Direction v power of light

One of the most important things about understanding light is understanding the difference between direction of light and the power of the light, in this video Peter will show you how to understand direction of light with Meika.
Model: Meika Woollard
/ meikawoollard
For more behind the scenes of photoshoots, plus over 350 other tutorials covering everything from lighting to retouching, visit:
inspire.peter-...
Worldwide Photography Workshops:
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Lighting: 1.5m Octa softbox
Camera model: Hasselblad H6D-50c
Lens used: 80mm
Shutter-speed: 1/160
Aperture: f/8
Iso: 100
Filmed on:
Sony A7c with Sony G Master 16mm-35mm
Sony FX6 with Sony G Master 24mm-70mm
Sony RX vii
iPHONE 14 pro max on insta 360 gimbal
Peter's camera stand: The brand of stand he uses has been discontinued, but this is very similar www.bhphotovid...
Peter’s Ball Head: www.reallyrigh...
Lighting boom Manfrotto Megaboom
The RAW software Peter is using: Phocus www.hasselblad...
Can process RAWs through this program with any camera on a Mac, but you will not be able to tether or use certain sliders.
Website
www.peter-couls...
Blog
blog.peter-cou...
Social media
/ petercoulson
/ petercoulsonphotographer
/ _petercoulson

[@SpectreSoundStudios]

I think this might be one of the most valuable lighting tutorials on KZbin. This works not just for stills, but for cinematic lighting as well! I’ve been struggling with the “bags under the eyes” look as I wear glasses. It’s a real trade off trying to light the eyes without seeing the light reflected in the glasses. This method completely solved the issue! Thanks so much for explaining it, Peter!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

You’re very welcome, glad it helps.

[@ThePhiloctopus]

I've watched countless lighting videos and I've heard the same lessons over and over again, but you just showed me a whole new way of thinking about light.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you, so happy I can help 😊

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

Ah nice to see Meika again! She's lovely as well, and is simply stunning in front of the camera. Can't miss those eyes!

[@idolatrystudios]

It's pretty crazy how much Meika has modeled and with who, and where since she was last on your channel. She's pretty much famous in the modeling world now, and it all started with you Peter.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks but no Meika has a lot to do with it

[@ghost_shadow_at_midnight]

The Woolard sisters! You're working with a lot of incredible models Peter!

[@mjbxxv]

Great job hosting Mieka! 👏🏽

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

I think so too!

[@JimNorman-op1cv]

Great, simple lighting with wonderful results. Peter is both a master photographer and master teacher. Meika is such a wonderful model. This is a "must try" lighting setup.

[@hamishmctiaigh4363]

What a gem of a tutorial! Thank you, Peter!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

You're very welcome!

[@fineartviewfotografie3742]

Absolutely the best understanding of light video. Keeping it simple with stunning results. I have been experimenting with this lighting setup in my studio and has become my most favourite lighting setup. Most models I have photographed, never experienced this lighting setup with other photographers than by me. And all want to come back because of who I am,how I work and the results. You are my greatest inspiration source for this Peter, thank you so much. I still have to sign up for Inspire😉.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Wow thank you so much

[@RastadasPT]

Meika is a star! And obviously, amazing explanation.

[@charliejg]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. You are a wonderful teacher!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks heaps

[@johng5819]

Well done. Her eyes REALLY lit up with the "puppy-dog" shot.

[@headninjadog8120]

I love these lighting lessons. I'm not even a photographer but it helps so much for us illustrators/cartoonists who even work in ink and photoshop coloring. And she is absolutely lovely.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@danielsantisteban]

Incredible how she looks amazing in every light

[@TWCH]

I'm so glad I did not click off when you two were saying your closing goodbyes. Because at the end, when that last shot came up, I was like: Damn! That's good.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@starwolf3020]

This how good Peter is at this, I can't tell the between the technique and the art of what he does, and then you couple that with the uniqueness of each model and what she brings to the photo shoot !!!!!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks heaps

[@richardlopez46]

Just gorgeous! Love your work, Peter!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ChrisSaur]

That is the most beautiful model i have ever seen wow.

