Exploring the Use of Small Light

Lighting fixture companies like Aputure or Nanlite have started making smaller but powerful light sources that are often super versatile. They can fill in a dark area, provide enough punch as a key light in a tight space, or add accent color if it's an RGB fixture.

I have been exploring using lights like the Aputure 80C with a tiny softbox as an eye light or uplight for fast-paced sets lately, and the results I'm getting are great!

Since the low-end dimming is impressive, it can light up a scene without affecting the existing lighting on the subject too much, and simply add a nice, larger eye light by placing it along the eyeline.

Another use is uplighting the subject for beauty shots. A lot of editorial photography uses this technique where you place light coming from both top and bottom to achieve a shadow-free look. It helps smooth the skin and also reduces the appearance of eye bags and wrinkles.

Having the light on a small stand, and thanks to it being battery powered, the 80C helps me get the shots I need quickly.

I do want to explore different attachments instead of the Aputure mini softbox — for example, trying a Chimera strip for uplighting to get a wider and rectangular light shape.