Feathering Light: The Secret to Perfect Portraits Revealed!

Video Description

Curious about the best way to light your portraits? In this video, I dive deep into the technique of feathering your light. Feathering can control light spread and enhance texture and dimensionality, making your photos look stunning and professional. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, understanding how to feather your light can transform your work. Click the link for an exclusive discount of $25 off on your Full PPA membership! https://www.ppa.com/join/john-gress I will walk you through a side-by-side comparison between feathered and direct light, highlighting the differences in background darkness and contrast, and demonstrating why feathering often results in more visually appealing photos. Next, we debunk a common myth that feathered light is always softer light. Many photographers, including myself at one time, believed that feathering your light source would soften it. However, through a series of practical tests and comparisons, we explore how feathering can create a harder light with more defined shadows. By examining the nuances of light spread and the perceived size of the light source relative to the subject, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how to manipulate light to achieve your desired effect. To round out the tutorial, I share my insights on the best practices for placing your light. I introduce a concept I call “being in the L,” which guides you on positioning your light for optimal results. Understanding the principles of feathering will help you create beautifully lit portraits with enhanced three-dimensionality. Additionally, I discuss the importance of selecting the right light modifier to ensure the best results when feathering your light. 🎥 In This Video: • Quick comparison between feathered and direct light • Dispelling the myth that feathered light is softer • The secret to placing your light which I call being in the L ✨Key Takeaways: • Feathering enhances texture and dimension by controlling light spread. • Feathered light creates darker backgrounds and more contrast compared to direct light. • Feathering can result in harder light and more defined shadows. • The “being in the L” technique helps with optimal light placement. • Choose the right light modifier to achieve the best results in portrait photography. 📸 Gear Mentioned in This Video: Click here for a full list of all the gear I use in the studio - https://johngress.com/gear/ Disclosure: This description contains affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a commission — at no additional cost to you. Canon EOS R5 Amazon https://amzn.to/3vPGmeb B&H https://bhpho.to/3VbPdUw Canon BG-R10 Amazon https://amzn.to/2OUmRQY B&H https://bhpho.to/3niVtNI Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM   Amazon https://amzn.to/3tHbPxm B&H https://bhpho.to/3L6f1Na Studio Titan Camera Stand STA-01-360 MK2 B&H: [https://bhpho.to/3cf4RfL](https://bhpho.to/3cf4RfL) ELINCHROM Elinchrom FIVE Amazon: [https://amzn.to/3Um6V61](https://amzn.to/3Um6V61) B&H: [https://bhpho.to/3LcypYZ](https://bhpho.to/3LcypYZ) Elinchrom Litemotiv 120cm Parabolic Softbox Amazon: [https://amzn.to/3AumKiy](https://amzn.to/3AumKiy) B&H: [https://bhpho.to/41JKL1V](https://bhpho.to/41JKL1V) Elinchrom Indirect Litemotiv Strip Softbox (13 x 69”) Amazon: [https://amzn.to/33NTasn](https://amzn.to/33NTasn) B&H: [https://bhpho.to/44b7B43](https://bhpho.to/44b7B43) #PhotographyTips #FeatheringLight #ContinuousLightVsFlash #PhotographyTutorial #PhotographyTips #FeatheringLight #PortraitLighting #PhotographyTutorial #StudioLighting #ProPhotography #PhotographySkills #LightingTechniques #prophotographer #OurPPA #SponsoredAd #PPAAmbassador #PPA CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 01:03 - Feathering Test 02:41 - Improve your photography 03:52 - Is feathered light softer? 05:55 - Being in the L 06:58 - Shooting with feathered light 07:14 - Shooting with direct light 07:46 - Feathering from the right 08:16 - Conclusion