Watch these four awesome one-light portrait setups in just 10 minutes

Most of us end up getting so bogged down with gear at some point that it can be difficult to choose exactly what gear we’re going to want to take to a session – especially when it comes to lighting. I’m sure I’m not the only one whose bags are comprised of 20% gear we’ll use and 80% “just in case” gear that we hardly ever use.

Sometimes, though, it’s nice to bring it down to the bare basics, carry less gear, and keep things simple with just one light. And for those just starting out, perhaps one light is all you may have. But fear not! In this video, photographer John Gress walks us through four very effective lighting setups that each use only a single light.

As well as walking us through the actual setups, which primarily simulate natural light looks, John also goes through his motivation for each shot and what he’s trying to achieve with it, as well as some of the history of why certain lighting styles work. He also talks about some of the mistakes and traps you can fall into when trying to replicate these styles yourself.

It’s a very interesting video, with a lot of great tips and advice. So, whether you’re still new to learning flash, or you’re a more experienced photographer who wants some single light inspiration, it’s well worth a watch.