lighting tutorial edgy sports look

Here, I’m using two small square grids mounted on two 2-foot-square softboxes. These are positioned to the left and right and behind the subject, who is in the middle. Each is angled slightly toward the camera, enough to create edge light on each side of the subject without unwanted lens flare.

The reason I’ve chosen small softboxes has to do with the quality of light they create. There is a direct relationship between the size of the source—in this case, the surface area of the sofboxes—and the quality of light it creates. The smaller the source, the harder the light, meaning the transitions from shadow to highlight are less gradual. Conversely, a large source creates a softer light. Knowing why and when to choose the right tool for the job helps you predictably create the results you’re after, removing any guesswork.

In additional to the size of the light source, placement in relationship to subject is vital. Just as with size, the distance of the source affects the hardness or softness of the light. Placing the light farther away from the subject, as I’ve done here, helps create a harder quality of light.