Chasing Your Shadow: The Secret Sauce You've Been Missing

Want to take your photography lighting skills to the next level? In this video, I’ll cover the often-overlooked aspect of lighting that separates amateur photos from professional ones: passive and active fill. Learn how adding fill techniques can improve the details in your shadows, making your shots more dynamic and competition-ready. A photographer once asked me for feedback on their photos. Although their subject was well-lit with key lights and edge lights, the shadows lacked detail, which can often make or break an image. Passive fill (using reflectors, walls, or bounce cards) and active fill (using additional light sources) can make a significant difference in creating balanced and professional-looking photographs. Watch as I demonstrate step-by-step how to use passive fill both in the studio and outdoors, followed by active fill lighting techniques that provide more control over shadow details. You’ll also learn about common gear setups to use and practical demos to help you elevate your lighting game. To learn more from me, please visit: https://johngress.com/academy Get all the gear I use in my studio here: https://johngress.com/gear This video was shot with a Canon Cinema EOS C70 Amazon https://amzn.to/3vkvy7X B&H https://bhpho.to/44dCV23 Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM Lens Amazon https://amzn.to/3o3BZK0 B&H https://bhpho.to/3LyIa5g Canon C300 MK 2 Amazon https://amzn.to/3YM6fKo Adorama https://adorama.rfvk.net/kjnVP3 DZOFILM Pictor 20-55mm T2.8 Amazon https://amzn.to/420C6Z0 B&H https://bhpho.to/3NlRcUv Items mentioned in order of appearance Elinchrom Rotalux Deep Octabox (100cm / 39”) Amazon https://amzn.to/3fRG5AH B&H https://bhpho.to/3oSg0cy Studio Titan Side Kick STA-06-090 B&H https://bhpho.to/3UakUM1 Elinchrom FIVE Amazon https://amzn.to/3Um6V61 B&H https://bhpho.to/3LcypYZ V-FLAT WORLD Foldable V-Flat, Set of 2, Black/White Amazon https://amzn.to/3NI0f29 B&H https://bhpho.to/3VD8tKR V-Flat World https://bit.ly/3fXqaid Studio Titan Camera Stand STA-01-360 MK2 B&H https://bhpho.to/3cf4RfL Tether Tools TetherPro Right Angle Adapter USB 3.0 to USB-C Pigtail Cable, 20”, Orange Amazon https://amzn.to/3lo6gj4 TetherPro USB-C to USB Female Adapter (Extender), 15’ (4.6m) (High-Visibility Orange) Amazon https://amzn.to/33Eeca8 Elinchrom Indirect Litemotiv Strip Softbox (13 x 69”) Amazon https://amzn.to/33NTasn B&H https://bhpho.to/44b7B43 Sekonic LiteMaster Pro L-478DR-U-EL Series Light Meter for Elinchrom EL Skyport System Amazon https://amzn.to/2NM9DTz B&H https://bhpho.to/3Lz1Og7 Elinchrom Rotalux Stripbox 35x90cm Amazon https://amzn.to/3nUwD3M B&H https://bhpho.to/40PXZbZ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:31 Passive Fill 06:54 Passive Fill Demo 09:19 Take It Outside 11:19 Active Fill 16:52 Active Fill Demo 19:03 Fill Options 20:41 Conclusion Music: Evolution and Going Higher by Bensound http://bensound.com/ Disclosure: This description contains affiliate links. If you use them, I may earn a commission — at no additional cost to you. #PhotographyLighting #PassiveFill #ActiveFill #LightingTechniques #StudioLighting #JohnGress #PhotographyTips #CanonC70 #Elinchrom #PhotographyGear #LightingModifiers #PhotographyTutorial