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How-to Create a Simple, Yet Impactful Portrait

Writer: Jeff CarpenterJeff Carpenter

Updated: Feb 21, 2024

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 at an upcoming workshop!




Until next time!

-Jeff Carpenter

 
 
 

Comments


“Jeff’s approach is very client centered, he was super personable and a great host.  He tailored the workshop to fit my needs as a photographer and was very flexible to let the workshop unfold without a set agenda.  I was able to get tons of hands-on time with the model and was able to come home with many tremendous images to add to my portfolio.”

   -Jay Hamlin
Workshop Attendee

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