What's the Best Hard Light Shaper? | Level Up with Ab Sesay

[@jaymacphoto78]

Ab, I'll never get tired of saying this..... I love your content, no matter when it was made. Always the most informative, interesting and engaging! I take notes and make sure that I write "à la Ab Sesay". Thanks to you and Adorama

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you for the geat feedback Jay I really appreciate it.

[@rodneyturnerphoto]

These videos with Ab keep getting better and better.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Rodney. That means a lot.

[@Nina.Thornton]

Constantly recommending your Level Up series to folks who want to advance in photography lighting. Another killer video, Ab! Soft light no matter what!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Nina T

[@tdadelaja]

You are my favorite person to watch when it comes to lighting. Your ability to simplify and communicate is unparalleled

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you TD that means a lot. Really appreciate it.

[@Sooch900]

Wow man, you packed so much valuable info into this video. Not many people can articulate the nuances of hard light modifiers as well as you have. Also while showing it so eloquently! Hard light and soft light all the way!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you ,Bryan. Your feedback motivates me.

[@MrCameraShy]

The Telezoom reflector is next on my list to get. Love how you can have it further away and still get a strong light to your subject.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

It was filling up the entire room. It's really an amazing reflector.

[@jpdj2715]

Oh, and the shots throughout the video are great too - totally drive the point you make home.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you JP

[@WorldMusicStageRecords]

Excellent as always. "Soft light no matter what!!!" Looking forward to the next video.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you, Grant. I'm definitely cooking up something special for the next one.

[@mrstudios010]

Great presentation again. Depth of knowledge and easily conveyed. Thank you good sir!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you, and you're welcome. I appreciate the feedback.

[@luissalazar2159]

Great stuff sir, thanks for sharing

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Luis.

[@benediktseifert3699]

I´m inspired again. Thanks for this one. Soft light no matter what. :)

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Benedikt! A soft light video is coming.

[@Adorama]

Wonderful!

[@LeCitadin1960]

Ab, you rock! Another fantastic video that gives me endless ideas for future photo shoots. Wow! Again!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Pierre

[@belleslumieresstudios8560]

I have the Westcott 45 and I love it. Thanks for adding additional insight into the use of these modifiers Ab. Soft light no matter what!!!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Belles. The Soft light video if on the way.

[@donnamariajones8960]

Had to come back and watch again. Golden!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you sis.

[@AndrewButlerPhoto]

Another great one, love the outside-in shot!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Andrew.

[@oktawiangornik1284]

Great review! Love this top quality level of production

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Oktawian

[@KonoBoyFilms]

Another excellent one from Ab. Thank you, sir. Oh, and soft light shaper no matter what - you knew it was coming. Thanks again.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you, Samuel, your feedback gets me hyped. The soft light video is coming for sure.

[@reviewsontech]

I seriously admire Ab's confidence and flow

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you. Really appreciate the feedback.

[@jerrym8140]

Beautiful images and advice! Thanks for helping us all Level Up 😎

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Your welcome and it is truly my pleasure Jerry.

[@jerrym8140]

@@AbSesayPhoto On my last studio shoot I finally used the standard 7” reflector from my Flashpoint Explorer 600 with a grid and loved the results. After watching your video on these, I now already have the Westcott 45 degree deep focus reflector ordered and on its way. Ty :)

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Excited to hear about the results you get Jerry! 😊

[@andreak4280]

💪🏼💪🏼fantastic vid gorgeous images 🫶🏼🔥 🙏🏼Thank you! 🫵🏼

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank You Andrea.

[@jpdj2715]

Great video, Mr. Sesay, Ab

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Very much appreciate it JP. More to come.

[@honestpat7789]

He ain’t lying. This stuff’s got levels 😮

[@AbSesayPhoto]

There are definitely levels to this Honest.

[@atogweoghieaga2205]

Always on point! Your 20+ years experience really shinez through" there are levels to thiS!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you, Atogwe! There definitely are.

[@josephchan4198]

A very good instructor. Hope to see more videos from him.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Joseph. We definitely have more coming.

[@jaycoronado3441]

I always learn so much from your videos.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Jay. I appreciate the feedback.

[@Mauriciovideomaker]

Amazing results!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you.

