲𝘀 _(B&H # WEFJ400S)_ on the BACKGROUND to make it white, and to control how white the background is rendered. I would recommend to start watching the video at 17:26 (just so you do not miss a bit of the explanation of the light setup), but he specifically begins to mention the background setup at 17:38. That being said, the continuous lights are always on and are lighting the subject, whereas the Westcott FJ400 400Ws Strobes only flash when he presses the shutter button to make the background white, and is being wirelessly controlled via the 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 𝗙𝗝-𝗫𝟯 𝗠 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 _(B&H # WEFJX3MWFT)_ which you noticed on the camera's hot shoe.
@@BandH ohh amazing!! See I sort of figured thats what it was!! Lol wow I missed that detail 3 times geesh going back to watch all his videos again... lol I plan to shoot in a controlled lit space mostly in the evenings. But my unit has one floor to ceiling windo that space across the whole space.. which im gunna need to experiment with if i can set my back drops infront when needed i should get natural fill. But lol need my note pad to take more notes. Thank u so much for these videos. Him n jerry ghionis are spectacular to learn from n making this very exciting to experiment 😀 THANKKK YOUUUUU
Great tutorial as usual,; however, I missed two things while shooting her: shabang and you didn’t crop her head... I look fwd to reading your reply to Andrew below
May I just ask about a couple of observations please? 1. I see you have window light front face-on to the model, what’s the reasoning? In my limited knowledge, I would have had window light not fully side-on, but maybe 45 degrees on, to get contrast across the face. 2. Why did you shoot the camera in landscape orientation? again in my limited knowledge, I would ha e used portrait orientation. I love your work and want to learn from your advice and expertise.
Unsolicited thoughts: 1. Lighting Your slighlty side-on lighting is a variation of the same thing he has been using w/c is [Clam shell] but different in application such as [short] and [broad] lighting while his is leaning toward a [profile]. 2. Landscape Popular cropping styles are bust, close-up and ½body while his is something i would call as extreme close-up. Difference is with xcu, is that your eyes would focus mostly on the feel and emotions seen through facial expressions and also facial features of the subject while the other crops could add details through body language such as shoulders, arms, etc. PS: he discussed these on his video tutorial, i think it was The Art of Headshots or something.
He wanted flat, beauty light so he had Marina face the windows directly. if he had turned her 45° like you said, to get broad or short lighting that would be a different style, just not what he wanted to do in this case. Short lighting, sometimes called Rembrandt lighting is very dramatic. Usually for something other than a headshot. Broad lighting sometimes makes people's faces look wider and adds weight so that's usually not a good thing.
WOW, Marina is a dead-ringer for my wife when we got married 25-years ago -absolutely beautiful :) BTW, my wife has aged but not that much different :)
Consider that lighting, like your camera and lenses, is an investment that will pay dividends over time. Here is an excellent kit and value: Smith-Victor Edge360 Bi-Color LED 3-Light Boom Kit - B&H # SM401708: bhpho.to/3tSXe3g >Mark< 2 x Edge360 18" Bi-Color LED Lights 1 Edge360 13" Bi-Color LED Light 2 x 8' Light Stands 1 x 10' Light Stand 1 x 6' Boom, Light Stand Bag 3 x Padded Carry Cases for Lights 3 x 100 to 240 VAC Adapters Color: 3200 to 5600K, CRI: 95 100° Beam Spread, 0 to 100% Dimming
You can use rectangular soft boxes w Godox 200-600W strobes to create a similar look. These youtubers have to get so frustrated with comments like yours.
Curious about speedlights and strobes? Check out part 2! bhpho.to/3eE7SVn
I started shooting portraits when I was 16, that's 60 years ago, using the metal reflectors with spring clamps I bought in hardware stores. I used 500-watt daylight photo floods or 100-watt regular light bulbs( I shot a lot of black and white). That rudimentary system worked well and it didn't cost much. I still like constant light and daylight.
Fun stuff! I really dig Hurley's work too and his delivery of all this info is a pleasure to watch.
Love Peter’s work and enthusiasm, has made me want to get into headshot photography.
I agree with seeing continuous light. I started with continuous sources back in the late 50s, and I still use it. It's especially good for animals and small kids that don't like the flash.
Thank you Peter, as always you give all your knowledge and setups, you are a inspiration!!!
I've learnt so much form Peter's style of shooting , my headshots have improved immensely Thank you Peter.
