Yannick De Bakongo created a positive and encouraging atmosphere in this on-location photo shoot with soft lighting and harmonious color backdrop that visually captures the message of renowned author and top coach Nicole Brades.
Yannik De Bakongo: "I realised this photo shoot for Nicole Brandes. She is a bestselling author and an internationally renowned top coach for leadership and self-management. Nicole supports people who are ready to leave their comfort zone in order to make more of their current life circumstances and free themselves from self-limitations.
We wanted a sun-drenched image together with a carefully coordinated colour backdrop. The atmosphere of the composition was able to create an aura of positivity and encouragement. The soft light that fell gently through the scene helped to emphasise the dynamic and refreshing energy we wanted to capture. The harmonious colour palette and warm environment created a visual delight that captured the essence of Nicole's message: the power of embracing positive change and realising one's full potential.
As the saying goes, “it's not what you use, but how you use it.” However, this wisdom is not always fully valid. From a certain quality level or a certain performance level or goal, it is definitely important which tools you use. There are a whole series of examples here. However, if you have the right tool to hand, you can devote your full attention to the how.
In this case, the excellent quality and colour accuracy of the broncolor flashes make a remarkable difference in image Quality. I used the Siros 800L with the Octabox 150cm here. As the skin matures with age, it is flattering to create a soft light. The 3rd diffuser of the Octabox 150cm proved to be the perfect solution in this example. The diffuser creates a very elegant soft light and has a very flattering effect on the skin without noticeably losing any sharpness. The right light also saves unnecessary retouching work. By using the right lighting, I was able to create a wonderfully soft light but still a nice contrast on the unlit side of the face.
The white surroundings reflected strongly and also served as a brightener. The set-up with the 3rd diffuser allows me to work in a compact setup without having to change the light shaper, set up an additional umbrella or prepare a C-stand with another diffuser. An umbrella would be a very good alternative, but the Octabox with the additional diffuser had the advantage that you don't have to change the light shaper if you want to vary between different gradations of softness. Only the diffusion layers have to be removed or added. For me, this meant that I no longer had to carry it around. I had also used a Black Pro Mist 1/4 filter, but the bright surroundings created too much fog in the shot, so I ended up leaving it out."
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