Self Headshot with one Speedlight featuring Seth Miranda |

Got some time but minimal gear? Need to refresh your presence out there online whether it be Linkedin, just updating your social or even for a resume? How about a need to document artwork you've created or just a fun easy to manage set up to get some shots of the people around you. Take this challenge! Show us your shots and your setups using just one camera Speedlight!
Don’t forget to share your best shots and remember to use the tags #createnomatterwhat #adorama
Create No Matter What: bit.ly/2WJewRO
Products Used:
Nikon Z6 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera with NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S Lens
bit.ly/3d8f88F
Profoto A1 AirTTL-N Studio Light for Nikon
bit.ly/2yd8Q8N
Savage Widetone Seamless Background Paper, 53" wide x 36', Focus Gray, #60
bit.ly/2KOmBgU
Production Equipment Used:
Nikon Z6 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera with NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S Lens
bit.ly/3d8f88F
Rode Wireless Go Lav Mic
bit.ly/2KJcNoj
Host Seth Miranda
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Live View Playlist
• LiveView with Seth Mir...
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#CreateNoMatterWhat #SethMiranda #LastXwitness

[@marvhiggins7039]

Seth is a great teacher, you need to do more of these

[@LastXwitness]

Marv Higgins thanks so much I really appreciate that 🙏

[@karenm853]

This was so great - thanks for all the different examples.

[@LastXwitness]

Thanks so much

[@steveeichelberger806]

So good to find someone on KZbin that really understands lighting and is willing to teach others!

[@LastXwitness]

thank you so much.. paying back all the pros that taught me so much when I assisted

[@jerrym8140]

Thanks Seth and a great idea for a small space and little equipment. Stay well too 😁

[@LastXwitness]

Jerry m thank you!

[@Jerry-kg9pr]

Wow ! Your ideas are amazing ! Thank you for sharing ...

[@LastXwitness]

Sonja thank you for watching !

[@Jazz_in_the_Key_of_C]

Another great demonstration Seth. Real life problems we run into and you provided real world tools to solve them!

[@LastXwitness]

Thanks so much.. it’s all about knowing the core principles after that you can make whatever work when you have to

[@basschurink]

Brilliant!!

[@LastXwitness]

🙏🫀

[@pictureeyecandy]

Seth, You killed it!

[@LastXwitness]

Alvin Lipscomb thanks so much!

[@pictureeyecandy]

@@LastXwitness Really you deserve the thanks more than me. I have used a bedsheet/ shower curtain to diffused side light never thought of hanging it.

[@1979lucius]

One of the best videos I have ever seen, I just love the idea of using only "one" source of light and figuring out a way to make it clean, illuminated, soft and professional with non dramatic mood which many people don't feel comfy about, and most importantly, doing this without money and make us think of how achievable we can be if we start thinking out of the box, thank you.

[@LastXwitness]

Glad you got something out of it thanks for checking it out

[@raulakis35]

Genius !!!!! it is soo easy to learn from you Seth!! I know it takes so much time and experience to make amazing photos with simple things!! BRAVO

[@LastXwitness]

thank you so much I really appreciate that

[@SekonicGlobal]

Nice! Seth another great video!

[@LastXwitness]

Sekonic thank you!!

[@anoirsx]

Very helpful and informing thank you!!

[@LastXwitness]

Thanks for checking it out

[@arvindsinha951]

Best minimalistic setup at home for portrait photography. Thank you so much. Will certainly try it.

[@LastXwitness]

Arvind Sinha thank you. Go for it and post the shots with the hashtag!

[@garys639]

Awesome to see you Sir. Love this vd. Will be sharing this with my club lighting group when we next meet. Australia is a fair bit ahead of you poor folk in N.Y., in my State the restrictions are being eased off and normalcy will soon be with us. Nobody had to invade Parliment with Automatic weapons[which you can't have in Australia anyway] all done peacefully and Democratically. Stay safe Sir .

[@LastXwitness]

Gary S stay safe Gary!

