The Art of Headshot Photography Through the Lens of Constant Lighting!

[@JR-ro5kv]

Thanks for taking the time to share you experience and opinions regarding constant lighting. Very informative. In addition to creating a more comfortable or natural experience for your subjects I can see where constant light would be really beneficial when photographing pets, infants, toddlers, people sensitive to flash, or with special needs. I’m not sure why anyone would criticize evolving your technique by learning or adapting something new. Otherwise your work becomes stale and in the case of photography that shows up in the pictures

[@georgecastro181]

I just found your channel and I’m so happy I did! I do have this question for you, however… wouldn’t it be better if you were using a tripod? The one thing that I do not like about constant lights is the fact that you need to shoot at slower shutter speeds!

[@RafalWegiel]

Thank You! I never use tripod to be honest. What type of constant light are you using?

[@georgecastro181]

@@RafalWegiel I have two Westcott 500 watt continuous lights in soft boxes! I have to shoot at F4 so that I can keep my ISO low!📷

[@rockj8197]

I saw your camera settings from your link in a previous comment. Do the settings start you with a black frame until you turn on your lights? If not, how dark is the frame and how much ambient light are you ok with? Thank you.

[@mikestewart4733]

Constant lights can certainly be a useful addition to your tool kit. A couple of concerns I have are: 1-cable management/tripping hazards 2-subject sensitivity to brightness level of subject lighting 3-ability to overpower bright ambient light Obviously not a solution for outdoor sessions.

[@RafalWegiel]

Thank you, Mike, for the comment. You are absolutely right when it comes to some of those concerns. 1) I always try to keep the cables and extensions cords away from the place where my subject is sitting, but again, you have to be extra careful although so far I haven't have any incidents. 2) I didn't see that much of a problem so far, but also I never go full power around 50-70% max 3) Never seen that also could be a problem I don't shoot outdoors anymore so couldn't test that yet.

[@rockj8197]

Hi Rafal- Are you typically shooting in rooms darker rooms? Have you had any instances where the room was too bright for constant lights to cancel out the ambient light? Like a meeting hall or a convention center. Are they all typically dim enough?

[@germancreatives88]

Whats the lowest iso you can shoot with? I try d8 and f11 very high iso for constant light

[@alancongratssoonyoullhead5273]

Amazing tutorial lighting and techniques as always and thanks for sharing your knowledge with us ❤️👍🏼

[@RafalWegiel]

My pleasure 😊

[@rockj8197]

Are you happy with the 300/200/150 light combination? I assume 300W as the key, 200W as the hair/kicker, and 150W on the background? Would you recommend this combo or would you prefer them all to be 300W's or all 200W's or what combination of lights would you say is the optimum? Thanks, Rafal!

[@RafalWegiel]

I would definitely recommend that. I have been using it for the last eight months and it works like a charm.

[@edgarcabrera6132]

Have you tried using Gels with theses lights? Per your video, LEDs can get warm so I wonder if the lights would melt the Gels? Only on higher power maybe?

[@lemnisgate8809]

They have colored fabrics that act as gels.

[@alancongratssoonyoullhead5273]

One question Rafal, this prices for your courses or jell packages are hopefully in Canada Dollars since we are Canadian? 😊

[@RafalWegiel]

Unfortunately they are in US$ Shoot me an email and I will be more than happy to match it Canadian $

[@phillipcohen9454]

Another great video Rafal; thanks. You make a really convincing argument for constant lighting and, in particular, Nanlite products. Can I ask what Softboxes you are using? Are they both the same size? Are they Bowens mount? Best regards. Phillip

[@RafalWegiel]

I am using soft boxes from Nanlite and yes they have bones mount. There are different sizes 120 and 90 I hope that helps

[@phillipcohen9454]

Thanks Rafal and a Happy New Year to you and yours from Sydney Australia

[@RafalWegiel]

@@phillipcohen9454 Happy New Year Philip!!!! I guess you are already in 2024. I am still waiting in Calgary ;)

[@cesarebonazza]

Can you tell me what shutter speed and aperture and ISO are you using please. I think of led light is good idea for headshots as long as you are indoor and inside a studio environment. But when you are outdoor with all the proper gear flash still king. Really enjoy your point of view and your setup is really good. This is really interesting to me because I just purchased a Stella pro s led light and I have already great result ( not for headshots but for branding session inside homes with plenty of available light) I never used speed light for headshots very rarely because I always like to have modeling lights with my strobe. Good work thank you.

[@RafalWegiel]

Please check this link you can find all the exit info for all y images youpic.com/photographer/RafalWegiel/ When it comes to flash I agree 100% with you. Thank you for your comment and your feedback.

[@cesarebonazza]

Thank you and happy new year, What is a Nikon 800 ? @@RafalWegiel

[@RafalWegiel]

@@cesarebonazza Happy New Year to you too. it's Nikon D800 DSLR

[@markbernhardt6281]

I think one problem has always been the tiny pupils. But flash has the opposite problem without a modeling light. Overall since photographers are getting into video, constant light is probably the way to go.

[@RafalWegiel]

I agree 100%

[@alancongratssoonyoullhead5273]

Oh by the way, looks like you got yourself a new studio 👍🏼

[@RafalWegiel]

I wish! One day for sure. It was a ompany place where I was shooting.

[@MelvinDlaCruz]

i can see in my 38 4k monitor , this photos don't look as good as the flash you do before

[@MelvinDlaCruz]

please do more video just do the photoshoot, I like it,

[@eoslove2022]

At ISO 200 and the ambient is metering at f5.6, is it difficult to get the highlights to shadows ratios needed to cover a wide range of creative lighting setups?

[@RafalWegiel]

I am not sure what you are referring to. If you could explain I can share with you my opinion. Thank You for the comment.