[@davidjones8070]

I really think it’s the small details that you point out that help people become better photographers. I’ve seen you use the dog trick before. Those types of tips are truly invaluable to get the hero expression. Thanks for sharing those.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mipe7755]

A phenomenal model and a great photographer with great attitude!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks heaps

[@RichardSwift]

Very nice, well done Peter. Meika is stunning.

[@challengedollar2880]

the way of describing this is amazing.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@colmeg]

Love using one light! Your experience with this style really shows! Thank you.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jagerardi]

Always love when Meika is in your studio. She's becoming such an exquisite young woman now, but retains her goofy teenager personality when not being a model. I also noticed she did a reset with her eyes towards the end. I've used that piece of advice quite a bit, and have been sending those videos to a young woman that has an upcoming portfolio shoot so I have her half "broken" before we shoot the first frame. Thanks, as always. ..Joe

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks Joe I'm glad my videos are a help to your models

[@skfineshriber]

I always learn something here, and Meike is stunning.

[@X_Hog]

Great lesson in 10 minutes. Love it! Good job Meika filling in for Bec.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks so much!

[@THUKR]

Thank you very much. I'm a student and don't have a studio or large space of my own. My mentor for photography, told me yesterday to do the same exercise. But he said to move light (which is the same). I tried it with a practice mannequin. I was really amazed by the simple setup yet, beautiful soft light effect. But, the last part i didn't do it quite right. You video helped me to understand the mistakes I did in the last part. I also learned the missing link. Love the results. Thank you very much for this great content.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks so much, glad it was helpful

[@AK-hk2pd]

I have to pick my chin up from the floor; how subtle movement can be so masterful. Thank you, Peter and Meika; just love your masterful approach and your ability to define the changes in "layman's" terms.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@ve55]

The last thing about to have a feeling when taking a face shot of someone was very interesting. The lighting also was a good learning - thank you

[@IBex__]

Peter! You are incredible (Meika too, of course). The knowledge you impart here is something I haven't gotten in hours of videos. Now it's up to me to put the knowledge into practice in the next shooting. Thank you for that.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Wow, thank you!

[@lohikarhu734]

such clear teaching...the flexibility of that big octagon soft-box is wonderful!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks so much!

[@Doesntcompute2k]

Great video again Peter! And Meika makes a GREAT assistant/commenter. I think you found her a new 2nd job!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Bec would kill me

[@dholahansr]

Peter, thank you so much for the techniques you share in your videos. Between KZbin and Inspire, my work has really improved. You're the best.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

You're very welcome, thanks

[@Karenabramyan.]

Meika Woolard great model !

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

I think so too!

[@FelixDamian]

It is really amazing and simple. It reminds me of Leonardo Da Vinci rule about raising the light at 45 degrees. Truly amazing results and great teaching. Thank you Peter and Meika.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you glad you liked it!

[@Amir_Wanas_Photography]

Found your channel in my recommended videos and I’m glad I did, you explained this setup in a way no one has. I was surprised that the light used in this way produced the images where the model was fully lit up with a beautiful soft light. Great video, you got yourself a new subscriber

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Welcome aboard, thanks I'm glad it was helpful

[@schwunsch]

Very basic yet very complex and informative video! I like your way of explaining complicated subjects in a simple step-by-step way!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@blubravery]

I've been using this lighting setup for the past week. Glad you did a video on this because I was expecting high noon light but got the exposure you are showing in this video.

[@josephchan4198]

Your style of teaching is awesome!! Great shot!!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@visualsbysanga5523]

Once again….you sir is a master!! Loved this tutorial…so many looks just by moving the model…moving the camera….amazing….

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Smedis]

Omg, all the shots are so amazing! I got so distracted by all the great photos that I completely missed all the points about lighting.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@timrosenthal46]

Fantastic as usual Peter ...

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Many thanks!

[@donbodat]

I totally concur with Jim!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@rolandkettle3343]

As you know your lighting videos, provide a great learning opportunity for me. Thanks

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad to help!

[@briancollins1149]

Love watching you work, Peter.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@sheraliarbab2218]

Absolutely fantastic ! Lighting explained so effortlessly. I really love how your models have this glow around them in the background. The model, Meika, expression were just wow ! I wish we had such video more frequently though !

