If you shoot in the field, then you’ll be amazed by the results you enjoy using this easy light setup that is portable and easy to carry. It’s not about the kind of Speedlight you’re using but how you adjust the Speedlight to produce a stunning, high-quality light. Below in the clip below, I show an example of a Clamshell lighting system that uses only one Speedlight to create portraits.
Watch ‘ Live Photoshoot Single Light Portraits | ClamShell Lighting Setup’
The above video shows the Westcott Rapid Box Duo in action, using its Cactus 60Speedlight. To activate the Speedlight, you can utilize the Cactus V6 trigger to control the settings for the power of your Speedlight directly from your camera. It can make things much easier when you’re Speedlight is mounted on a high level or out of range of your shooting location.
To achieve a beautiful look, begin by placing your lighting at an upward butterfly lighting location, about 3 feet away from your subject, and then apply a white reflector to provide a small filling under the cheeks.
In the photo above I’ve employed in the image above, I used a Westcott five-in-1 reflector to fill. For those who don’t possess a helper to help hold the mirror for you, there’s an alternative stand to keep the glass securely. The camera I was using to create this image is a Canon 5D Mark III. Canon 5D Mark III using its 100mm macro F2.8 lens set to F5.6 ISO 100 with a shutter speed of 160.
I used my Canon 135mm lens in the photo below at F5.6. This is an excellent camera for shooting portraits. It’s sharp, tack-sharp, and a flattering focal length for headshots.
Use Clamshell Lighting To Create Beautiful, Flattering Light
Our primary responsibilities as portrait photographers are ensuring our subjects appear attractive. There’s a lengthy list of aspects we must think about, from poses to camera settings. One of the most important aspects must be lighting. The way we illuminate your subjects or how we alter the light source can have a significant impact on the final picture.
There are many (or nearly) possible ways to produce pleasing lighting. If you add in the endless variations in facial features, deciding which light to pick could quickly become a daunting task.
Clamshell Lighting: My Favorite Portrait Lighting Setup
Recently, when I was asked to shoot corporate headshots, I could pinpoint the lighting setup I’d utilize. ANOTHER ISSUE I’LL DISCUSS IN A FUTURE ARTICLE WAS what I would do to carry all the required equipment via the London tube.
I seldom get the chance to utilize lighting clamshells, so I conducted a few experiments before shooting. It didn’t take too long to remind me of the reason clamshell lighting has become one of my favorite options. The picture above is the final photo I shot using this method.
Of course, you’ll require plenty of other items, such as triggers, lights, etc. However, those are the most common items and the primary items required. In a subsequent article, I’ll show the equipment I used to build the high-key light setup I could install into the tube.
Once we have the needed items and equipment, it is time to move on to the lighting placement, which is the most critical aspect of the success of any lighting system. For clamshell lighting, you’ll require one light source to be placed above the subject at a 45-degree angle (I prefer the lower edge to be right above the eyeliner). Mirroring this location and then placing your reflector beneath. The space between the two is where you put your camera. Take a look at the image below for an idea.
In my experience, placing your lighting as close to your object as possible and to the outside of your frame is best. Of course, this will depend on the style you want to achieve. However, this is what I find myself drawn to.
Why Is Clamshell Lighting So Good?
Because of the position of the light sources and the distance between them and the subject, we can create an incredibly flattering light that can improve facial structure. Soft shadows appear underneath the cheekbones. An even deeper shade is visible beneath the chin, enhancing the jawline. A second source of light, whether an under-eye reflector or a modified light, can be used to control the number of shadows that appear.
The best part about the technique is it can work and will be pleasing to almost anyone. Adjusting the lights’ positions can even work for glasses-wearers and avoid unpleasant reflections.
If you don’t know the concept, all glossy surfaces reflect light. Because of this, glasses can be difficult. Set your lighting sources in the wrong position, and then you’ll suddenly see them reflected in the mirrors. Because the angles that your lights emit are very extreme in Clamshell lighting, it is possible to ensure that reflections are not visible in the camera. I discovered that by changing an angle for the light sources, we can get rid of thoughts. See the diagram below.
Clamshell Lighting: Surprisingly Versatile
One thing I love about the clamshell lighting system is its flexibility. Photographers utilize this type of lighting system for various kinds of photography. You can achieve diverse outcomes by utilizing the primary method I described earlier (using just a light modifier and reflector).
When we use the modifier at a 45-degree angle and use a silver reflector, we’re taking more shadows and creating more of a smooth light. Change that to reflective white light, and clouds are more prominent. Check out some of the images I snapped while trying this technique.
If you look at these two images, you can discern an enormous difference in the intensity of shadows. The photo above is made with a reflector made of white, which is why the shadows appear much darker. Compare it to the image below, which uses reflecting silver, and we can easily observe the difference.
In the following two images, I adjusted my angle for the light to about 20 degrees. This created the light tunnel to appear extraordinarily uniform and very pleasing.
The “tunnel of light” has diminished the light leak. Notice how dim the backgrounds have become. It is also apparent that it has focused the light closer to the center, and the cheeks appear more in shadow. There are myriad possibilities with this setup. Imagine if you switch that reflector to an additional softbox. It would give you complete control over shadows!
