Speedlight Portraits Anywhere: Bounce, Flag & Softbox Tricks

January 5, 2026

In this PPA office demo, the photographer shows how to create multiple portrait lighting setups using one small speedlight and whatever’s available—foam core, a white board, a real V-flat, and even giant Post-it notes. Starting with “on-camera flash” style lighting, they progressively bounce and feather the flash for softer catchlights, then use flagging and negative fill for a more dramatic, shadow-driven look. The episode also covers metering for consistency, controlling ambient light for shallow depth of field, building a DIY “softbox” with Post-its, and problem-solving in a tight room with low ceilings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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