Do Modeling Lights Really Matter? | Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey

Modeling lights are the unsung heroes of studio photography; built right into most flashes, they’re so much more than just “on/off” indicators. In this video, photographer Gavin Hoey dives into modeling lights' many uses (and a few limitations). Some are obvious, others less so. Gavin starts with the basics, like using modeling lights to preview your light direction or check if the flash is even on! From there, he explores more creative uses, such as using the LED modeling lights as a standalone light source for shallow depth-of-field portraits, ensuring perfect catchlights in your model’s eyes, or eliminating unwanted reflections in glasses. But it’s not all plain sailing. Gavin also explains the quirks of modeling lights, like how their contrast or color doesn’t always match the actual flash output—especially when using gels. Whether you’re a beginner in studio photography or looking to get more out of your gear, this video is packed with practical tips to help you make the most of modeling lights in your studio sessions. Gavin Hoey is a freelance photographer, writer, and trainer of all things photographic. Gavin has a real passion for sharing his photography and Photoshop knowledge. In 2008, he started recording and uploading video tutorials to YouTube. His work is regularly featured in photography magazines, websites, and videos. Video Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:35 Possibly the best modeling light tip ever 1:04 Using a modeling light to judge the light direction 1:40 Better focusing with a modeling lamp 2:20 Photo Session with help from a modeling light 3:04 Check the catchlight before you press the shutter 4:01 How to get rid of reflection in glasses 4:31 Use modeling lights for shallow DOF portraits 5:40 Photo session using only the modeling lights 6:36 The Modelling light doesn’t match the flash results 7:30 Colored gels and modeling light issues 8:38 Portrait session with colored gels and contrast 9:12 Outro SUBSCRIBE AND BE PART OF THE ADORAMA FAMILY: ➥    / adoramatv   __________________________________ Be the first to shop our great deals and sales by signing up for emails from Adorama! https://www.adorama.com/MyAccount/Login 🔷 Save 5% Every Day† or Special Financing* On purchases of $199+ with the Adorama Edge Credit Card. Learn More: https://www.adorama.com/g/adorama-credit. __________________________________ ✘ GEAR USED: Flashpoint Xplor400 Pro https://www.adorama.com/fplfx400ptb.html Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Pro II https://www.adorama.com/fplfev200pii.... Flashpoint R2 Pro Transmitter https://www.adorama.com/fprrr2proo.html OM SYSTEM OM-1 https://www.adorama.com/iomom1.html OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II https://www.adorama.com/iom1240pb.html Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.2 https://www.adorama.com/iom4512.html Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm https://www.adorama.com/fplsc.html Glow S2 Round Flash S-type Bowens Mount Bracket https://www.adorama.com/glbdsm02pro.html Glow EZ Lock Collapsible Silver Beauty Dish (25") https://www.adorama.com/glbdez25s.html Manfrotto 5x7' Vintage Collapsible Background, Smoke/Concrete https://www.adorama.com/ls57bcksmke.html Glow 7" Reflector https://www.adorama.com/glrf7bo.html Tether Tools TetherGuard LeverLock Plate and cable https://www.adorama.com/ttllpc15rtor.... Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo https://www.adorama.com/fjimnevob.html Fujifilm Instax Mini Contact Sheet Film https://www.adorama.com/fjimcsf.html #modelphotography #studiophotography #adorama __________________________________ ❐ LET'S GET SOCIAL ❏ ➥ TikTok   / adoramanyc   ➥ Facebook   / adorama   ➥ Instagram   / adorama   ➥ Twitter   / adorama   ❐ MORE ADORAMA ❏ ➥ Shop https://www.adorama.com/ ➥ Blog https://www.adorama.com/alc/ ➥ Adorama Events    / @adoramaevents   __________________________________ Follow Gavin Hoey on   / thegavinhoey   Model: Chloe Kerley   / chloekmodel   __________________________________ THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!