[@garys639]

@@LastXwitness you too Brother , pass the same onto Mr Norton when next you speak.

[@tomcorbett5508]

Thanks Seth that was a Great Help! Stay safe bud

[@LastXwitness]

Glad you got something out of it!

[@MartinBoltje]

Simple but so refreshing👍 Nice to see great result with simple material, tnx

[@LastXwitness]

Martin Boltje thanks so much give it a shot!

[@manishkhare165]

This was the best video on flash photography I’ve seen thank you

[@LastXwitness]

Akshat Khare thank you so much !

[@johnesposito5555]

Loved it, can't wait to try this setup

[@LastXwitness]

John Esposito awesome. Post up the shots using the hashtag so we can find it!

[@canucklehead28]

How awesome was that! Thanks Seth!

[@LastXwitness]

Stephen Myers appreciate that thank you !

[@i18nGuy]

Really well done video Seth!

[@LastXwitness]

Tex Texin I appreciate that thank you !

[@250GTOAJ]

It is amazing what can be done with stuff around the home and some basic photo equipment. Now if i could just find my missing super clamps. Thanks Seth and have a good day!

[@LastXwitness]

Alan Johnstone thank you so much! Super clamps are a must have in my studio

[@franciskwok3515]

Well done, Seth.

[@LastXwitness]

I really appreciate that thank you

[@stevenally8015]

Great problem-solving tutorial, Seth.

[@LastXwitness]

steve nally thanks so much !

[@stevenally8015]

@@LastXwitness Keep up the great work mate.

[@Adorama]

We want to see your headshots! Tag them with #CreateNoMatterWhat!

[@ronvillarrealphotography]

What a great idea using the bedsheet as a huge diffuser! Thanks for sharing.

[@LastXwitness]

thank you for watching!

[@alexandreferreira1827]

Amazing ideas!!! They will help me from now to the rest of my life!!! Thanks a lot for your video.

[@LastXwitness]

Alexandre Ferreira May that be a very long time! 🙏🙏🙏

[@alexanderpons9246]

Oh wow the most portable studio set up ever, great job Seth Miranda! Funny you mentioned to select Daylight White Balance and the fact that with many cameras the minute you use Flash it goes warmer which its not a terrible thing but sometimes you want it neutral. I have a Canon Power Shot SX730 HS and when I first got it I rigged it so I could bounce the on camera flash and use and off camera Speedlight and it was warm as hell. Luckily the model I have allows Custom White Balance and that was the only way I could get rid off the warmth. Its a Point & Shoot I know so it is what it is, Lol! Thanks for making great informative videos and love, love ,love the Pizza Box as a Reflector it sure does the job, all the best to you Sir!

[@LastXwitness]

yea not many people realize why theres even a flash and a daylight preset! thanks for checking it out!

[@chopperjamie]

Excellent demo! Thank you for the great ideas! I love the less is more approach to things.

[@LastXwitness]

Jamie Bradshaw thank you. Give it a shot ! Post it up with the hashtags so we can see!

[@techassyst]

New gen Gavin Hoey - great video insightful and easy to follow Adorama sure has got a great instructor team

[@LastXwitness]

i really appreciate that thank you

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Thanks, Seth. Easy to follow, and good results.

[@LastXwitness]

thanks mike give it a shot! try it with some colored sheets youd get some cool results

[@MikeJamesMedia]

@@LastXwitness Will do!

[@brad_in_yyc]

I really like the way that little bit of shadows fall on the Bedsheet no reflector! Thanks for sharing this Seth. I've shared it around with tons of people already!

[@LastXwitness]

Brad MacMillan I really appreciate that thank you so much!

[@Grant_Seymour_]

Thumbs up for the pizza box reflector!

[@LastXwitness]

Grant Seymour 😜

[@mohamedmorshed6233]

Nice tutorial 👌🏻👌🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@LastXwitness]

Thank you so much 🙏🙏🙏

[@JimResnikoff]

Pretty awesome results with so little Seth. Well done!

