r/LightLurking

I’m curious if this was shot digitally and then edited to look like film or shot on film? And also how to achieve this editorial look as well? Is this with a soft box as well?

Client/Subject: Casual editorial portrait with gf
Location: Plain studio wall with soft natural window light
Camera: Canon EOS R6 Mark III
Lens: RF 85mm f/2 Macro IS STM
Settings: 1/250 sec, f/2, ISO 200

Lighting Setuo:

Used a large north-facing window positioned camera left as the only light source. The model was angled roughly 45° toward the window, creating soft wraparound lighting with smooth shadow transitions across the face. Kept the background simple and slightly darker than the subject to maintain separation without needing additional lights or reflectors. No artificial lighting was used.

Post Processing:

Color graded in Lightroom with muted tones, lowered saturation, and subtle contrast adjustments for a modern editorial look. Balanced highlights and shadows to preserve natural skin texture while keeping depth in the hair. Used BeautyPlus for light skin cleanup, minor blemish removal, under-eye touch-ups, and subtle facial refinements without making the edit look artificial. Finished with slight sharpening on the eyes and reduced texture in the background for a cleaner final image.

This was an extremely simple setup. just a good window, clean background, and careful posing. Most of the session was spent making small adjustments to head angle, posture, and expression rather than changing camera settings or lighting. The softness comes almost entirely from the quality of the natural light.

finding Green way in the carrier

Looks like maybe a single hard source that has been flagged off or barn doored? The grade is obviously giving it a ton of richness, but would love to know what everyone thinks is going on here.

Hello all, I have a strobe with a donut / ring shaped bulb, and I want to get a snoot for narrow beam, is there any Bowens mount solution for this? I have a 3d printed one for the sake of testing, but of course the lack of light in the centre leads to a dark void in the middle.

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to figure out how to replicate the foreground effect in these two images.

It’s clearly a physical element placed in front of the lens to create that organic, soft, and dream-like framing. It looks like it could be a piece of distressed glass, a specific type of prism, or perhaps just a clever DIY prop used on set, and some light added on it.

For those who frequently use foreground elements to break up the frame—what are your go-to materials or techniques to achieve this specific look? Are you using professional prism sets, or do you have a favorite "secret" object you keep in your kit for this?

Any tips on how to dial this in effectively would be much appreciated!

Can anyone give me some advice on improving the shading, shadows, and contouring of skin? This artwork is a good example of where I’m struggling.
I’ve watched tons of YouTube tutorials and practiced a lot, but I still have a hard time creating believable contrast and form. Whenever I try to add more depth, it ends up looking muddy or dirty instead of making the skin look like it actually has volume and contour.
If anyone has tips, paint-overs, exercises, or resources that helped you improve skin rendering, I’d really appreciate it. And please be nice to me—I’m still learning! 😅

First shot is just one 2x3 gridded softbox camera left with some atmosphere in a can behind the subject

Second shot is the same 2x3 gridded softbox overhead as a topper, a CTO’d bare bulb strobe outside coming through the window, and a reflector uplighting the subject just to give a little fill in the eyes and create a bit of a catch light. Next image is a wide shot of this setup.

Third set up is on a 4 foot roll of gray with an umbrella (matte white interior) + diffusion as my key and the 2x3 gridded softbox as a rim light.

Is this anything more than a single large soft source camera left? And a black poly camera right?

He’s on a raised platform which loses most of the shadow off the backdrop, which might be lit seperately?
Then reverse vignette and paper texture in post.

Photographer: Aymane Alhamid

I love these photos. The models, location, styling, and overall art direction all work together beautifully. To my eye, the images have a medium-format film aesthetic.

I'm less familiar with the lighting setup and would be interested in hearing how it might have been achieved. What stands out to me most is the contrast and tonal rendering.

I'm curious about the post-processing techniques used to create this look. I understand that much of the final result comes from strong pre-production and getting things right in-camera, but I'm also convinced there's thoughtful work done in post.

I'm not trying to recreate this editorial exactly. I'm learning photography and would appreciate any insights into the lighting, color grading, editing, or overall production process behind these images.

Hi everyone, this is less about lighting and more about a set design element. There's no set designer for this and client said they've done thsi before and the assistant held up the background element which is like a 2m x 1.5m and 1cm light wooden sheet.

They said the previous assistant held it up with leaning two stands against it but I honestly am not sure how to go about this, there is no set designer lmao. And they wont do wall jacks or wooden trangle legs for it like I'm being asked to hold this up perfectly vertical with some sort of lighting stand rig--

How could I hold this up? Ideally without like magic arms and super clamps gripping it from the sides

For context, I'm renting out a studio for the afternoon from a friend. I want to experiment with lighting and lighting equipment.

Hi everyone,
I’m looking into getting a continuous light for video work on a relatively tight budget and would love some advice.
I've got an upcoming shoot at an interior design store. The space doesn’t get much natural daylight, and the existing lighting is quite harsh and very white/neon-looking.
I’m trying to understand what kind of light would make the biggest difference in this situation if I do need one. How much power could I realistically get away with? Would something in the 100W range be enough, or should I be looking at something higher?

For modifiers, I already own a 90cm octagonal softbox, so ideally I’d like to use that if possible.
My goal is to create softer, more natural-looking light for product shots, details, and wider environmental shots inside the store without spending a fortune.
I’d really appreciate any technical recommendations regarding power output, beam angles, modifiers, placement, brands, or budget-friendly setups that have worked well for you.
Thanks!

I want to experiment with lighting and editing in order to achieve this warm and creamy look. Any lighting and post editing recommendations ?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions/device on lighting or post processing recommendations 🙏