Thank you Peter - there’s so much to learn!! But, you spell it out beautifully.
Good to see you back 🙌
Peter is the king of headshots!
Neville! Love that guy! He’s always a breath of fresh air and amazing dancer 🤙🏼
I am glad I found your channel. I will have to check your other videos.
Welcome! We have a TON of educational videos on lighting and photography.
You are my main man. Love your work - love your teaching style and I learn a LOT from your videos! Cheers!!
Amazing work and results as always. I've learned so much from your work and was able to elevate my photography game to the next level. Undoubtedly the best in your class and style of photography. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Great to hear!
You do amazing work. I shoot strobes but videos like this make me want to add continuous lighting to my kit.
Episode 2 coming 5/25 discusses strobes and speed lights.
I just watched half of it and it's.......what an explanation! Peter, it's excellent 👍, thanks.
I’ve been doing natural light for headshots but the eyes just light up so much better with the flex kit.
There were moments where on the lady, in the continuous lighting segment, there was still flash happening? What was the cause of that?
What kind of lighting do you primarily use?
Well I recently purchased his LED flex kit
Any idea what tripod he is using?
Forget the lights. Shooting headshots and portraits is about interacting with people. You need to bottle some of Peter's personality and sell that...
Always the best
It was an awesome video with much more information.
Thanks Peter and B&H team this is a great reminder/recap on natural versus constant versus flash I enjoyed seeing your setups and thoughts andideas on the process and also your people skills with a little coaching bringing out the best in the talents posing and looks. In my top floor studio I have barely opted to use the natural light that floods in as I enjoy creating moody dramatic shots with flash but more recently have been drawn towards using the big windows I have as I have been getting more business from actors and their agents who specifically ask for a natural light shoot (even if they cant tell in a shot what light was used !)
So I have indeed actually gone back to basics with using natural light for more shoots than before - it almost feels like cheating.
Peter is the best 👌
Peter What is the software you are using on your MAC? and is the software making changes in your camera in real time?
What’s that light stand he’s moving around with the cineflex on it?
THANK YOU FOR THESE
Thanks for watching!
So, I am just getting into headshots and I don't have these LED pads. I have and AD400 and a couple AD300's and 36" beauty dishes that will fit each of them. Is it best to use the modeling lights for the lights or just the flash? Or can the modeling lights run and use flash at same time? Thanks this info helped much
Quick question? Why didnt you have the Natural light from the window coming straight head on from the outside and why did you decide to put the natural light coming in from the window on his side?
This was so helpful! How does he tether to the laptop and what program does he use? Amazing content!
Peter tethers via a Tether Tools cable and uses Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. >Mark
Peter’s using Capture One Pro to tether.
I’ve used it for years, it’s far and away the best and most reliable tethering software and the RAW quality is amazing.
Awesome quality light. I wonder if the light could be uncomfortable for the model? Also, does it generate any heat? Thanks!
The Flex lightingkit is super-compfotable for the models as you can see in our video above. The models exhibit no squinting or eye fatigue at all. The system throws off very little heat and is a dream to use: Westcott Peter Hurley Flex Cine Bi-Color 3-Light Kit (1 x 2')
BH #WE7662: bhpho.to/3DSaKsn >Mark
Peter, are you using EyeAF?
Any suggestions on how to prevent subjects from squinting due to prolonged brightness with continuous lighting? Thanks
Have the subjects looking away from the lights (or close their eyes) as long as possible before the shot is taken and try using more diffusion and reflection. Lower the intensity whenever possible. >Mark
Is it possible to get good results without lighting the backdrop and using your triangle setup. I am advanced amateur and doing my first headshots for a small office.
If you are looking for a gray background, just use white and the light falloff will render it gray. I have my subject about 6 feet away.
Up lighting is a good Boris Karloff lighting. Movies & TV used to use this lighting a lot more on evil villans.
Can someone share the brand and model of the lights stands used with the CineFlex
I recently purchased a 3-pack of GVM Led lights. On their lowest setting they still seem very bright. Do you have any issues with models squinting because of the lights?
try a defuser, that will defiantly help with the brightness, and the harsh shadows.
How to take zoom calls with audio with phone on TV with sceen cast sir please help I am having this problem for maany time please help🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Connect an external USB microphone/headset to the computer. Please e-mail us for details: askbh@bandh.com >Mark
hey quick question : WHERE DO YOU GET THOSE "POSING TABLES" ?? I cannot find them anywhere for the life of me .. is there a particular website ?