[@LastXwitness]

thank you so much I really appreciate that

[@danbrowning2418]

Very creative and entertaining, not to mention practical.

[@LastXwitness]

Dan Browning thanks so much give it a try! Colored sheets can make thing interesting as well ;)

[@danbrowning2418]

@@LastXwitness Stay tuned...

[@dennispenton2052]

Very good content - you do know your stuff. Getting rid of the Glasses shadow was most demonstrative ! Great

[@LastXwitness]

glad you got sometihng out of it go give it a shot!

[@stephenreed7769]

Great tutorial Seth, very clear step-by-step guide, thank you ✨👍

[@LastXwitness]

Stephen Reed thank you so much

[@JoelMcVeagh]

I'm so glad I took the time to watch this. Thank you!

[@LastXwitness]

thank you for watching! appreciate your time

[@JohnChubbSr]

Excellent ideas, Seth! Thanks!!!

[@CaptainCreosoteRN]

Thanks Seth great tip for 'grab and solve' the problems we all run into on the day to day.

[@LastXwitness]

Graham Culleton there always a solution if you look around hard enough ...all mods started out as DIY solutions

[@Alex_science]

Great video! Extremely useful. Congrats!

[@LastXwitness]

Alex M thanks so much 🙏

[@Maz3-1]

Wonderful explanation Seth! Awesome lesson on how to deal with glasses and it’s shadows. Cheers

[@mannymota3442]

Excellent, now this is photography (understanding light). Thanks!

[@LastXwitness]

Manny Mota yea who woulda thought understand light !....not presets 😜 thanks for checking it out

[@paulhills1967]

Hi Seth. What a great demo. So clearly explained and very useful info. Thanks!

[@LastXwitness]

glennskitchen you’re so welcome thanks for checking it out glad it was useful. Give it a shot post it up with the hashtags

[@JanAymerichFoto]

Great tips!! well done

[@LastXwitness]

Jan Aymerich thanks so much I really appreciate that 🙏

[@IanCassanova]

Great video simple no thrills going to try out something like this for social media.

[@LastXwitness]

Ian Cassanova go for it!. Use the hashtags so we can find it !

[@trovadorregio]

thank you so much for this info! great step by step explanation!

[@LastXwitness]

thank you so much glad you got something out of it

[@bardoteachings]

Thank you!!! Uber helpful video! 🖐

[@LastXwitness]

이Bardo teachings awesome glad it was a help!

[@jpdj2715]

My version of this: Where the bedsheet is between you and the camera 2x softbox 3' x 4", plus gridded softboxes light the background, plus a kicker gives some rim light, another snooted kicker some hair accent, a low frontal gridded stripbox does the Washington fill, and finally a subtle frontal round reflector gives a catch light. Remember Daniel Norton: more lights, more money. To start with, on the expenditure side. Well Seth, if you can't be with the kit you love then love the kit you're with (wasn't that a song in 1970?) Very creative. Admirandable

[@LastXwitness]

JP dJ thanks for checking it out!

[@WHEELSRT7]

Way cool, shared with my daughter, we both are trying it 👍👍👍

[@LastXwitness]

kelly awesome post it up and use the hashtag!

[@lahneem2010]

Well explained, nice technic using the bedsheet and aluminium foil as a diffuser. Shall try it soon.

[@LastXwitness]

go for it and post it with the hashtag!

[@JR-ro5kv]

This is great! I always learn something watching Seth’s videos. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insights Cheers

[@TonySkraba]

Wow, I'm glad I searched for Seth after watching other Adorama videos. That bedsheet softbox hack is great! Thanks, Seth!

[@LastXwitness]

Thank you so much!

[@fmrff70]

All I can say is WOW! Thanks for a quick, informative and most useful video I've seen in this subject! I feel for those that are not from NY or the tristate area, that can't keep up with your fast pace approach. Watching the progression of shots for a self portrait, was priceless! Thanks Seth!

