The Dances with One Light: Dramatic Photographic Lighting Techniques from PhotoshopCAFE teaches you how to create incredible portrait and fashion lighting using only one light in six in-depth photo shoots. Dave Montizambert demonstrates how he forces one light to do the work of two to four lights.
During the six shoots, you will be given an over-the-shoulder view from many angles of the one-light lighting setups as they unfold. You will learn where and why exactly each piece of equipment is placed for the best results. During the 2.5-hour tutorial, you will see in Dave's patented intricate lighting diagrams how it all comes together, the principles involved to drive the shoot. and the necessary lighting theory and concepts required for any lighting job.
About the Author
Dave Montizambert lectures internationally on lighting, digital photography, and Adobe Photoshop. He is also a published author, having written two books on lighting and digital photography plus numerous magazine articles on these topics in North America, Europe, Russia, and Asia. For the past 25 years, his company (Montizambert Photography) has created photographic images for such companies as McDonald's, Motorola, Tri-Star Pictures, Warner Brothers, Chimera Softboxes, Kodak, No Fear Sports Gear, Tsingtao Brewery of China, Toyo Tires, and many others. Dave's work has won Georgie, Lotus, Hemlock, Studio Magazine, CAPIC, and Graphex awards.
Included Lessons
Create incredible lighting with reflectors and diffusion panels
Use softboxes, octaboxes, soft grids, panels, scrims, and flats
Create film noir lighting
Mix ambient light with strobe or flash accurately
Sculpt bodies with dramatic muscle lighting
Create a sunlit outdoor portrait indoors
Control light contamination from unwanted light spill
Create an evening look for an illustrative portrait
Use lighting ratios
Meter effectively with handheld meters
Create a rapport with your subject
Control light quality (soft and hard light)
Build drama into your images
Use softboxes, octaboxes, soft grids, panels, scrims, and flats
Create film noir lighting
Mix ambient light with strobe or flash accurately
Sculpt bodies with dramatic muscle lighting
Create a sunlit outdoor portrait indoors
Control light contamination from unwanted light spill
Create an evening look for an illustrative portrait
Use lighting ratios
Meter effectively with handheld meters
Create a rapport with your subject
Control light quality (soft and hard light)
Build drama into your images
Introduction (04:36)
Dave gives you an overview of his tried-and-true one-light methods and surefire techniques.
Getting Started (03:56)
Dave sets you off on the right path.
Monitor Balance (00:34)
A quick look at monitor calibration setup.
Dave's Shooting Procedure (05:08)
Dave's shooting procedure will put you at ease as he simplifies the process.
Digital Artist (16:14)
Learn how to utilize your background ambiance and studio environment in a clever business portrait.
Evening Wine (15:11)
The workday is over and it's time to relax with a little wine and soft tunes. See how Dave achieves this sensual evening look utilizing one light, a panel, and a soft grid.
Dave Inspiration (01:02)
What inspires Dave?
Foundation (05:46)
Dave talks about his history and the influences of his brother and his legendary mentor, Dean Collins.
Hello Sunshine (18:02)
An indoor-for-outdoor shot, utilizing the background elements and a few light modifiers.
White Fashion (24:05)
Using a super-clean high-key background shot, see how to get the background to blow out to a pure white while maintaining an optimum exposure on the subject.
On Technique (01:48)
A quick word on technique.
On Softboxes and Panels (03:17)
A brief overview of panels and softboxes.
Gimme 50 (20:07)
Rig different diffusion panel configurations for rim, block, and fill lights. While at the same time, creating a main light with something as simple as office paper.
Dramatic Boxer (27:16)
Ever wonder how athletes get that steel sweaty sheen while still looking confident and poised? See how to become a lighting sculptor. Direct every bit of light and reflection exactly where you want it, to give this boxer a much desired and startling effect.
Closing Thoughts (02:59)
Dave says farewell and gives you some additional resources for your journey.
Equipment Used (06:13)
An overview of the brand of equipment used in this video and a few tips and insights.
Outtakes (04:52)
A hilarious behind-the-scenes montage of Dave Montizambert and the PhotoshopCAFE crew making "Dances With One Light."