You can find posing tables on our website. bhphoto.com Here is one table we sell that is similar to what Peter is using in the video: bhpho.to/3Ul6wln
@@BandH Awesome thank you guys for your answer, much appreciated !
Maybe I’m missing the link for the stands and arms for the light controllers?
Lighting Stands and Accessories: bhpho.to/3ia1W8O
Light Modifiers: bhpho.to/3vJLcte >Mark
Can anybody explain why is it important to get the white balance correct during the shoot (4:11) ?
Isn't it completely adjustable in post ? ( Assuming you shoot raw which I guess he does ^^ )
The simple answer is, if you are shooting RAW, it speeds up your workflow from needing to adjust white balance during post-processing on each image, and if you shoot JPEG, it is imperative to prevent destructive editing and creating artifacts in your image during post-processing. It is (sort of) the photographer's version of the carpenter's motto, _"measure twice, cut once."_
It is typically recommended to get as many settings correct in the camera so you reduce the amount of time spent in front of your computer for post-processing. White balance is a main camera setting that determines the way the camera interprets color based on the color temperature of your lighting. Setting your white balance properly ensures neutral white items actually appears white to your camera under the current lighting, eliminating color casts or overly warm/cool images.
If you shoot RAW, then yes, you can adjust your white balance during post-processing, but it is a better habit (especially for professional photographers) to properly set your white balance before shooting. If your lighting is consistent, and if your white balance is set properly, then you do not need to adjust your white balance during post-processing. Also, for the professionals who shoot RAW + JPEG (or the few who only shoot JPEG), if you use the JPEG images to immediately upload to social media, setting your white balance in-camera is even more important as adjusting JPEG images is a destructive process and you can throw away data that would have been unnecessary to do if the white balance was initially set properly.
In the way Mr. Hurley is using the technique (shooting tethered) in the above video around the 4:11 time stamp you eluded to above, to further reduce his post-processing, he set his white balance to the color temperature of his lights, he took his test shot, then he tweaked both his color temperature and saturation while looking at his subject in front of him in the same lighting and adjusted it until he was happy. The post-processing software can then use those same settings on all images taken of that model in that lighting situation, and he does not need to worry about adjusting color at all for all those images as it has already been done to his liking.
What software is that?
Peter is using the editing software Capture One.
Howdy, Hurley is the man and thanks for setting up these videos:) I am interested in buying some continuous lights for my studio and wondering if you have a link for the lights and light stands he is using?
There is the Westcott Flex Cine Peter Hurley Bi-Color Studio Kit, BH # WE7664 to consider which is a continuous LED light kit.
bhpho.to/39nJffL
Would love to see one with cowboy hats. I photograph the rodeo community and those dang hats
whats the name of the table your reflector sits on
Peter's table is a home-made affair that is not sold as a complete unit. >Mark
Is he intentionally leaving in the back of the light in the pictures or does he have to because of the focal length and set up and edits it out later in post?
Also how does his body and camera not cast a shadow on Marina during the natural light shoot?
Peter is very well thought out in all his intentions and executions. He carefully plans his shots to prevent shadows. >Mark
thx Peter ,thx B&H
How did you mount your laptop on top of a tripod?
Use one of these:
Seaport i-Visor Support Platform
B&H # SEIV1202 bhpho.to/3yJU43Y >Mark<
Designed to Hold a Laptop or Monitor
For the Seaport Digital i-Visor Tripod
Compatible with 1/4"-20 Reversible Mount
Compatible with 3/8"-16 Reversible Mount
Supports up to 44 lb
Cast Magnesium Build
Hi Peter. Continuous LEDs were at 5600k. Did you set camera at 5600k or at AWB? Thanks.
I'm going to guess and say - camera's set to 5600k (Manually ) for consistency. AWD introduces variations between shots.
@@Snailmale7 Thanks
Question to the B&H team: I gotta say I found this SUPPERRRRR helpful as I find strobe a bit intimidating also and I'm trying to find a set up. BUTT I has a question: I'm seeing a flash pop off or am I crazy?? I thought this was continuous lighting??? he also has something on his hot shoe.... did I miss something in the set up. I've watched this 3 times and can't understand where the flash is coming from. Thanks in advance! I subscribed to this channel after watching this!!!
