MagMod XL | Hands-On with MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL (Pt. 2 of 2)

Sean Lewis

MagMod XL Line Modifiers Part Two Feature

We previously shared our thoughts on the new MagMod XL line after getting our hands on the MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL. This time around, we’re going in-studio to show you how to use the kit to capture dramatic portraits. We’ve been wanting to use MagMod gear with larger lights for some time, so we’re excited that now, we finally can.

Let’s get started.

Video: Hands-On with the MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL, Pt. 2

Gear Checklist

Here’s a list of the gear used in this tutorial for the MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL.

1. Composition

Like always, we begin with the C.A.M.P. Framework (Composition, Ambient Exposure, Modify/Add Light, Pose & Photograph) and then work our way through the shot. In this case, we’re going with a two-light setup to create a dramatic, silhouetted-esque dance portrait.

2. Ambient Exposure

For more dramatically lit shots, you’ll want to go darker in terms of setting the ambient exposure in-camera. Otherwise, going with a brighter exposure and lower powered flash will render a more natural look.

dark exposure
RAW SOOC, 28-70mm @ 40mm, 1/200, f/4, ISO 100

Here’s an example of a dark ambient exposure setting, which will work well once we add our lights (see above). As you can see, pretty much all of the ambient light has been taken out.

3. Add and Modify the Light Source

Now, we need to add some light back into the scene. We’ll start with one and then go from there.

Add the Backlight

BTS for backlight

Place your subject into the scene so that you can set up your lights as needed. Here, we placed a Profoto B10+ directly behind our subject, approximately 5’-7’ back. We’re using a B10+ as a backlight to give us more power. We’ll use a regular Profoto B10 (and a little less power) for the main light up front. We can do this because our main (or front) light source will be very close to the subject.

04 MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL pt 2 backlight PYE 3926
RAW SOOC, 28-70mm @ 40mm, 1/200, f/4, ISO 200 | Rear Flash 500 Watt Seconds (WS)

Here’s what it looks like when we add the first light as a backlight. We used our go-to combination of a MagSphere XL, MagGrid XL, and a Dome Gel (all placed on a Reflector XL, which was mounted to a MagRing).

Add Main Light

BTS for 2-light setup
See the front light placed overhead, just in front of the subject, with the backlight placed directly behind the subject.

We could stop here for great silhouette shots, but a second light on the front of the subject will help us create a more dynamic portrait. As we mentioned earlier, we don’t need as much power from the front flash. As you probably guessed, we used the Reflector XL, MagSphere XL, MagGrid XL, and a Dome Gel gel to modify the front light as well. The grid control minimizes light spill light while the sphere softens and diffuses the light.

Make Final Adjustments

With both lights set up, we can now dial in the final settings for the second light.

over-exposed test shot
RAW SOOC, 28-70mm @ 40mm, 1/200, f/4, ISO 200 | Rear Flash 500 WS, Main Flash 62 WS

We captured the image above with the second flash set to full power. Clearly, the light is too bright and out of control. So, that means we need to lower the power down to 1/16th power (about 3-4 stops).

08 MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL pt 2 power lower PYE 3929
RAW SOOC, 28-70mm @ 40mm, 1/200, f/4, ISO 200 | Rear Flash 500 WS, Main Flash 15 WS

You might not have a white floor to add fill light back onto your subject. Don’t worry, you can improvise with something like a v-flat or reflector on the ground. Continue adjusting the light power until it looks the way you want it.

4. Pose and Photograph Your Subject

All that’s left now is to direct your subject into a variety of poses and start capturing photos.

07 MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL pt 2 raccoon eyes PYE 3929
“Raccoon eyes” can result from having the light overhead while the subject looks down.

Pro Tip: Because we’ve placed the light almost directly over our subject, she needed to tilt her head slightly up in each shot. If she looks down, we end up with a “raccoon eyes” effect.

Lighting Comparison with the MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL

Here’s a look at what each light is doing independently.

09 MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL pt 2 side by side lights PYE 3929

Final Images Using the MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL

Now, here are the final edited images….

11 MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL pt 2 Final Image PYE 3890 Edit 2

12 MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL pt 2 Final Image PYE 3973 Edit 2

14 MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL pt 2 Final Image PYE 3990 Edit
Final Images Above Edited with Visual Flow Presets
10 MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL pt 2 side by side lights
Edited with Visual Flow Black & White Mixer

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the new lineup of MagMod XL modifiers (including the MagMod Professional Strobe Kit XL) make it incredibly easy to get the look you want from larger, more powerful lights.