[@alsteiner7602]

Dude. MAAAAAAD props. Some of the best shots in terms of wanting to imitate them I have seen. Wow 👌

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Al. I'll take the props.

[@NoWahBelair]

Ive been looking for the Bowens mount for ever. You literally can find it anywhere.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Westcott also make a version as well that is bowens mount.

[@aov_james]

this one was really well executed

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you James -Ab

[@panchoi1453]

Give the people what they want! More Ab!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

I’m grateful! Thank you Pan.

[@blackcateyephotophoto]

Thanks for creating this video!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you for the comment. Im glad you enjoyed it.

[@JohnGress]

Beautiful images!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you John.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Means a lot coming from a master like yourself.

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

Just finished your twitch stream where you were reviewing your videos from last year. Good to see a new video already out!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Definitely log on tonight. Tonight I will be going through this video and taking questions live

[@ottawamountainman]

Have you noticed that for some of these "long trow" reflectors when using them with their dedicated grids; that the grid pattern can in some instances be seen (projected) on the background. That's mostly because of the "focused" nature of the light they produce and because the grid is further away from the light source than on a typical reflector. It can really ruin a shoot. Great video. Thank you.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

I rarely use with grids and have not noticed this with the Profoto. But I’ll definitely double check. Thank you for posting this. Definitely something for people to watch out for.

[@vincentlamoureux422]

You are doing really great videos Ab: killer photos and solid commentary. Looking forward to the next ones!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Vincent.

[@fernandocf1234]

This guy is amazing! Thanks for the info.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Fernando I’m Flattered. -Ab

[@GetLens]

Amazing!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thak you GetLens

[@kcmophotographer]

Bought the 45 degree Westcott from Adorama last summer. It’s my favorite and I haven’t even used it yet 😂😂😂 thanks for ideas for additional uses.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Nice! Definitely give it a try. Let me know your thoughts about it.

[@timkaiser385]

Another awesome video, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Your welcome Tim. It's really a pleasure. I appreciate your feedback.

[@bolajipopoola]

Thanks Ab. Softlight no matter what!!!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Bj!

[@lumosone858]

Softlight ...no matter what! I'm late with my comment, but... what a great model, muah and clothes! Nice location, outside studio. The reflector is a beast... I use the magnum reflector, sometimes with a grid and after some try and error shoots... it is my favorite one! Oh, at least... what a photographer!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

LOL! Thank you, Lumos. Im cooking up the soft light video. It's going to be a HOT ONE!

[@KenCannon]

Great video, thank you Ab 🎉

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Ken.

[@dankatz4710]

Great Video! Soft light no matter what!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Dan.

[@dhdnyc]

Softlight no matter what! Good stuff, thanks.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you. Check out my playlist I did a video using my favorite softbox. But I think I'm going to do something focusing on soft light as well.

[@lenavoyles526]

THIS is the video I have been looking for.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you

[@marshabernstein1157]

Great video - thank you. Can I ask you what type of mirror you used - it seemed to be pretty light and not a typical mirror. Thank you!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

It was a plexiglass mirror. So it is pretty light and flexible as well.

[@marshabernstein1157]

@@AbSesayPhoto thank you!!

[@alun7006]

I have a similar reflector and love it! It's a Bowens mount and has a grid - looks very similar to the Westcott. Picked it up very cheaply second-hand. Very useful for situations where I need more power, and I love the quality of light it gives. I need to use it more tbh - I will definitely try some of these setups. Thanks for another excellent video, Ab.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Your welcome AlunB and thank you for the feedback.

[@Theogwill]

Wow! Thanks for sharing these ideas time pull out mine Elinchrom from the storage. I only use for sports mainly now I got some ideas for beauty shot thanks!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

You are very welcome William! Please share what you create.

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

Other video ideas. Magnum vs telecom vs the other. A video on tether setups. Or a video on how you film your bts! Also thank you for supplying suggestions for non Profoto mount products.

[@marike1100]

Was thinking the same thing. The price difference between the Profoto and Glow is eye-opening. ;)

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Lucy I love all the feedback. Thank you.

[@stevecraig9384]

Light shapers are like lenes, that was powerful and so true. Once a photographer understands that, Bam!!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Agreed. Steve. Light shapers can be a powerful tool.