[@LastXwitness]

thank you so much I really appreciate that give it a shot post it with the hastag!

[@davidbailey4976]

Excellent Seth. From the title I assumed that this would be a display of bounce flash, in its basic form, but this was really interesting. Thanks.

[@LastXwitness]

David Bailey yea I cant put out a video on just flipping a head up lol. After years of this it’s more about showing principles of light for people to build from than just some normal functions of the gear thanks for checking it out give it a shot! Try colored sheets can be cool for some conceptual stuff

[@maf3695]

Excellent video. I can appreciate the “ Brooklyn reflector “ my friend would say I was macgyvering the session. 😂

[@LastXwitness]

lol

[@39zack]

I would recommend the wallmart reflector, it's cheaper 😎

[@earthwalker4538]

Always loving your content Seth! I appreciate the diy at home options you are providing too! Such a cool session! Thank you brother!

[@LastXwitness]

Shane Everett Henry thank you. Give it a shot! Post it up with the hashtags

[@peerlessportraits]

Solved my problem with shadows from glasses. Insomnia never worked out for me this well before!

[@LastXwitness]

Terrance Ragland insomnia the longest relationship I’ve ever had lol. Glad it was a help post the shots with the hashtags

[@karenm853]

Amazing how you got a beautiful white background with the foam core and a pizza box reflector. What about shooting those who dont have non-glare glasses. Any tips?

[@LastXwitness]

The best things to keep in mind is 1. Angle of the light compared to angle of the lens of youre seeing reflections. Remember the angle the light is at will reflect the same but opposite angle off the glasses so just make sure your lens isn’t in that angle ..& 2. Diffusion will scatter the light making it less likely to reflect at all so heavy diffusion will help in this case. I mean here we are using a bed sheet soooo not really a calibrated piece of diffusion lol but the scattering of the light cuts down those reflections.. the size of the light , in this case that whole bed sheet being so large makes it softer Not sure if any of that helped but there’s more vids on my channel if you care to poke around and of course a ton here on AdoramaTV

[@Filoup11]

This was a WONDERFUL and super helpful! Exactly what I needed to help the wife with her profile picture! Thank you

[@LastXwitness]

anytime! thanks for watching!

[@colinbicknell1974]

Thank You Seth! I hope you are well too.

[@LastXwitness]

thnak you ! you as well

[@toshtwentythree195]

Ive been following Danny boy and you for a few years now. The bed sheet worked better than i would have imagined ..just goes to show....Everyday is a school day...Thank you Seth , thats a great video...Can you do me a favor ??? Stay safe and take care.

[@LastXwitness]

thank you so much I really appreciate that you stay safe as well!

[@Enrique-the-photographer]

Great tutorial Seth.

[@LastXwitness]

thank you!

[@kaywayneflor89]

Great info! 👍

[@LastXwitness]

Kaywaynephotos thank you! Give it a shot!

[@johnleighdesigns]

Marvellous - it was great to see this alternative as even with my umbrellas and softboxes a scrim like approach would be good to try especially for the more mature actors and models that are often very self concious and concerned about lines, shadows, wrinkles, age spots etc being showcased with the wrong light approach and angles etc.

[@LastXwitness]

John Leigh it’s def a safe lighting pattern for sure

[@thejotaran6731]

Awesome.. I'd shoot a self portrait a long time ago, will try this over the weekend

[@LastXwitness]

Thejo Taran awesome go for it! Post the shots with the hashtags

[@SoNowWhat]

Well done - great explanation of the thought process of how to improve the shot.

[@LastXwitness]

thanks so much

[@davevowles8093]

Watch ya back Daniel hahaha. Loved it Seth, pro on a budget.

[@LastXwitness]

hah thanks

[@debbieshriner1308]

What a great video Thank you!!!!!!!

[@RobertsMoneyTalk]

Seth thanks for an awesome tutorial. Lighting is where it’s at and as a photography newbie this was perfect. 👍🏻 thx!!!

