Photography Lighting Techniques For Free: Profoto On YouTube

This video is only 1 minute 45 seconds long. Read some things that I have to say below the video.

I get it. Not everyone reading this post and watches the video above can afford Profoto gear, so let's get beyond that right from the start. So many people commenting on Profoto videos talk about Profoto being so expensive. I hope they, along with you, get beyond that and learn from the videos.

Personally, I love the Profto YouTube Channel primarily because they have a lot of videos that are 5 minutes (+/-) or less that show some nice lighting techniques. Yes, they are showing Profoto gear because it's the Profoto Channel. Yes, Profoto gear is not cheap. However, you can put the techniques to work with the lighting gear that you have even if that is speedlites. Does that mean you'll get the same results? Not necessarily. But it does mean that you can do the best you can with what you can afford.

Although you can do a lot of work with just one light, you will likely still have to spend some money on some kind of extra gear unless you have multiple speedlites (or studio strobes) and modifiers. For example, this grid shot in the video uses 4 lights with grids. So if you want to attempt to mimic it exactly, guess what? You will need 4 lights of some kind and 4 grids plus 4 light stands. No matter how you look at it, you'll have several hundred dollars in lighting and modifiers even if you are using Yongnuo speedlites.

I shot the portrait below with a Profoto B2 head with a 24 inch octabox with a grid on it. The grid helps keep the light tight and prevents spill onto the background. Guess what? You can shoot the same shot with a speedlite. If that's all you have, then make it work with what you have to work with.

Edgy Casual Headshot Outside On Brick Creative Lighting Raleigh NC

Bio
Latest Posts

David Williams

Owner at RTP Photo and Video, Inc.

Short Bio About The Author: I'm David Williams a professional commercial photographer focusing on corporate and business clients with some personal branding, lifestyle photography in the mix. My love for photography began in late 1981 while still in High School. I started making money with his camera in 1982. Brenda, my wife, and I started working together in photography in 1988 shortly after we met. Brenda and I married in 1989 and have two adult daughters. Please be sure to get a quote for services if needed. Call or Text: 919.723.8453. Please reach out to connect with me on LinkedIn.