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you very much, more coming

[@fergusgriffin2655]

Great explanation! really appreciated the explainer for a paper backdrop setup … for those of us who don’t have a cyc wall in the living room !

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Govannonart]

Thanks for sharing such a simple lighting. Meika is one gorgeous model. Cheers from Bashkortostan

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks for watching!

[@joshualatendresse]

great lesson Peter, and my favorite model, ever!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@909sickle]

For mysterious reasons I can't explain, this video has inspired me to become a photographer

[@arenalsurferphoto]

she is amazing top model!!! i see this girl at Mallorca Island. Amazing shooting. Great Job.!!!

[@chrispolubinski9358]

Really valuable lesson. And I feel like it's been ages since we've seen Meika!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks, yes she has been overseas, more coming

[@uwetrenkner9716]

These 7 minutes are so helpful. I am trying this lighting setup for half a year now and still learning.

[@gr8fled]

I love ‘too posey’ to ‘puppy dogs’ in like three seconds ❤🙏

[@АнтонПентегов-и7у]

Meika is wonderful! Thank you for interesting video.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks for visiting

[@tomaspland889]

Amazing video and tutoring, I had my own lightbulb moment !!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad it helped!

[@pmbartley]

WOW! So wonderful!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you very much!

[@filminginc405]

Fantastic information, can't wait to get into the studio to play. Thank you!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Have fun!

[@gabrieledalessio6707]

what an incredible setup

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you

[@jdpst20]

You always explain things in such a simple way and show examples that drive your points home... Now I just need some lights.

[@MartinBamford]

Thank you Peter. One of the most useful videos I’ve seen from you - and they are all useful!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad you like them!

[@fenixrising75]

Great video explaining how light works & how to use it. Meika is an amazing substitute while Bec is loving Tomorrowland.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Yes! Thank you!

[@kevin-haggerty]

Peter is such an inspiration to me and this dude without a doubt knows his work inside and out. Rock on Peter!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

wow thanks heaps

[@jamesmonahan9408]

Light is most important! Great vid peter.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Absolutely thank you

[@jonhudema1604]

always straight forward and very educational! thank you!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks for your support

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

This is not an easy concept to explain but you have done it very clearly and your examples prove the point very well. Nicely done.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad it was helpful, thanks

[@christopherjamesboudoir]

Even tho I have a pretty good handle on lighting I still learned more than I thought I would from this. I always learn a little something from your videos. And Meika is a worthy substitute for Bec.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@unclemick-synths]

Another masterclass!

[@CarmenFalkenburg]

Fantastic tutorial, you guys are awesome as a team ..Thank you ❤

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you so much!

[@mikehelmuth8462]

Great video and a lot of information.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you!

[@BabarKhan-oh6zq]

Gorgeous light, great demo

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Many thanks!

[@josefbuckland]

That’s an absolute hands down brilliant video. From pro to a nether there is a down to earth approach with real-time results learnt more in 10 minutes than I have in the past 40 years thanks for the the fair dinkum tips. Stay safe.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Wow, thanks!

[@madsnylarsen]

fantastic explanation, the power of one light :)

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paskuister]

Hey Peter this is one my favorite lighting setup. This setap with all the possible variations. I ussually I do lighting setup variations for comercials and cinema.

[@ritrattoaziendale]

New Bec is becalicius! Go Mika!

[@barrycomer3688]

Thanks Peter - stunning model more please.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks, will do!

[@anyguy]

My mind is blown by how you broke down this technique! Explained it perfectly 😊

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad you liked it!!

[@derekdonsworth2785]

Great breakdown, beautiful images..

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks for watching

[@Wouter_Degen_Foto]

I really enjoy watching you teach Peter. I’ve learned a lot by watching your tutorials. You make everything look so simple, it’s almost annoying 😅 Keep up the good work, it’s beautiful!