[@LastXwitness]

so glad you go something out of it.. lighting is everything for me

[@tylerHphoto]

taping paper to the wall, pizza box reflector, bed sheet diffuser. Breaking it down to basic gear, thanks.

[@LastXwitness]

Tyler 🙏🖤

[@wannabeturbo]

I've definitely shot plenty of self portraits during this time, but I still enjoyed this video that shows me more ways to work with what I have.

[@LastXwitness]

yea cant hurt to try to same subject in as many ways as you can think of to keep sharp and stretch ideas

[@dcallan812]

Some great ideas.

[@LastXwitness]

thanks!

[@swisslakestudio7466]

Great tips 👍

[@LastXwitness]

Bulldog Studio thank you!

[@duncanmeechan5694]

That was super, I think I can do this, I want to do this 😁. It will take me a week or so to clear out my man shed but I will be giving it a go, it looks so simple so surely I can do it. Thanks Seth, really useful video, you are the man 😁👍

[@kevindahlen]

Thanks Seth. I've never thought of a sheet on the ceiling for a giant scrim.

[@LastXwitness]

yea its easy and fun try colored sheets make something more conceptual happen

[@matthiaswiegand1654]

You can buy diffuser fabric cheaper than bedsheets if you want to make it a habit

[@pictureeyecandy]

That was new to me also. I have used a shower curtain on a stand as a diffuser but never thought of hanging one!

[@Cjaise]

Wish I had seen this a couple weeks ago when I needed to take my own graduation photo. I will definitely use these tips in the future.

[@LastXwitness]

Awesome !

[@davidponce1901]

Thanks Seth!!!!

[@douglasmichel6361]

Hey Seth, been hangin with Danial ( virtually of course). Great to see you’re doing good also. Aside from a good tutorial, would love a virtual tour of your wall. I see some really cool images. Leather Face?....lol. Stay healthy and safe.

[@LastXwitness]

Douglas Michel you might wanna check out my twitch channel then! There’s a long highlight video on my KZbin channel from what goes on when I’m live on twitch and it’s a growing photo community for sure twitch.tv/LastXwitness

[@douglasmichel6361]

Seth Miranda AKA Last Witness will do, thanks. Looking forward to it. Hope to meet you guys at one of your classes at Adorama. I’m over in NJ about 20 minutes as the crow flies. Stay well....

[@SpaghettiPaparazzi]

Nice upload Seth! I always appreciate easy to do, helpful tips I can always put into good use Mahalos from Honolulu my Braddah!

[@LastXwitness]

one day I hope to get over there! thanks so much!

[@SpaghettiPaparazzi]

@@LastXwitness It's awesome, I moved here from South Brooklyn 20 years ago. Born and raised on the lower eastside originally. That's why I like watching all your content you remind me of me. When they start letting visitors land again you should come. You will love it!

[@paulg4518]

glad for coming across this been doing some shots indoors and with little space n so this is some good ideas to try now with just one speed light instead of setting a few up. :D cheers Seth i don't have a white backdrop sheet or bedsheet but will try with the diffuser part of my 5 in 1 reflector if that will work. :D

[@spjudd1]

Thanks for the tutorial. We were getting ready to film an interview in our studio/warehouse and the skylight was giving terrible glare and lighting. Rigged a sheet over the area and solved the issue. Always great advice from you and the others. If you come to Vegas, give a shout and I'll see if I can take care of you.

[@johnyoung1606]

Seth I miss seeing You... I think of You as a friend that comes and talks photography with me,,, Stay Happy n Healthy... I hope you are staying busy,, and being profitable !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) ( the sheet is a GREAT Idea) john in Phx Az

[@pattymattes7124]

This is great! I'll try this too although I have been having a bad hair day for the last 7 weeks, lol.

[@LastXwitness]

lol try it on some pups when youre in a pinch

[@phsyckomantis]

Pizza box 💙💙💙💙

[@LastXwitness]

totoropanda1976 🍕 🖤

[@toddholmes1719]

Thanks Seth for the good info. Thoughts on putting a diffuser directly on the speedlight, with no bedsheet scrim?

