How to make fake sunlight using Aputure Amaran 300c + Fresnel 2x

Summary

In this tutorial, the photographer demonstrates how to effectively use hard light in photography, including controlling shadows and light intensity. Using an Aperture Amaran 300C light and various modifiers like a reflector and Fel, the photographer shows how to recreate natural sunlight. The video highlights the importance of light quality over camera gear, proving that even a point-and-shoot camera can produce stunning results when paired with the right lighting techniques. Viewers are encouraged to experiment with different setups to achieve crisp, dramatic lighting effects.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hard light can be intimidating due to its harsh shadows, but it can be used creatively to produce dramatic effects.
• 😀 Many professional photographers use hard light to create bold contrasts and emphasize texture in their images.
• 😀 Using a light like the Aperture Amaran 300C with a reflector allows for controlled hard light that can be softened or intensified as needed.
• 😀 A foam core board can be used to control the spill of light and create defined shadows, replicating natural sunlight.
• 😀 The placement of the light, such as positioning it near a smooth wall, can help recreate the effect of sunlight coming through a window.
• 😀 Reflectors help shape and control the light, making it more versatile for different lighting setups, and are crucial for achieving desired shadow effects.
• 😀 Changing the light modifier to a Franel reflector can sharpen shadows, making them more defined and similar to natural sunlight.
• 😀 Using a simple point-and-shoot camera, like a Fuji, can still yield excellent results if combined with the right lighting setup and control.
• 😀 Lighting quality matters more than the camera you use; even an inexpensive camera can produce professional-quality images with proper lighting.
• 😀 A spotlight adapter, though not used in this video, can further focus the light for more precise shadow control in professional setups.
• 😀 The key to successful hard light photography is practice and experimentation with different lighting angles, reflectors, and modifiers to achieve the desired effects.

Q & A

Why was the photographer initially scared to use hard light?

The photographer was initially scared to use hard light because they thought it would create harsh shadows and excessive contrast on the skin.

What made the photographer change their perspective on hard light?

The photographer was inspired by studying the work of photographers they admired, who often used hard light effectively in their shots.

What equipment does the photographer use to recreate hard light?

The photographer uses the Aperture Amaran 300C light, the reflector that comes with it, and the Fel, a light modifier made by Aperture.

Why did the photographer choose the wall with a smooth white surface for the setup?

The photographer chose the smooth white wall because it would effectively reflect the light, simulating the effect of sunlight coming through a window.

How does using a reflector affect the light compared to not using one?

Using a reflector helps focus and control the light, creating a wider beam and sharper shadows. Without the reflector, the light spreads more diffusely and less sharply.

What does the photographer use to simulate sunlight coming through a window?

The photographer uses the Amaran 300C light positioned over to one side, with a reflector and foam core board to control the light, simulating sunlight coming through a window.

What purpose does the foam core board serve in the setup?

The foam core board is used to block or cut the light, creating hard shadows on the wall to simulate the effect of sunlight.

How does changing the reflector to a Franel lens impact the lighting?

Changing to a Franel lens sharpens the shadows, making them crisper and more defined, mimicking the hard lines typical of sunlight.

What was the key takeaway the photographer wanted to convey about lighting?

The photographer emphasized that the quality of light is more important than the camera used, proving that great results can be achieved with both basic and professional equipment if the lighting is well-managed.

What camera did the photographer use to demonstrate the lighting setup?

The photographer first used a small Fuji point-and-shoot camera, then switched to a Canon R5 to show the difference in results, but focused more on the lighting than the camera itself.