Portrait Photography: Mastering Hard Light
Master hard light in the studio! Join Frank Doorhof in his studio to learn what you can do with smaller light sources to create dynamic photographs with stunning shadows that are the hallmark of hard light. In this class you'll learn how to use reflectors, grids, flags, projectors, gobos, and more to light your subjects as creatively as your imagination allows. Frank wraps up the class with some retouching examples to demonstrate his approach to enhancing his photos to finalize his original vision.
Release Date: 2022-10-12
Lessons
The Light Meter
A light meter does is help you nail your exposure in one shot. A color checker chart helps you get accurate colors.
Duration: 5 mins 45 seconds
Introduction
The instructor introduces the class and discusses what will be covered in the lessons that follow.
Duration: 2 mins 27 seconds
What is a Reflector?
Frank explores different types of reflectors in the classroom.
Duration: 0 mins 29 seconds
Reflector in Studio
Heading into the studio Frank demonstrates what reflectors can do with light.
Duration: 15 mins 55 seconds
Reflector with Grid
You can modify a reflector with a grid to control the light further.
Duration: 11 mins 47 seconds
What are Flags?
Back in the classroom Frank explains what is meant by using a flag in a studio.
Duration: 2 mins 47 seconds
Flags in Studio
Heading into the studio Frank demonstrates how you can use a flag to control light.
Duration: 6 mins 0 seconds
What is a Gobo Projector?
Moving beyond flags Frank explains what a gobo projector is on set.
Duration: 1 mins 59 seconds
Gobo Projector in Studio
Moving to the studio Frank demonstrates how you can use the Gobo Projector.
Duration: 7 mins 25 seconds
Everyday Materials for a Gobo
Not everyone can afford a gobo projector, but there are some everyday materials you can use as a gobo.
Duration: 0 mins 53 seconds
Everyday Gobo Studio
Back in the studio Frank shows how you can use everyday materials as a gobo.
Duration: 4 mins 29 seconds
Rembrandt and Butterfly Lighting Patterns
Frank explains two popular lighting patterns that you can use with hard light setups.
Duration: 1 mins 38 seconds
Rembrandt and Butterfly Setups
In the studio Frank shows you how to set up your lights to create these popular lighting patterns.
Duration: 9 mins 2 seconds
Soft Light via Feathering
Frank explains what is meant by feathering hard light.
Duration: 2 mins 5 seconds
Soft Light via Feathering Studio
In the studio Frank demonstrates how to feather hard light to create soft light.
Duration: 5 mins 53 seconds
What is Lens Flare?
Frank explains how to create lens flare and why you might want to use it in your photography.
Duration: 2 mins 54 seconds
Lens Flare Studio
Frank demonstrates how to create lens flare with intention to enhance your photography.
Duration: 10 mins 28 seconds
Challenges of Retouching Hard Light
Using hard light gives you hard shadows which can present challenges for retouching.
Duration: 0 mins 49 seconds
Retouching Hard Light Examples
Frank demonstrates a few examples of how he retouches hard light photographs.
Duration: 23 mins 8 seconds