[@nobody-d4b]

It seems hard to get a catchlight with only a reflector unless you place a big reflector close by.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

you have to have the light at the correct angle. Or have your model change the angle of their head.

[@andrechen6345]

Softlight no matter what 🤩

[@AbSesayPhoto]

It's coming for sure.

[@andrechen6345]

Great video like always 👌💪

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Andre

[@MartinV.]

Great Video!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you. Appreciate the feedback.

[@danbrowning2418]

Great video, Ab. How does the telezoom differ from the Profoto Magnum? Also, softlight, no matter what.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Hi Dan, Yes I feel that when used as closer distances it is very different from the magnum. The magnum is wider. On the Profoto Pro heads is were you will find the most variation.

[@jpdj2715]

The "Telezoom" is (a) twice as expensive as the Magnum. (b) the zoom function is facilitated by the Profoto flash head, so "zoom" is available with a Magnum too. (c) with Telezoom listed as 20..30 degrees and Magnum as 25..50 degrees, you have the concentration of light in the 25..30 degrees zone that gives up to 2 EV more flash power. (d) the Telezoom has a smooth reflector, the Magnum has a faceted reflector. (e) when you were to compare these modifiers, setting them both to 25 degrees, you would not notice a big difference.

[@brad_in_yyc]

Absolutely fantastic video Ab. I can't wait to see your video on your soft light shaper. I would also love to see your favourite small light source. I've always debated getting one of these. I use my Godox 7" standard reflector all the time. But having a sports reflector would probably help as well. Might look more seriously into this soon. Thanks Ab!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

I think this style of reflector is definitely something everyone should try.

[@thatguyslush5779]

Damn, bro… 🔥 I learnt something new.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

I LOVE Hearing that. Thank you.

[@joemappmedia]

First off... great video... and who Is this guy, why have I not heard of him, and WOW he is good!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Well, I am absolutely flattered Joseph. Thank you so much.

[@ELISKASKY]

Great tips! Thank you ❤

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you.

[@kavanlake871]

Nice work Ab 😎✌🏾. Are you doing workshops anytime soon? Love your work man.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you. I'm definitely going to be doing workshops in 2023

[@lloydterryjr.bodygraphicsphoto]

Ab like always you definitely spit some good knowledge and this video does not disappoint. As you mention in all your videos “There are levels to this” so as I watch your videos I pay close attention to the techniques and look to apply them within my budget of available and potential gear purchases. Soft light no matter what 😎📷

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Lloyd I really appreciate the feedback, and I'm working on the soft light video.

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

When you mounted the light outside how high did you have it? Also what Ws was the head and what were your camera settings. Not sure if my strobe could output the required amount.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

The head was about 10-12 feet hight. About 30ft away. It was a Profoto B10Plus 500ws at full power I want to say it was f/4 at 1/125 ISO100 of a second. I was also shooting some shots using HSS at 1/500th of a second I belive at f1.7. Ill be like on Adorama twitch channel tonight at 7pm EST time if you toon in Ill have all the images open and can see exactly what my settings where. But I belive the answer above is accurate.

[@stevemontgomery5495]

I like how you suggested you can use other brands even though you pushed the Profoto more. Can the Profoto be converted to Elinchrom or Bowens mount?

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Sadly most of these reflectors have the mount integrated. The Profoto is my favourite out of the bunch for sure.

[@stevemontgomery5495]

@@AbSesayPhoto So it can't be adapted to a Elinchrom speeding?

[@AbSesayPhoto]

@@stevemontgomery5495 The Profoto cannot. You can adapt an Elinchrom light shaper to profoto, but sadly not the other way around.

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

@3:03 what light stand did you use? Was it the kupo one you recommended in the light stand video?

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Hi Lucy it is a Kupo High Roller Stand KS300112 is the catalogue number. Im using it here without wheels, but it normally comes with them.

[@nachaattaban]

I love how this reflector, and the result of the images 2 minutes into the video

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Nachaat

[@Nypics]

Love this - hard light is so much more interesting (and unforgiving!) You mention the similarity to a fresnel - do you ever shoot with fresnels (there are several affordable options on the market), and if so which do you think is more flexible/valuable in your shoots?

[@AbSesayPhoto]

I have shot with Many Fresnels. I have the older profoto version that is now discontinued. Have not used a lot of what is currently out there for strobes.

