He begins by breaking down some of the key differences between portrait and beauty photography in terms of subjects, lights, modifiers, lenses, backgrounds, post-production and more. In doing so, he outlines some of the key equipment you’ll need to tackle a shoot like this one, and explains the role of hard light for beauty images. As the shoot gets underway, Karl first demonstrates the sort of results you get from using a single bare bulb with no modifier. In a word: ‘horrible!’ He goes on to attach a modifier while introducing a fill light, tweaking the exposure as he works. Moving and altering these light sources, he shows how small adjustments can lead to big changes in the image. Next, Karl works on the background by introducing extra lights and poly boards. Then it’s time to add another modifier to the key light. As he works, Karl answers various members’ questions on a range of matters related to the shoot. As you watch Karl and the team try one-, two- and three-light setups, with and without reflectors, you’ll also pick up tips on makeup – plus witness a couple of moments that are destined for our next blooper reel!
