As part of the Harlowe ambassador program, Joseph Ford recently embarked on a creative journey, shooting across four diverse locations with a flexible lighting setup—all packed into one camera bag. Throughout this exciting adventure, Joseph showcased the versatility and power of Harlowe lighting equipment, proving how the right tools can elevate any shoot, regardless of location.
Location 1: Harlowe Studios
Joseph’s day began at Harlowe Studios, where an artistic backdrop set the stage for a stunning portrait session. He started with a two-light setup, using the Avant Max paired with a softbox for soft, diffused light and the Mini Max with barndoors to sculpt the subject’s features. To highlight the iconic Harlowe bag as part of the styling, Joseph added a third light—the Mini—angled to emphasize the bag’s textures against the model. The controlled environment allowed for precise adjustments, ensuring every shot was a perfect balance of light and shadow. The result was a collection of beautifully polished portraits that captured the creativity of the studio setting.
Location 2: Outdoor Hallway
Next, Joseph took his setup outdoors to a nearby architectural building, where he found a dark hallway with striking leading lines. This minimalist environment presented an ideal opportunity to experiment with dramatic lighting. Joseph positioned the Avant Max as the key light, drawing focus to his model against the dark backdrop. The Mini Max was used as fill light to emphasize the hallway’s lines, guiding the viewer’s eye toward the model. After capturing the initial look, Joseph added a red gel to the Mini Max to infuse a moody atmosphere, creating an eye-catching contrast that made his model’s silhouette stand out even more.
Location 3: Architectural Stairs
Joseph’s third location was a stunning architectural staircase, where the clean lines and textures offered a dramatic setting for the shoot. He kept the lighting simple, using just the Avant Max to illuminate the model and highlight the unique features of the staircase. This minimalistic approach allowed the architecture to complement the model’s pose, resulting in a harmonious composition that showcased both the subject and the environment.
Location 4: Rooftop Overlooking the City
The highlight of Joseph’s day came during a rooftop shoot overlooking the city skyline. The Avant Max with a softbox was used to gently light the model, while still allowing the city’s expansive view to shine through. The soft, glowing light provided a natural yet flattering illumination, creating a balanced contrast with the urban landscape. After capturing the first shot, Joseph turned his focus to the architecture of the rooftop. By adding a red gel to the Mini Max and directing it at the ceiling, he created a striking contrast that added drama and energy to the scene.
Location 5: One Last Creative Spot
As the day came to a close, Joseph discovered one last creative spot that was too good to pass up. Excited to capture this unique scene, he once again used the Avant Max with the softbox and added the red gel to the Mini Max. The focus shifted entirely to the model, with bold compositional elements framing the shot. The red gel provided a dramatic pop of color, blending soft and intense lighting to create a powerful visual effect, marking the perfect end to an inspiring day of shooting.
Joseph Ford’s creative journey highlights the versatility and adaptability of Harlowe lighting equipment in a variety of environments. From the artistic controlled settings of the studio to the dramatic outdoor hallway and the breathtaking rooftop view, Harlowe lights allowed Joseph to explore and experiment with lighting, creating captivating imagery at every turn. This adventure proves that lighting is key to telling diverse stories through photography, and with the right tools, endless creative possibilities are at your fingertips.
At Harlowe, we are proud to support artists like Joseph in their creative endeavors. We hope his experience inspires you to explore new lighting techniques and capture your own extraordinary moments.
