Member Exclusive: Natural Light vs. Flash with Gael – Look 3

For this final look, I wanted to create a beautifully soft, backlit portrait, using window light as the key source and then recreating it perfectly with flash.

Natural Light Version:

• Gael is positioned in front of a large window, with a scrim placed over it to diffuse the light and eliminate specular highlights.

• The scrim also serves to create a nondescript, soft background, keeping the focus entirely on him.

• A V-flat is introduced to bounce some light back onto his face.

• The result is a clean, ethereal backlit portrait with gentle contrast and natural falloff.

Flash Version:

• To match the natural light effect, I moved the love seat and scrim away from the window and then I used a large Octabox positioned so that light would come from the same angle as the sun.

• I carefully measured and adjusted the flash output to match the exposure of the window light.

• The result? A nearly identical portrait, proving that you can recreate natural backlight anytime, anywhere—even without a window.

Key Takeaways from this Setup:

✅ Controlling Backlight: How to use scrims and V-Flats to soften and shape strong natural light.

✅ Matching Flash to Window Light: Using careful positioning and metering to achieve identical results.

✅ Balancing Shadows: Using a V-flat (or secondary softbox) to keep front-facing shadows natural.

This final look pushes the challenge to the next level, proving that with the right tools and techniques, flash can seamlessly mimic natural window light.

???? What did you find most helpful about this series? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Gear Used in the Video:

Lighting, Modifiers & Diffusion:

Elinchrom Indirect 190cm (75”) Octabox

Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnmmmWLgl

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GZa45L

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3oOM4Oq

Elinchrom Litemotiv 120cm (4’) Softbox

Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnmnbIuZ0

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AumKiy

B&H: https://bhpho.to/41JKL1V

Advantage Gripwear 8x8ft Halo Silk Scrim

Adorama: https://howl.me/cmluGT1fnEq

Elinchrom THREE

Adorama: https://howl.me/ckOHJkaLdm0

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dgoPl8

B&H: https://bhpho.to/46Sg90q

Elinchrom FIVE

Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnmmUpjV1

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Um6V61

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3LcypYZ

Kupo Big Boom

Adorama: https://howl.me/cmQVOONs4oa

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YHNBFU

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3Aj3wk5

Studio Titan Rack & Pinion Geared Crank Stand STA-06-200

Studio Titan: https://studiotitanamerica.com/collections/shop-lighting-stands/products/sta-06-200

B&H: https://bhpho.to/44Bj1y9

Studio Titan Camera Stand STA-01-360 MK2

Adorama: https://howl.me/cjGcfVD3aCG

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3cf4RfL

V-FLAT WORLD Foldable V-Flat 2.0, Black/White, 2-Pack

Adorama: https://howl.link/0j89ul59ilx07

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EL5UCj

B&H: https://bhpho.to/41lKOmU

V-Flat World: https://bit.ly/3fXqaid

Camera & Lens:

Canon R5 Mark II

Adorama: https://howl.me/cmGHhNpXDZw

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cJZyir

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3Yc4YyB

Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip for EOS R5 Mark II

Adorama: https://howl.me/cm5MF0r2iLL

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3B3Bg5f

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3XJFyaT

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.0

Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnaWOwhRU

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vkEWbE

B&H: https://bhpho.to/426bKEM

Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM

Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnaWYcCHb

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tHbPxm

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3L6f1Na

Accessories:

Sekonic L-858D-U (401-858) Meter Plus RT-GX for Godox

Adorama: https://howl.me/cmQWhrMoP3A

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4corJ5H

B&H: https://bhpho.to/4crCu77

Sekonic L-858D-U SPEEDMASTER Light Meter Kit with RT-EL/PX Transmitter Module for Elinchrom

Adorama: https://howl.me/cjFnYfUhqyi

B&H: https://bhpho.to/41dCnXc

X-Rite Color Checker Passport 2

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3iCvhpa