How did you get started with flash photography?

My father always had a camera in his hands, for as long as I can remember, so image has always been a part of me. My grandfather painted, my father was also a musician, so art has always been a part of my life. And today, I try to keep this family tradition alive with my daughters.

I started out with photography thanks to a friend of mine. Little by little, I posted results of my photo shoots on social media and met individuals who allowed me to discover more about lighting.

These other photographers showed me the basics of flash photography, not as tool to light up a subject, but rather as a technique allowing you to transmit an emotion and capture an atmosphere.

 

 

What is your basic set up, the one you use most frequently and the one that appears most effective to you?

My set up, just like my images, always change. But the two set ups I use the most are:

Rotalux 135cm in primary light, inclined to 45°, to project a soft shadow and mark contrasts without diffusers, it’s ideal for black and white photography.

 

The other setup is; 1 or 2 Portalite 66x66, inclined to 45° to light a subject’s face and and a soft falling light across the subject’s body.

This gives a very soft and diffusing light, perfect for portraits with warm contrasts.

 

How would you describe your approach to lighting?

I like to think that I’m controlling the light, and not the opposite.

Contrarily to photographers who compose with ambient natural light, I have the luxury to use light as much as I want to! Without light, photography wouldn’t exist. I like to shape certain atmospheres, bodies, faces, or facial expressions. With lighting, you can do everything! 

What is your relationship with your photographic gear? Are you a “technophiliac”?

I truly like my equipment and I try to take care of it as much as I can. But new products are always attracting, and the latest technologies or the new functionalities are always tempting to try out.

When I see the most recent advances in softboxes or continuous lights, it can be frustrating to not be able to upgrade my equipment as much as I want to!

I’m always interested in new products, but I’m less interested in purchasing them. In the end, it’s also a budgetary constraint.

Don't be afraid, just try!

 

Flash photography can be quite scary for beginners, what would you say to them to make it easier?

To try! We only understand how lighting works by trying out various set ups; and we learn more from our failures than our successes. There’s a certain logic in lighting that you have to understand and master before completely delving into flash photography.

By first learning the main lighting techniques, you can start taking great images. Once you’re in the middle or at the end of a photo shoot, you can try out other techniques, that way you do not put your whole shooting in jeopardy.

Why do you think media is an important tool for photographers nowadays?

I tend to use social media in a meaningful way. I use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and YouTube for tutorials.

To see and be seen, that’s the whole point of social networks! I use it both to show my work to others, but also to learn from fellow photographers.