The Secret To Soft Shadow Studio Portraits | Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey

Adorama October 30, 2025
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AdoramaTV is the preeminent source for videos related to photography, video, and audio. Of course, we have new product releases and gear reviews, but what sets AdoramaTV apart is how we connect with our viewers and create engaging creative content. We have over a dozen hosts that share their experiences, knowledge, and tips to over 1,500,000 viewers a month. From studio lighting, video, and compact cameras to Photoshop, audio gear, and photographer interviews, AdoramaTV has something for any visual creator wanting to have more fun and a better experience with their camera. The hosts seek to engage with the viewers through their passion and knowledge, helping them feel more confident when they’re taking photos or video. AdoramaTV believes that having real professionals tell their stories and share their craft is why our audience is engaged with our videos and why they gain confidence and desire to explore their own creative directions with photography and video.

Video Description

Sometimes, even when you’ve done the right thing.. You’re using off camera flash, have the correct exposure and you’re using a softbox… and yet your studio portraits still have a dark, unwanted shadow behind your model! In this video, Gavin Hoey breaks down why those background shadows appear and how to get rid of them for good using just one light. Starting with a small softbox placed too far from the subject, Gavin shows how light size and position affect the look of your background. You’ll see how raising or moving the flash can help and how bouncing your light off a wall or better still, switching to a larger softbox can totally transform the results. To prove it’s not just about “technical fixes,” Gavin then takes the same one light setup and creates a bold, colorful image using a yellow background, a red umbrella, and 100 red plastic balls to turn a lighting problem fix into a creative photo opportunity. Timestamps and Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:48 Is the shadow from your light? 1:36 Quick fix, move flash closer 2:19 Raise flash to lower shadow 2:52 Bounced light is soft light 3:40 Big softbox for soft shadows 4:44 Big softbox photo session 5:26 Expanding the idea 6:25 Red balls photo session 6:55 Conclusions and Subscribe SUBSCRIBE AND BE PART OF THE ADORAMA FAMILY: ➥ https://www.youtube.com/user/adoramaTV __________________________________ Be the first to shop our great deals and sales by signing up for emails from Adorama! https://www.adorama.com/MyAccount/Login 🔷 Save 5% Every Day† or Special Financing* On purchases of $199+ with the Adorama Edge Credit Card. Learn More: https://www.adorama.com/g/adorama-credit. __________________________________ ✘ GEAR USED: OM SYSTEM OM-1 https://www.adorama.com/iomom1.html OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II https://www.adorama.com/iom1240pb.html Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Pro https://www.adorama.com/fplfev200pk1.html Flashpoint R2 Pro Transmitter https://www.adorama.com/fprrr2proo.html Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm https://www.adorama.com/fplsc.html Glow S2 Round Flash S-type Bowens Mount Bracket https://www.adorama.com/glbdsm02pro.html Glow EZ Lock Collapsible Silver Beauty Dish (42") https://www.adorama.com/glbdez42s.html Sekonic L-858D Light Meter https://www.adorama.com/sk401858gx.html Tether Tools AeroTrac Workstation https://www.adorama.com/ttatws.html Tether Tools TetherGuard LeverLock and 15' USB-C Cable https://www.adorama.com/ttlpc15rt2or.html SpiderHolster SpiderPro Belt v2 https://www.adorama.com/sh402.html SpiderHolster SpiderLight Holster Plate https://www.adorama.com/shslp.html #GavinHoey #lightingtutorial #adorama __________________________________ ❐ LET'S GET SOCIAL ❏ ➥ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@adoramanyc ➥ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/adorama/ ➥ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/adorama/ ➥ X https://x.com/adorama ➥ Discord https://www.adorama.com/discord ❐ MORE ADORAMA ❏ ➥ Shop https://www.adorama.com/ ➥ Blog https://www.adorama.com/alc/ ➥ Adorama Events https://www.youtube.com/@AdoramaEvents __________________________________ Follow Gavin Hoey on https://www.instagram.com/thegavinhoey Model: Chloe Kerley https://www.instagram.com/chloekmodel __________________________________ THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

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