No worries... Yes, you may have missed a small bit of information. Mr. Hurley stated that he was using continuous lighting on his subjects (specifically, the 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗖𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗕𝗶-𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼 𝗞𝗶𝘁 _(B&H # WE7664)_ in this video), but he was ALSO using two (2) 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 𝗙𝗝𝟰𝟬𝟬 𝟰𝟬𝟬𝗪𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗲𝘀 _(B&H # WEFJ400S)_ on the BACKGROUND to make it white, and to control how white the background is rendered. I would recommend to start watching the video at 17:26 (just so you do not miss a bit of the explanation of the light setup), but he specifically begins to mention the background setup at 17:38. That being said, the continuous lights are always on and are lighting the subject, whereas the Westcott FJ400 400Ws Strobes only flash when he presses the shutter button to make the background white, and is being wirelessly controlled via the 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗰𝗼𝘁𝘁 𝗙𝗝-𝗫𝟯 𝗠 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 _(B&H # WEFJX3MWFT)_ which you noticed on the camera's hot shoe.
@@BandH ohh amazing!! See I sort of figured thats what it was!! Lol wow I missed that detail 3 times geesh going back to watch all his videos again... lol I plan to shoot in a controlled lit space mostly in the evenings. But my unit has one floor to ceiling windo that space across the whole space.. which im gunna need to experiment with if i can set my back drops infront when needed i should get natural fill. But lol need my note pad to take more notes. Thank u so much for these videos. Him n jerry ghionis are spectacular to learn from n making this very exciting to experiment 😀 THANKKK YOUUUUU
Turn your hips to the Canadian border? Absolutely hilarious I will definitely be using that
Great tutorial as usual,; however, I missed two things while shooting her: shabang and you didn’t crop her head... I look fwd to reading your reply to Andrew below
May I just ask about a couple of observations please? 1. I see you have window light front face-on to the model, what’s the reasoning? In my limited knowledge, I would have had window light not fully side-on, but maybe 45 degrees on, to get contrast across the face. 2. Why did you shoot the camera in landscape orientation? again in my limited knowledge, I would ha e used portrait orientation. I love your work and want to learn from your advice and expertise.
Unsolicited thoughts:
1. Lighting
Your slighlty side-on lighting is a variation of the same thing he has been using w/c is [Clam shell] but different in application such as [short] and [broad] lighting while his is leaning toward a [profile].
2. Landscape
Popular cropping styles are bust, close-up and ½body while his is something i would call as extreme close-up. Difference is with xcu, is that your eyes would focus mostly on the feel and emotions seen through facial expressions and also facial features of the subject while the other crops could add details through body language such as shoulders, arms, etc.
PS: he discussed these on his video tutorial, i think it was The Art of Headshots or something.
He wanted flat, beauty light so he had Marina face the windows directly. if he had turned her 45° like you said, to get broad or short lighting that would be a different style, just not what he wanted to do in this case.
Short lighting, sometimes called Rembrandt lighting is very dramatic. Usually for something other than a headshot. Broad lighting sometimes makes people's faces look wider and adds weight so that's usually not a good thing.
@@janusa2971 thank you for your helpful comments.
@@jerseyshoredroneservices225 thank you for your helpful comment.
Why do you not show the differences with and without the cup holder? Clearly it’s making you happy. Are you teaching us?
WOW, Marina is a dead-ringer for my wife when we got married 25-years ago -absolutely beautiful :) BTW, my wife has aged but not that much different :)
Man, if you don’t get a $30 reflector to go along with that $6500 camera and lens 🙂
Models like them I could photograph just with iPhone for similar result.
Good for you
Good for you
Peter is awesome award winning personality infused with a good case of ADHD.
You can meter off my hair - it's 18% gray :D
and can you use lights that the average person can afford were not all rich like you lol
Consider that lighting, like your camera and lenses, is an investment that will pay dividends over time. Here is an excellent kit and value:
Smith-Victor Edge360 Bi-Color LED 3-Light Boom Kit
- B&H # SM401708: bhpho.to/3tSXe3g >Mark<
2 x Edge360 18" Bi-Color LED Lights
1 Edge360 13" Bi-Color LED Light
2 x 8' Light Stands 1 x 10' Light Stand
1 x 6' Boom, Light Stand Bag
3 x Padded Carry Cases for Lights
3 x 100 to 240 VAC Adapters
Color: 3200 to 5600K, CRI: 95
100° Beam Spread, 0 to 100% Dimming
You can use rectangular soft boxes w Godox 200-600W strobes to create a similar look. These youtubers have to get so frustrated with comments like yours.
@@wendystumbaugh695 we do sorry