As I dive deeper in photography, I try to deviate from gear talk and camera settings. Things like having a visual response to the subject and composition seem more interesting to me. But, when it comes to portraits, having light usually brings the final result to another level because controlled light gives the image a sharper, more finished look. On most of my recent shoots, my approach to portraiture was to work with ambient light that most often consisted of having the subject turning away from direct sunlight. The first two portraits in this post were taken in ambient light which I blocked with a portable reflector, holding it at arm's length and shooting with a standard lens.

I never liked using speed lights and how it slowed me down. I love the portability of using speed lights, but dealing with slow recycling times and carrying extra stuff to shoot faster always makes it cumbersome. Strobes, on the other hand, work quick and snappy, but the weight that comes with using them makes it even more impractical for me. So, two years into investing in entry-level lighting gear, I finally was able to find a device that works for me; a portable strobe light that's battery-powered.

I was able to put my new light to the test on a recent portrait shoot I had with Hungarian model and designer Tsvetina Krasimirova. On this opportunity, I pulled out my new light halfway through the shoot diffusing it with a 25" octa softbox which I positioned on various angles as I continued shooting. In addition to getting sharper images, I always liked how using off camera lighting brings life to the eyes; which is very difficult achieving when working with ambient light. I never wanted portraits with dark circles or lifeless eyes, so I'm glad to finally be able to have control over that and be responsive to the subject.

Model instagram link: @_rain.symphony_