NSFW How to get sharp shadow edges

ndwgolf

ndwgolf

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Neil Williams
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After seeing another post by Owen I tried to do a similar kind of shoot but failed to get the shadows sharp............what am I doing wrong?
I used a Profoto B1 head with a 11inch reflector on it about 45 degrees to the models right
Screenshot 2026-08-20 at 08.19.31.png
Shaddow-play_0038.jpg
 
I’m no expert, but would say; soft light leads to soft shadows.
 
A bare bulb should help - you need a point source of light for sharp shadows.
 
I am no expert but I have been having similar concerns when dodging in the darkroom.

How far away from the light source is the model ?

The further away you get the light the harder the shadow edge.

Try putting your light on maximum output and moving it as far back as your exposure requirement allows.

A smaller diameter reflector should help as well if you have one.
 
snooted studio head (ideally an optical snoot, so its focus-able), high power, as far back as you can get it so you're basically getting a point source "spotlight" kind of effect.
 
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Graham W said:
Flash further away...much further away? (Grid?)
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A honeycomb (grid) will stop the light spreading to some degree, so may have some value because it will effectively make the light a bit smaller and will also reduce the amount of unwanted light bounce from reflective surfaces, but won't make a lot of difference.

None of the data you've posted makes a scrap of difference, you just need to increase the distance from flash to subject and use the smallest possible light source
 
Garry Edwards said:
A honeycomb (grid) will stop the light spreading to some degree, so may have some value because it will effectively make the light a bit smaller and will also reduce the amount of unwanted light bounce from reflective surfaces, but won't make a lot of difference.

None of the data you've posted makes a scrap of difference, you just need to increase the distance from flash to subject and use the smallest possible light source
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Okay I will try bare bulb next time
 
Agreed, but it's an inefficient and clumsy approach to a simple problem. We've been here before, the OP already has an ideal reflector for this purpose, although of course it needs to be used without the diffusion sock
ndwgolf said:
I got one too Phil:ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
View attachment 480575
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The wide/translucent shadow edges show that your main problem is "spill"; because your studio is fairly small and has light colored walls.

This is part of a drawing I made many years ago to help explain/show why "soft" modifiers become "hard" when used from too far away... and using your reflector from too close may be part of your problem.

But you can also see all of the light which goes around the subject... in a small/light room that light is reflected back into the subject, and the walls/ceiling/floor become part of your modifier/reflector. This is actually how/why a lot of beginners get soft light results in small spaces with cheap/small kit; a lack of control of the lighting.

This shows a reflective umbrella, but the specific type of modifier doesn't much matter.

1787237434508.png

To get the result you want you need two things. As hard of a light source as you can generate (small/distant/focused/etc), and control of whatever spill that source generates (no side walls, black flags, etc). In your case the best bet may be to make as small/hard of a source as possible with minimal spill. I would probably use as tight of a reflector as you own (e.g. snoot), and then possibly restrict that farther (grid/etc). One way is to make a "pinhole" mask from foil over your reflector... you will waste a ton of light, but it will/should work. The best way is probably to use optically focused (collimated) light.
 
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Steven,
You're absolutely right, small and light/white walls and ceilings are part of the problem, and your solution is correct.

But, I believe that if Neil does as suggested, i.e. a small, deep reflector as far away from the subject as possible, the results will be good enough - just try it and see:)
If I'm wrong, that's the time to try adding further control.
 
Garry Edwards said:
But, I believe that if Neil does as suggested, i.e. a small, deep reflector as far away from the subject as possible, the results will be good enough - just try it and see:)
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sk66 said:
...and using your reflector from too close may be part of your problem...
I would probably use as tight of a reflector as you own (e.g. snoot), and then possibly restrict that farther (grid/etc).
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I believe Neil could place his light outside the entrance to his studio which would (potentially) accomplish everything at once (distance, spill control, etc)
 
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Garry Edwards said:
Steven,
You're absolutely right, small and light/white walls and ceilings are part of the problem, and your solution is correct.

But, I believe that if Neil does as suggested, i.e. a small, deep reflector as far away from the subject as possible, the results will be good enough - just try it and see:)
If I'm wrong, that's the time to try adding further control.
Click to expand...
Ill give it a go over the weekend.....thanks
 
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