[@AdrianBacon]

My 3 favorite hard reflectors is the Nanlite 7 inch 55 degree reflector (with a similar rectangular stippled interior as the Magnum), the Glow 45 degree long throw, and the Glow 70 degree magnum reflector, and yes, the 45 degree long throw is awesome. All my lights are Bowens mount, but I try to find similar lighting modifiers to profoto, at least for the hard modifiers.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you for the Rundown Adrian. Love your selects.

[@davidjones8070]

I have to ask...when you use your strobe outdoors with the sun as well are you setting your white balance manually ? I really think as a presenter on Adorama your creativity is unmatched and the way you explain the processes you go through to get certain looks is fantastic.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you, David. It depends but for this shoot I kept it at 5600k. I always keep it fixed never using auto and usually will keep it consistent during an entire shoot. For video, Ill be more selective because it is more difficult to change in post.

[@Ivan_IronGlass_Support]

Would such a reflector work well for a constant light and a 1500w fixture,

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Depends on the fixture would have to test it. It will definitely direct the light more and give less spill, but not sure about the cast shadows quality.

[@Ivan_IronGlass_Support]

@AbSesayPhoto I use my custom-made LED light. LED has diameter 70mm

[@RalfWeyer]

Stunning video Ab, so much value in such a short video 😊👍🙏. I love these harder lights, even though they are much less forgiving, but they also create such interesting looks. That is, if someone with the knowledge and experience like you is using them. It’s somewhat like old Hollywood lighting, that is so much loved also by - dare I say - Lindsay Adler 😊😊😊

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Love Lindsay shes great and a dear friend and a master of lighting for sure. I really appreciate the feedback, and I'm excited to produce more for sure.

[@КириллЗарин-й7о]

Do you know how the reflector will replace the magnum with a bowens mount?❤

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Its focus will be more narrow. But I have not shot them side by side for a more direct answer.

[@KuzBulat]

I have been in photography not so long ago, can you tell me how to make such a beautiful warm skin color? If I have a Profoto light, it has a temperature of 5600 kelvin somewhere, what temperature balance on the camera should be for such a beautiful color? After all, this is not retouching, but the shooting process itself. Maybe I'm asking a stupid question. Time Video 1:45

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Hey Kuzma, Great Question. That is basically the color out of the camera and naturally produced by the light, if you getting cooler result when you shoot raw you can adjust the color temperature slider in your raw processor.

[@PhotographerLamya]

Wow man i love this 😉

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you.

[@mordavian]

Can i attach a speed ring adapter to use Westcott or Elinchrom on Broncolor Siros?

[@abdulaisesaylivetestchanne3098]

You'll probably have to purchase the Broncolor version of this reflector mentioned in the video. Broncolor is harder to adapt to.

[@manoharmgr8235]

Super

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you.

[@dexterbrown]

Where would I find a mirror like the one used in this video?

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Any plastics store that sales mirror plexi glass.

[@2BSports]

Will this work with a B10x Plus or do I need to purchase the ocf zoom

[@AbSesayPhoto]

For the shots with it posted outside it is mounted to a B10 Plus. So yes it will.

[@2BSports]

Awesome!!!

[@chiokehart-kelly3481]

Dope.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you.

[@JohnNg5]

I saw a used Telezoom reflector at a decent price, but it has a few dents. Do you think this will affect the reflector?

[@AbSesayPhoto]

I've used one with a few dents and didn't see it affect the light. This is a great question.

[@JohnNg5]

@@AbSesayPhoto Thank you. Might just go for it.

[@gregshawphotography8828]

Yo Ab! I’m wondering if I can get the same look with an OCF Zoom Reflector and a OCF 2X3 softbox. What do you think?

[@AbSesayPhoto]

The outside shots will be similar. The studio shots I feel like the spread of both with be to much.

[@bleen2511]

So if I'm thinking about this correctly, these reflectors actually soften the light, right?

[@AbSesayPhoto]

It makes the light source larger, so technically, based on the light source being larger relative to the subject's size, yes, but it also makes the light rays more directional, which can cause a source have more hard light qualities. So yes, and no.

[@bleen2511]

@@AbSesayPhoto Thanks for replying! That's what I thought too.

