about this image
This Christian singer-songwriter was looking for something that would convey a sense of peacefulness and humility, with elements of dramatic light for maximum visual impact. I wasn't sure whether the light source in the final image would be coming from the left or right, so I covered my bases by throwing light on both sides of him, knowing that I could manipulate it later in post to suit my needs.
strobist info
Three Elinchrom Ranger Quadras were used to light this image; two placed in gridded 42x18 softboxes on either side of the subject and slightly behind for rim, and one in a 22" beauty dish boomed overhead as key. The rim lights are approximately two stops hotter than the key.
Ready to become a ROCKSTAR retoucher?
Check out our exclusive 2-hour Photoshop tutorial and get ready to take your images to the next level!
tools & gear used
In Photoshop, I manipulated the colors of both the subject and background to get everything to match up and look believable, and I likewise adjusted the rim lights to make them fit the lighting scenario of this particular scene. I finished everything up with Topaz Adjust on a reduced-opacity layer.
- Canon 5D Mark III
- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Standard Zoom Lens
- Elinchrom Ranger Quadra Studio Strobes
- Elinchrom 22" Beauty Dish w/ Grid
- Westcott 42" x 18" Strip Softboxes
- Westcott 40-Degree Egg Crate Grid for 42" x 18" Strip Softboxes
- Avenger Light Stands
- Avenger Boom Arm with Counterweight
- Background image: Fotolia