I’m a huge advocate of creating depth in a photograph. One of the ways is to use a back light or at times referred to as a hair light when shooting talent.

Some of the challenges I might have are when the talent has blonde or gray / silver colored hair. I’ll lose hair detail in the hair light. I found a great method for helping gain back that detail without losing the depth that a hair light can create.

First I’ll spray paint the inside of one of my reflectors from metal to flat white. This will soften the contrast:IMG_2485

The next thing I will add is some diffusion material referred to as Quarter Grid. It’s a soft fabric you can purchase from B&H.
IMG_2486

I’ll take the Quarter Grid fabric and stretch it over the reflector. I’ll add a 20? grid to that reflector and pull it on the edges nice and snug:IMG_2488

I’m ready to shoot some talent with a soft diffused hair light:IMG_2490

Here you can see the details in Rene Auberjonois suit and hair through the diffused light:Rene

Anytime you have the opportunity to make anyone look better through a simple technique such as I’ve just shared, take it up a notch and see the amazing results you can achieve.

That’s a wrap, fade to black

Mike PR Image

Mike is best known for his work on countless popular shows that are household names: CSI, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY, JAG, Boston Legal, Pretty Little Liars to name a few. His current projects are NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles.

Mike is a Trainer for KelbyOne, and Los Angeles Center of Photography. Mike is also a member of the International Cinematographers Guild.

You can view Mikes work at .