There’s something truly rewarding about creating strong images with simple tools. For this shoot, I decided to challenge myself by working with a one-light setup, using just a single light source paired with a 35-inch softbox. The goal was to explore how much mood, depth, and creativity I could achieve with minimal equipment.
My model, Temi, was gracious enough to join me on this creative journey, and her patience, confidence, and energy made the entire process seamless. I shot with my Canon camera and rotated between a Canon 70–200mm f/2.8, Canon 24–70mm f/2.8, and Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 lens. Each lens brought a different feel to the images—from tight, intimate portraits to wider environmental frames.
Working with one light forced me to be more intentional—every small change in light angle, distance, and power output made a noticeable difference in the final image. Instead of relying on multiple lights, I focused on shaping shadows, controlling highlights, and using contrast to define the mood.
We experimented with different positions and intensities, watching how the light wrapped around the subject and how subtle adjustments transformed the look and feel of each shot. This process reminded me that great photography isn’t about how much gear you have, but how well you understand and use the tools in front of you.
The results turned out better than I imagined—clean, dramatic, and full of character. This one-light setup proved once again that simplicity, when used intentionally, can produce powerful images.
A big thank you to Temi for being part of this session and helping bring the vision to life.
