Beauty Lighting Comparison
In this class, Karl tests and compares some of his favourite lighting modifiers for fashion and beauty photography.
After demonstrating how parabolic umbrellas work, he takes a series of shots using a range of modifiers before giving a side-by-side comparison of all the results.
For an updated version of this exercise, check out Testing and Comparing 25+ Lighting Modifiers.
To do your own detailed comparison, try our Lighting Comparison Visualiser tool.
Questions? Please post them in the comments section below.
Comments
Thanks very much for a superb video. You make it impossible for me to unsubscribe 🙂
Ha Ha that’s always good to hear 😊
Thank you Karl! Very nice and explicit video!
Are the image comparisons available anywhere as either jpg or pdf or something? It would be great if there was so I can look a bit closer and flick between the differences a bit easier than trying to fast forward/rewind the video for the specific ones I’m wanting to compare. Not necessarily looking for full resolution, just better than in the video (and still).
Hi Cameron, I’m afraid not. Unfortunately last time we put something like that out they got widely shared and then stolen and were being posted for sale or part of another ‘user guide’ and also used by other blogging sites with no credit back to us unfortunately.
That’s a shame that people would rip off your hard work! Back to pausing the video as considering buying one of the para but are all special order in my country so with the price don’t want to make a choice I regret lol
Which country are you in and which Para are you interested in?
New Zealand – I’ve now found a place that rent the 88 so going to give that one a try. I’m also considering the 133 but nowhere has that one (since it seems to be the one you recommend for most use). I’ve also found another place that have the 170 but is probably a bit big, have you used that one and how does it compare to the 133 / 88?
I took this shot with the 177 https://karltaylor.com/people/dqz9pbkzxemazabze9ss40gd2o550v but I prefer the 222 for more 3/4 body to full length work. For me for head shots and upper body beauty work then the 133 is my favourite, the 88 is a bit hard but still better than a beauty dish.
Watching this has made me a fan of the Para lighting! I’m looking to do high fashion beauty and editorial photography. Currently, I take photos of my clients for my salon marketing. Thank you for such a thorough and detailed video!
Thanks Karl!!
Hi Karl,
Great video!
Regarding the first series of test, what was the height of the light stand/modifier and why did you choose that height?
Thanks!!
Just above the models head height and pointing at a 45 degree angle down at the model. You need to be able to shoot at eye level or slightly above and not have the light hit you on the head.
Looking to get something like that for Paul C buff E640 but I can’t find… any ideas?
Hello !
Following my previous questions on para this is a very nice video.
Using it at the main light, In what case do you prefer the 88 one and in what case the 133 ?
Hi Guillaume, to be honest I always prefer the 133 as it is a more flattering light for beauty and portrait work but it can also be used as a harder light if necessary. The 88’s are harder because they are smaller but the 88’s can be convenient when on location as they are more easily transportable. You will see me using the 88’s regularly in ‘Fashionscape’ in the fashion section.
Hey Karl,
Thank you for this video! Can you share your light comparison spread from this session as a file?
regarts,
Alek
It’s always magical how Karl explains the intricacies of lighting with different lighting modifiers. I just love it!