Hard Light Portraits Made EASY! | Take & Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey

Most portrait photographers start out with soft light, and for good reason! It’s forgiving, flattering, and easy to control, but if you're ready to take things to the next level, hard light (or lighting that produces hard-edged shadows) can deliver portraits with bold contrast, a cinematic style, and seriously eye-catching results.

In this photography lighting tutorial, photographer Gavin Hoey tackles hard light in his small home studio using a three-flash setup and a touch of flair that’s both creative and authentic. He begins with two Flashpoint EVOLV 200 Pro flashes as backlights, fits them with warm gels, and creates striking edge highlights around his model. The third light is a front-facing key light with a grid, allowing for the sculpting of dramatic shadows with clean, crisp edges.

Along the way, Gavin shares practical tips for controlling hard light, using coloured gels for warmth, and adding atmospheric effects like smoke and wind to enhance the final look.

If you’ve ever found hard light intimidating, this session will show you just how creative (and fun) it can be. Go explore the bold side of portrait lighting!

Gavin Hoey is a freelance photographer, writer, and trainer specializing in all aspects of photography. Gavin has a real passion for sharing his photography and Photoshop knowledge. In 2008, he started recording and uploading video tutorials to YouTube. His work is regularly featured in photography magazines, websites, and videos.

Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:48 Camera settings for low-key lighting
1:33 Setting up the back lights
2:17 Add color with gels and black mist diffusion
3:18 Key light position for hard light portraits
4:22 Fixing the floor
4:53 Final lighting touches with a grid
5:48 Portrait photography session with hard light
6:12 Use a fan in the studio
6:45 Hard light and smoke
7:12 Outro

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✘ GEAR USED:

OM SYSTEM OM-1
https://www.adorama.com/iomom1.html

OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II
https://www.adorama.com/iom1240pb.html

Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Pro
https://www.adorama.com/fplfev200pk1....

Flashpoint R2 Pro Transmitter
https://www.adorama.com/fprrr2proo.html

Glow 7” Honeycomb Grid Set
https://www.adorama.com/glrfg7k1.html

Flashpoint 4.7" Standard Reflector
https://www.adorama.com/fpbdmsl.html

Flashpoint Streaklight Grid/Gel Set
http://www.adorama.com/fphcsl.html

Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm
https://www.adorama.com/fplsc.html

Glow S2 Round Flash S-type Bowens Mount Bracket
https://www.adorama.com/glbdsm02pro.html

Sekonic L-308 Flash Meter
https://www.adorama.com/sksk401305.html

PMI SmokeNINJA Pro
https://www.adorama.com/sgninjapro.html

Tether Tools LeverLock and 15' USB-C
https://www.adorama.com/ttllpc15g2o.html

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Model: Chloe Kerley
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