How-to Create a Simple, Yet Impactful Portrait

Impactful images aren't always complicated. In fact, I often times create my favorite images with very minimal gear. When I was first starting out as a photographer, I only had one light so I learned how to see light in addition to learning how to create it.

For instance, the photo below was created with a single light source and a V-Flat. If you want to see how I created it, keep on reading...

From the very get to, I wanted this image to be black and white, but I didn't originally think to shoot it with the shadow in frame. At first we were just shooting a one light backlit portrait and I wanted a little bit of fill to the left side of the fame and brought in a V-Flat for fill. That's when I saw the shadow and immediately knew that needed to be a part of the image.

Like I stated before, being able to see light is almost as important as the ability to create it. Check out the BTS image below, and also a quick tutorial video showing my process.

If you're serious about taking your photography to the NEXT LEVEL, join me for my next workshop March 14th, at my studio here in Franklin, TN and if you're going to be at WPPI in Las Vegas this year, join me for my "1 Light Setup" photowalk. Use promo code CARPENTER to receive a 15% discount on a Conference Platform Pass or a FREE Show Floor Pass*

Download your FREE lighting guide HERE.

Until next time!

-Jeff Carpenter