
We often think of using lighting to make people look as flattering as possible. I wanted to take another approach and show people how lighting choices can change how you process your images at a pixel level.
I am a commercial and editorial retoucher and all-around opportunist in the photography world - I also teach retouching, shoot a range of genres related to beauty and bodywork, and develop tools to help creatives improve their work with my digital Photoshop tools!
I absolutely love to be involved in the creative world, and photography is my favorite medium to channel my creativity and ideas!
With the experience on all of these ends, I’ve been able to grow stronger and spend time helping others through my own experiences!
I want to share this magic with everyone.
We analyze how hard light and soft light can impact image quality and sharpness. Working as a retoucher, people used to ask me why their photos were soft and how they could get more detail like the references they would show me.
It turns out that they weren't as aware of how big of an impact lighting can make for the results they're looking for out of their raw files.
I had that experience retouching for so many different photographers and seeing these differences first hand! Naturally, when you’re just shooting, you only see the files that come of your setups, so that can be limiting for growth.
This video will add another layer to their skillset and decision-making process!
Not only will you think about using lighting for the sake of making someone flattering, but also what can be possible with your raw file and what the choice of modifier can do for the mood of the photo as well!
Watching other people at work is great, and so is learning, but take those concepts and try them out yourself. Through the process, you'll definitely get some things right, see some things you'd like to improve on, and also find some things you discovered on your own!
And that is the zone where the magic of growth happens.
We are so grateful to break down this process with Pratik and hope you find it useful as you continue to grow your lighting knowledge!
Elinchrom deep umbrellas are manufactured using 16 fiberglass rods to maintain a perfect circular shape.
By simply adjusting the position, the deep shape offers control of the light spread.
The White umbrella is often chosen for its slightly warmer tones and softer shadow transition.
This umbrella is 45 cm deep.
For Quadra, ELB 400/500 heads, we recommend using the Q-Reflector Adapter MK-II for umbrella sizes bigger than 85 cm to avoid any risk of damage.
Octagonal is dedicated to portrait, beauty and fashion.
Portrait, beauty and fashion photographers will love the Snaplux Octa Softbox 60 cm
because of the incredible catchlight they can achieve.
Incl. Grid 30°, external diffuser and carrying bag.
Please note; the Snaplux Adapter is not included and must be ordered separately.
Rectangular is the photographer’s all-round workhorse.
For general purpose photography like portraiture and product shots, the Snaplux Recta Softbox 55 x 75 cm is a must.
Their shape and size offer maximum flexibility, beyond a rectangular catchlight.
Incl. Grid 30°, inner and external diffusers and carrying bag.
Please note; the Snaplux Adapter is not included and must be ordered separately.
All authorized Elinchrom distributors and dealers can be found in your country
BALANCING RETOUCHING & PHOTOGRAPHY
I found my place in the portrait/beauty side of things and immediately loved capturing emotion and pairing light to match. It's an art in itself to find the right lighting for each person. - Pratik Naik
SPREADING AWARENESS THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHY
Philippe Echaroux is renowned for his brightly lit street portraits. Much of his style is achieved with help from his favorite Elinchrom Rotalux Octabox.
BREAK OUT WITH DEEP UMBRELLAS
A series of unconventional portraits photographed outdoor with just a deep umbrella. The final results evokes powerful emotions.
CATCH THE FEELING OF YOUR MODEL
The secret of a good photoshoot is to catch the feelings of your subject, to get a special connection with your model. Learn why this is so important.