[@filibertkraxner305]

Nice one. When I use hard light (which is pretty often), I go with a Bron P70 reflector, sometimes with one of the grids. Not exactly the same as your setup there (faster fall-off with the grids, wider spread without), but exactly right for my dance photography needs 🙂. More light also means faster recycle times with the same light output, which comes in very handy.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

The P70 is a beautiful reflector for sure. Yes, I love the fact that we get more efficiency. What broncolor lights are you using. I love broncolor as well, and their reflectors have the best build quaility.

[@filibertkraxner305]

@@AbSesayPhoto Hi Ab. You're absolutely right: build quality on the P70's (I have two) is really good. Those will last me my whole career, I'm sure. My main lights are two Broncolor Siros 800L's, with three older Bron monolights added if needed. But those have much slower t 0.1 times, so they can't freeze movement as well. I'd like to add a Move pack to boom up high but the cost is holding me back for now. On the whole, pretty happy with the Siroses though.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

@@filibertkraxner305 Yeah Broncolor makes great gear.

[@LeCitadin1960]

Second time I watch this video and if possible, can you tell me please which song and group play in the background?

[@AbSesayPhoto]

On my own, By Trent Thompson. it was licensed from Artlist Music

[@LeCitadin1960]

@@AbSesayPhoto Thank you!

[@tihochen7537]

How about mola 15 or 16?

[@AbSesayPhoto]

I was torn on including the Rayo. Initially, I forgot, and with a 50-degree beam spread, it still is in the family, but I thought it may be better compared to the Magnum. Seeing you mention it though I am thinking maybe it was a miss.

[@omarello666]

just WoW

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you Lux

[@micronet67]

Soft light no matter what!😀

[@AbSesayPhoto]

It's coming!

[@micronet67]

@@AbSesayPhoto Looking forward to it!

[@serg.films99]

Nice infos. But Fresnel is better.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

I've learned never to say better without quantifying it. Are fresnelss better Bettor for focusing a COB LED, yes I would tend to agree. Better at replicating sunlight through windows. I tend to disagree unless you start to get into much larger fresnel lenses. Remember this reflector will probably get you 2-3 more effective stops than a Fresnel and the light patterns are simply different when working with a strobe light tube. The images in this video are proof of what this style of reflector is capable of.

[@Kervinsphotography]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you.

[@nmelcam1]

You can actually zoom to your content with any bowens mount reflector or softbox with a simple Godos AD200 / Flashpoint eVolv 200 or Godox/Flashpoint 300 with the S Mount Bracket as you can move the light in or out, specially the AD200 it has an over 5 inch total travel length within the S Bracket. Should try out one of these under $370 lights 🙂

[@AbSesayPhoto]

I have an AD200 but have not used the S mount Barcket with it. Ill definitely have to try it.

[@stevenjohnson5599]

Soft light ?

[@AbSesayPhoto]

I have a soft light video coming.

[@phillipmoore1697]

Softlight

[@AbSesayPhoto]

If you check my playlist I created the video "10 simple photography lighting setups" Level Up wiith Ab Sesay. I really hope you enjoy it.

[@kaosiungtaichung9925]

Soft light no matter what!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

I'm working on it! It's going to be a good one.

[@thomastuorto9929]

Soft light mo matter what!

[@AbSesayPhoto]

This video is in the works and I promise you it will not disappoint.

[@thomastuorto9929]

@@AbSesayPhoto Watched a few of your vids over some time & always found them high quality with great info.

[@AbSesayPhoto]

@@thomastuorto9929 Thank you.

[@coolbic7240]

soft light know matter what

[@AbSesayPhoto]

If you check my playlist I created the video "10 simple photography lighting setups" Level Up wiith Ab Sesay. I really hope you enjoy it.

[@vic_the_roman]

♥💯

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Thank you

[@sergiomiranda8857]

soft light no matter what

[@AbSesayPhoto]

Its coming!

[@brad_in_yyc]

#RollNoMatterWhat

[@AbSesayPhoto]

LOVE IT!

[@motorone50]

Softlight no matter what.

[@jpdj2715]

softlight, no matter what

[@AbSesayPhoto]

You already know!

[@chiokehart-kelly3481]

SLNMW

[@AbSesayPhoto]

NICE! I like that. Its definitely going to happen.