At a certain point in our journey, we figure out what our dream scenario would is; a studio with huge window’s, our favorite gear, and an abundance of ideal clients. And while we chase that goal, we make do with what we have, we hack, and figure out ways to grab a slice of the dream ahead of time.
In his latest episode of “The Breakdown”, Miguel Quiles shares a tip for those of us with dreams bigger than our present reality. Find out how to create soft light in small spaces.

Loving my new @savageuniversal coral seamless backdrop! Model: @weronikaraczkowski HMUA: @abglamlooks ***************************************** Gear: @sonyalpha A6500 + 50mm 1.8 ***************************************** #sonyAOI #sonyalpha #model #beauty #top_portraits #featuremeofh #portrait #igworldclub #way2ill #portraitphotography #moodyports #portraitfestival #portraits_mf #facesobsessed #profile_vision #pursuitofportraits #portraitmood #ig_mood #portraitpage #portraitshow #globe_people #portraitsvision #discoverportrait #sonyportraits #bravoportraits #buildandbloom #A6500

A post shared by Miguel Quiles📸 (@miguelquilesjr) on Apr 7, 2018 at 7:09am PDT

Camera Gear

Sony 50mm f1.8 – $248.00
Sony a6500 – $1,298.00

Note: It’s good time to look for these items used as shooters trade in gear to upgrade to newer camera models.

Lighting, Modifiers, & Backdrop

Savage Widetone Seamless Background Paper (#03 Coral, 107″x36′) – $52.99
Profoto RFi Speedlight Speedring – $198.00
Profoto 3′ RFi Octa Softbox – $266.00
Sony FA-WRC1M Wireless Radio Commander – $348.00
Sony HVL-F60RM Wireless Radio Flash – $599.99

The method to this shoot is simple but effective because it turns what could be a weakness in your setting into a strength. The small confines of a cramped space allow you replicate a much larger modifier by bouncing the light off the white walls that will gently engulf your subject. If you have a white wall(s) or a few sheets of 4×8 white foam core, you can recreate a similar look in a small shooting footprint.

Related Lighting Concepts