[@LastXwitness]

if youre referring to lets say a dome.. it wont change much it helps scatter the light but since it doesnt change the size thus wont make it softer but the dome may be a good add on to scatter it more across the ceiling and sheet but you may barely see any difference

[@andrewchisholm3665]

Great ideas again but think I will leave the selfies to others

[@LastXwitness]

Andrew Chisholm eh self portraits are a good exercise and you’re the only one that has to see them if you don’t wanna share

[@marktomphotography]

Brilliant move with the HDMI/TV hookup. More portable would be to hookup a small external video monitor if you have one. Dumb question, can it go out via HDMI and still tether into Capture One?

[@LastXwitness]

Mark Tom Photography yes it can!

[@marktomphotography]

@@LastXwitness oh, nice. That would be super helpful in nailing focus. When shooting some self-portraits recently the AF in LiveView was ok. It'd be better to see the focus peaking of the camera on a monitor and use manual focus.

[@matthiaswiegand1654]

This is nice and easy. My parents found my last self-portrait attempt too dark (and wrinkly), so maybe I try this with my homemade scrim above me. I hope we get to see a bit more of your tutorials - Gavin mentioned your pop&blur skills, so there's something with little content on KZbin.

[@LastXwitness]

i ahve lot of live shutter drag demos check my fb page or adoramas facebook page ..even on their IGTV as well from awhile ago

[@matthiaswiegand1654]

@@LastXwitness I only found Daniel's 2015 video on pop&blur, so I almost assumed there must be another name for it. I'll look at your FB and the other sources.

[@LastXwitness]

@@matthiaswiegand1654 try this (and ill have another one up soon) kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqTFh6GDbcRmes0

[@ipedder68]

Brilliant 👍

[@jimmyhill9591]

Simple and concise explanation✔️ Minimum gear✔️ Pizza box reflector✔️...Still missing something... Fake blood? Motion blur? Oh yeah, he doesn't look angry enough😜

[@LastXwitness]

gotta change it up sometimes

[@WilliamTrostelPhotography]

Coincidental you post this considering I’m going to my studio to take self portraits today....

[@LastXwitness]

give it a shot! post the results with the hash tag... try colored sheets get conceptual

[@JoseTutiven]

Legit!!!

[@LastXwitness]

🙏🙏🙏

[@davidarlincooper]

I was hoping a pizza box would enter the mix

[@LastXwitness]

David Cooper bingo bango you got it

[@ralphmichaelferraro2398]

thanks great hints enjoyed and learned from you instructions #adorama

[@ChrisLonsberryMedia]

I spend a LOT of time shooting selfies to play with lighting. It's definitely NOT because I like taking selfies. But the model works cheap. ;-) I think the only time I shot with one speedlight, I was going for the typical shadow on one side. Interesting how fast the frame from the glasses were gone by using the sheet though. I'm sure that's going to come up at some point.

[@LastXwitness]

Chris Lonsberry yea usually one light people think it’s gonna get dramatic with lotsa shadow but it doesn’t have to be if you don’t want it to be

[@blackdarkghost1212]

Fantastic tutorial, but instead of TV or mirror, you could connect your cam to your phone via wifi. That's what I do for self-portraits.

[@LastXwitness]

Not all cameras have that ability especially if someone has an older entry level DSLR. But yea if you have that option that’s cool too

[@WatchThatFirstStep]

Did... did Seth Miranda give me a reason to make a fort?

[@LastXwitness]

Chuck L yes. Yes I did.

[@coldteeth24]

How does the speedlight determine its brightness? Does it use TTL? Great video btw.

[@shifteleven]

Seth is using TTL

[@LastXwitness]

Yep used ttl for this entire video I go over that for a little bit ..it can get fooled from the sheer just a little in some cases but it worked well as you can see

[@Sportserjeff]

I used poster board for my background. Also I went f8.

[@LastXwitness]

Sportserjeff nice