Putting a dramatic twist on Clamshell Lighting

In this Photo Deconstruction I’m going to show you a dramatic and unexpected twist on clamshell lighting.

First, what is clamshell lighting?
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Clamshell lighting is a portrait photography technique that uses two lights to create a soft, even light that can flatter the face and gets it's name based on how the lights are positioned.
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This image was taken during one of my workshops -- if you'd like to see what's coming next be sure to visit http://workshops.lindsayadlerphotogra...

00:48 Final Image
00:58 Behind the Scenes
5:13 Post Processing

💡Lighting (3)

(1) Main light: Positioned above and centered on the subject's face.
Light Modifier: Equipped with a five degree grid to concentrate the light narrowly.
Purpose: Creates deep shadows on the subject's face for a dramatic effect.

(2) Fill light: Positioned below the subject's face.
Light Modifier: A strip softbox with a grid.
Purpose: Lifts shadows and adds detail to shadowed areas.

(3) Background light: Positioned behind the subject.
Light Modifier: Bare strobe with an ND gel.
Purpose: Controls brightness and creates separation between the subject and the background.


🖌 Post Processing


✅ Adjusted white balance in raw processing to make the image warmer.
✅ Enhanced shine in the subject's hair.
✅ Used Generative Fill in Photoshop to clean up rough areas in the hair.
✅ Applied liquify tool in Photoshop to make the hair appear fuller.
✅ Minor color adjustments and improvements in hair were made, but skin retouching was subtle due to the good condition of the model's skin.


📢 I’d love to hear your thoughts on the final outcome. Drop a comment below!


📸 Camera Settings:

✅ 1/200th
✅ F/8
✅ ISO 400

📸 Gear Used:


✅ Canon EOS R5: https://prf.hn/l/7oZobqW/
✅ Canon 24-105mm 2.8 RF: https://prf.hn/l/55AEzkR/
✅ Profoto D2: (discontinued, linking to new D3): https://prf.hn/l/K9ENnmk/
✅ Profoto 1x4' Stripbox: https://prf.hn/l/7gzpRAa/
✅ Profoto Air Remote: https://prf.hn/l/Kz4yPNW/
✅ Lee Filters 225 Neutral Density Frost: https://prf.hn/l/mV0JpV0/
✅ Avenger D600 boom arm: https://prf.hn/l/EJDBPD2/
✅ Savage C-Stand: https://prf.hn/l/kV0wEB3/
✅ Rosco Creative Effects Gel Kit: https://prf.hn/l/7gzpR9a/
✅ Tether Tools TetherBoost Pro 31' USB-C to Micro-B Cable, Orange Right Angle: https://prf.hn/l/6kvRQlz/
✅ Savage Seamless Beige: https://prf.hn/l/y8bR30D/


🔥 For more vintage inspired setups like this you'll definitely want to check out my Beauty Lighting Recipe Guide: https://lindsayadler.photo/beautyguide and my Beauty Lighting class: https://lindsayadler.photo/beautyclass

👉 All upcoming workshops: https://lindsayadler.photo/workshops


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