Why I Use a One-Light Setup for Portrait Photography

As a portrait photographer, I believe in keeping things simple. Over time, I’ve learned that using a single light source can often produce the best results for my style of photography. When I started, I thought more lights would create better photos. But I soon realized that more doesn’t always mean better; it often just means more complexity. In this blog post, I will share why I favor a one-light setup for my portrait sessions and how it helps me achieve more freedom, creativity, and control over my work.

The Beauty of Simplicity in Flash Photography

One of the main reasons I prefer a one-light setup is simplicity. Using just one light source allows me to focus on the essentials – my subject, composition, and the light itself. With fewer variables to manage, I can work more efficiently and spend more time connecting with my subjects, resulting in more authentic and engaging portraits.

More lights might seem like they provide more options, but they also introduce complexity. The key is to know your light, understand how it behaves, and use it to your advantage. This is where my Godox V1 with a transmitter comes in. It offers just the right amount of light control for most of my shoots without being cumbersome or overwhelming.

Using Godox V1 for Off-Camera Flash

My go-to equipment for off-camera flash is the Godox V1, paired with a transmitter. The Godox V1 is compact and portable, making it ideal when I’m on the move and cannot carry my larger Godox AD300. This setup gives me more freedom in my movements; wherever I go, my light source follows. There's no need to constantly adjust a heavy flash setup, which saves time and energy during shoots.

The flexibility of having a portable light source allows me to be more creative. I can place the light anywhere I want without worrying about repositioning a large flash unit. This setup works perfectly when shooting in tight spaces or when I need to move quickly to capture spontaneous moments.

Investing in Good Flash Equipment

Investing in good flash equipment doesn’t mean spending a fortune. It’s about finding gear that works for your specific needs. The Godox V1 is an excellent choice for those starting out with flash photography. It’s affordable, reliable, and provides enough power for most situations. For those looking to take their flash game to the next level, the Godox AD300 is a solid step up.

I remember when I was intimidated by flash photography. The thought of balancing flash with ambient light seemed daunting. But then, during one shoot, I had an epiphany: Flash changes the Exposure Triangle into an "Exposure Square." I realized that flash isn’t just an additional element; it’s a tool that fills the darkness with light, providing more control over the final image.

Understanding the Inverse Square Law

Understanding the basics of light is crucial in photography, especially when working with flash. The Inverse Square Law states that the intensity of light decreases by the square of the distance from the source. In simpler terms, if you double the distance between your light and the subject, the light intensity drops to a quarter. Knowing this helps me control the fall-off and the spread of light, allowing me to create the desired mood and look in my portraits.

When I Use the Godox AD300

While I primarily use the Godox V1 for its portability and ease of use, there are times when I opt for the Godox AD300. In a studio setting or outdoors, when I need harder shadows or a more pronounced lighting effect from a distance, the AD300 is my go-to. Unlike a speedlight, the AD300 offers more consistent output, allowing me to estimate my shadows better, especially when I need a more powerful light source.

My Approach to Using Flash

With the Godox AD300, I like to use a barebulb with a 7-inch reflector. This setup helps increase the light output by about 1/3 to 1 stop, while also preventing too much light spillage. It creates a nice, round shape towards my subject, making it easier for me to tell when the light has missed its mark.

On the other hand, with the Godox V1, I prefer to shoot with no attachments. I allow the light to spill freely, giving me complete control over its direction. If I need light from above, I simply raise my arm. If I need it from the side, I extend my arm outward. And when I want to create a dramatic effect with light coming from below, I lower my arm accordingly. Additionally, with the help of a Godox Xpro 1 transmitter, I can place my flash up to 100 meters away and still control it remotely. While I wouldn’t usually place it that far, the option provides great flexibility.

Flash Photography: It’s All About Experimentation

Flash photography is not something you can master by watching YouTube videos or reading articles alone. It requires hands-on practice and experimentation to discover what works best for you in different environments and scenarios. While tutorials can provide a good starting point, they rarely account for the unique challenges of each shooting situation.

I encourage photographers to start small and work their way up. A brand like Godox offers a great range of products that cater to beginners and professionals alike. Once you understand the basics, you can consider investing in higher-end brands like Profoto or Elinchrom.

Conclusion

A one-light setup might seem limiting at first, but in reality, it offers incredible versatility and simplicity that allows for more creative freedom. By mastering the use of a single light, whether it’s a Godox V1 or an AD300, you gain more control over your photography and the results you can achieve. Invest in reliable equipment that suits your needs, practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to experiment. The possibilities are endless, and with the right approach, you can make a one-light setup work wonders for your portrait photography.