Beyond Simple Lighting: How to Create Both Moody and Natural Portraits with a Single Flash

8/24/2025 Matt 0 Comments

Creating professional-quality portraits doesn't have to be complicated. Forget the need for multiple lights and complex setups; all it takes is a single light source and a solid understanding of how to shape it. This approach not only simplifies your process but also sharpens your eye for light and shadow.

Nathan Elson is going to explore how to use one light to create two completely different portrait styles: a dramatic, moody black and white look and a soft, natural aesthetic. It’s a powerful lesson in control and versatility that every photographer can benefit from.

The Moody Black and White Portrait

For a striking, high-contrast look, the secret is in how you position your light. While you might use a powerful strobe and a large light modifier, like a 51-inch umbrella with diffusion, the magic happens with a technique called feathering the light. Instead of aiming the light directly at your subject, you place them at the very edge of the light’s spread.

This creates a beautifully soft transition from light to shadow, defining form without harsh lines. Position your subject in the back third of the light modifier's throw, angled slightly to the side to create dramatic shadows.

Your camera settings are crucial here. To ensure you have full control over the light, use a narrow aperture of around f/8. A shutter speed of 1/200th of a second will sync with your strobe and eliminate ambient light, while an ISO of 100 ensures a clean, noise-free image, perfect for black and white conversion.

The Soft and Natural Portrait

Transitioning to a softer feel requires a different approach, one that leverages your environment. The goal is to make the single light complement, rather than overpower, existing natural light. If you have a room with large windows and white walls, you have a huge advantage. The white walls act as a giant, soft reflector, filling in shadows and creating a smooth look.

Position your strobe high and to the side, mimicking the direction of the window light. This adds subtle dimension without looking artificial. The key is blending your artificial light so seamlessly that it feels like it was always there. The white walls do the heavy lifting, bouncing light back onto your subject and giving the portrait a smooth, even glow.

Adjust your camera settings to let in more of the ambient light. A wider aperture of around f/2.8 will create a shallower depth of field, isolating your subject and giving a pleasing bokeh effect. A slower shutter speed, such as 1/25th of a second, will allow more of the natural light to hit your sensor, giving the image that organic, window-light feel.

Ultimately, a single light setup is a testament to the idea that you can achieve incredible results by understanding the fundamentals of light.

By mastering these two distinct techniques, you'll be able to create a wide range of compelling portraits with minimal gear.

Images and video via Nathan Elson | Colorgrade like a pro:: www.nathanelson.com/store