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad you like them, thanks

[@robertdepaulis5188]

Peter , who did you get your inspiration off when you first started thinking off portraitures ? Wonderful tutorial again mate

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

I will do a video soon on this, thanks for the suggestion

[@Ldarro]

So nice, when Meika says greetings in the beginning, Peter silently pronounces the same text with his lips))

[@truthsayers8725]

Thanks for the link. Great video

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

No problem!

[@СладкийПирожок]

I keep being amazed at the quality of the videos. You're a professional who has a hasselblad, a nice studio, a beautiful model, yet you still post videos in 1080p. Is it really that hard to shoot backstage on something that can shoot quality? It could have been an iPhone or samsung S23 ultra or at least a gopro

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Yes we use iphone, gopro and insta360 to shoot our videos as well as sony FX6, A1 and A7s iii

[@СладкийПирожок]

@@PeterCoulsonPhotographer Then where is the video in 4k quality?))

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

My My Stuff playlist is all in 4k, 11% of youtube is 4k 14% of netflix is 4K and the cost per to us would be $600 per month, how much are you paying to watch my content

[@Jibs-HappyDesigns-990]

struggling principals in a professional photography studio! love the denim jumper!!

[@paul_meulemans]

Thanks for this interesting video And if you visit Europe (Amsterdam) again next year bring Meika with you... :-) . She's an amazing model.

[@pappy219]

Great Peter, Thank you so much, this vidéo it's very interesting for light management and model placement 🙏🙏🙏

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad you liked it!

[@David.G.P.]

Many thanks for this new behind the scenes video. @Meika: Many thanks for modeling in this backstage session; a pleasure to hear your voice; have you ever considered combining your modeling career with taking TV presenter or interviewer roles? Many thanks for sharing, you are an excellent person. @Peter: Many thanks for clarifying these two points, you are right, we may wrongly tent to assume that the direction of the light is given by the axis in the lighting equipment, in this case vertical from top to down. But there is something else that comes to my mind, that is the angles of the light beams; when the Model is outside the octabox, she receives doble diversity of angles of light beams than when she is down; in other words, my understanding is that the more volume of angles of light beams the Model receives, the richer the lighting will be and therefore the better the photography will be.

[@corykphotography]

I always like, unlike, then RElike your videos cause there are always more than one reasons to like your videos. The teaching, the explanations, knowledge, and models are always on point and amazing. Thanks Peter

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

You rock thanks

[@henrikbengtsson3566]

Stunning! Never thought of this setup for the reason you mention. Clean, soft and consistent results without being boring. Will try it for sure. Would it also work with smaller modifiers like a 135cm octa or does it require really large ones like yours to get that soft look? Thinking head and shoulders.

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Yes you can make smaller work

[@AManWhoWasntThere]

That's such a great light setup. Fantastic results! I wonder how much of a difference it would make if the same setup was repeated on a dark floor. I'm guessing there would be more contrast and more of a gradient from the top of her head to the feet?

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

ona headshot zero difference, inverse square law kzbin.info/www/bejne/fF7bf4Cafr19f9U

[@monovengclan]

when you like what you do, it's always the best job in the world. + being privileged to see those beautiful creatures and immortalize them...

[@kiritengineer7506]

Thank you so much

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

You're most welcome

[@ranjanbhattacharyaphotography]

Very informative ❤

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Glad you liked it

[@RUSSIANFASHIONDIGEST]

спасибо! очень красивая и контактная модель у Вас 😀

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thanks so much

[@paulfarland4855]

Very pretty young lady ❤️ great job Peter as always 👏

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ArtBertram]

Welcome back.

[@kevinmurphy6382]

Great video Peter. I was wondering does the white floor contribute much to this lighting? …. And if you had, say, a hardwood floor what would you change, if anything?

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Not at all the power of the light is set at Meika's face 30cm from the light the floor is 200cm from the light and then it has to bounce back 170cm to Meika's face, does that help

[@ArthurAbramovPhoto]

Thanks for sharing, Peter! Cool video again. How do you write sound on video? Haven't seen wireless microphones, a microphone on the camera?

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Zoom f2 lapels taped under the shirt, like they do in the movies and TV 😊

[@jonnywondr]

that is one hell of a camera tripod id say

[@jerrym8140]

So good

[@PeterCoulsonPhotographer]

Thank you