Welcome to this exclusive Academy member content, where I take you behind the scenes of an editorial shoot with Gael. In this session, we tackle a fundamental challenge:
How do you replicate natural window light with flash—so convincingly that they look identical?
In each setup, we first capture a natural light shot using only window light. Then, we recreate the same lighting using flash, matching the direction, softness, and quality of light.
What You’ll Learn in This Video:
Matching Natural Light & Flash: Understanding light quality, modifiers, and diffusion.
Refining Posing & Styling: Making subtle adjustments for a polished final image.
If you’re a natural light photographer looking to transition to flash, this session will show you exactly how to bridge the gap while maintaining that soft, organic look.
Look 1: Soft Window Light & Its Flash Twin
Natural Light Version:
• Gael is positioned next to a window, with a partially closed curtain to shape the light.
• I used a V-flat on the opposite side for a subtle kicker.
Flash Version:
• I recreate the exact softness and shape of the window light using a large softbox in the same position.
• I removed the diffusion on the softbox so the flash image would have the same contrast as the window light version.
• The final result: an indistinguishable match between window light and artificial flash.
Look 2: Split Lighting with Window Light & Flash
Natural Light Version:
• Inspired by a dramatic reference image, I use window light from 35 feet away to cast strong shadows.
• 14x9ft window provides the lighting—giving deep shadows on one side of his face.
Flash Version:
• To match this look, I set up a single strobe with a softbox to focus light and prevent spill.
• I fine-tuned shadow by introducing a V-Flat and flag to control the light.
???? Why This Exercise Matters:
Mastering flash doesn’t mean abandoning natural light—it means you can create it anywhere, anytime. This shoot is all about understanding light so you can achieve consistent, natural-looking results, no matter the conditions.
Next up: Look 3, where we take this concept even further.
???? Academy Members—Drop Your Questions Below! What’s your biggest struggle when trying to match window light with flash?
Gear Used in the Video:
Lighting, Modifiers & Diffusion:
Elinchrom Indirect 190cm (75”) Octabox
Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnmmmWLgl
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GZa45L
Elinchrom Litemotiv 120cm (4’) Softbox
Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnmnbIuZ0
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AumKiy
Advantage Gripwear 8x8ft Halo Silk Scrim
Adorama: https://howl.me/cmluGT1fnEq
Elinchrom THREE
Adorama: https://howl.me/ckOHJkaLdm0
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dgoPl8
Elinchrom FIVE
Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnmmUpjV1
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Um6V61
Kupo Big Boom
Adorama: https://howl.me/cmQVOONs4oa
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YHNBFU
Studio Titan Rack & Pinion Geared Crank Stand STA-06-200
Studio Titan: https://studiotitanamerica.com/collections/shop-lighting-stands/products/sta-06-200
Studio Titan Camera Stand STA-01-360 MK2
Adorama: https://howl.me/cjGcfVD3aCG
V-FLAT WORLD Foldable V-Flat 2.0, Black/White, 2-Pack
Adorama: https://howl.link/0j89ul59ilx07
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EL5UCj
V-Flat World: https://bit.ly/3fXqaid
Camera & Lens:
Canon R5 Mark II
Adorama: https://howl.me/cmGHhNpXDZw
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cJZyir
Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip for EOS R5 Mark II
Adorama: https://howl.me/cm5MF0r2iLL
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3B3Bg5f
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.0
Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnaWOwhRU
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vkEWbE
Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM
Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnaWYcCHb
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tHbPxm
Accessories:
Sekonic L-858D-U (401-858) Meter Plus RT-GX for Godox
Adorama: https://howl.me/cmQWhrMoP3A
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4corJ5H
Sekonic L-858D-U SPEEDMASTER Light Meter Kit with RT-EL/PX Transmitter Module for Elinchrom
Adorama: https://howl.me/cjFnYfUhqyi
X-Rite Color Checker Passport 2
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3iCvhpa
