Litemotiv Para 120 - Emily Teague

SOFT LIGHT OR CRISP LIGHT WITH ELINCHROM LITEMOTIV PARA 120

Are you looking for a versatile light shaper that can produce soft, even light with a clear direction and easily adjustable to provide crisp light that defines clothing fibers and the model's expressions? Photographer Emily Teague explains why the Elinchrom Litemotiv Para 120 cm is one of her favorite light shapers and how she typically uses the softbox.

Emily Teague - Litemotiv Para 120 cm

I'm here once again for another installment of Elinchrom Accessories Spotlight, and this time, I've chosen to showcase another beloved modifier in my collection - the Litemotiv Para Softbox 120cm. I opt for this modifier when aiming for a gentle, uniform illumination with a blend of intensity. It's almost a routine for me to pair up my Litemotiv Para Softbox 120cm with my ELC 500s in the studio.

I frequently opt for the Litemotiv Para Softbox 120cm because I favor a soft quality of light. However, I also have a penchant for enhancing the light's hardness, adding more crispness, and intensifying contrast by eliminating the front diffusion baffle and making use of the reflective silver fabric inside. Additionally, there's a central baffle that can be removed to crank up the intensity further.

Below, you'll find three instances where I've employed the Litemotiv Para Softbox 120cm, along with some insights into my approach to creating these images.

“The light created is soft and flattering while still having those deep shadows that help the richness of this image”

Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec | Aperture: f/6.3 | ISO: 200

In the initial example mentioned, I use both the Litemotiv Para Softbox 120cm and a Rotalux Softbox 100 cm for illumination. Both of these modifiers were paired with ELC 500s. To introduce more shadows on the sides of my model, Brandi, I strategically positioned Black V-Flats on each side. The resultant light was gentle and complimentary, yet it retained those profound shadows that contributed to the visual depth of this image. I particularly adore the subtle highlight on Brandi's cheekbone, juxtaposed with the profound shadow just beneath her jawline. I'm also delighted by the subtle glimpse of her eye and the 2 o'clock specular catch light within it, created by the Litemotiv Para Softbox 120 cm.

Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec | Aperture: f/7.1 | ISO: 125

Moving on to the next image, this one falls into the category of more theatrical fashion shots, complete with the presence of a hairless cat. Similar to the previous example, I employed my trusty Litemotiv Para Softbox 120cm and a Rotalux Softbox 100 cm. However, in this instance, I took an unconventional approach by mounting the Rotalux 100 cm in an inverse manner to produce a softer, more evenly distributed light. I also took measures to partially flag and feather the light to prevent it from being overly directional.

For additional control, I used a White-Sided V-Flat as a flag to redirect some of the light from both modifiers back onto the scene.

What isn't visible in the images are the two Elinchrom ELC's strategically positioned behind the set wall. These lights were both equipped with reflectors and aimed directly at the white ceiling, allowing the light to bounce back down onto the set, resulting in a more uniformly distributed fill light. My primary goal was to ensure that both my model and her feline companion were adequately illuminated, along with the backdrop behind them.

Shutter Speed: 1/200 sec | Aperture: f/10 | ISO: 160

The final example comes from a portrait session commissioned by my lovely friend, Cassie. My aim was to craft an image that exuded sophistication, playfulness, elegance, and romance, all while capturing a touch of Cassie's unique personality. I relied on the interplay of light and shadows to achieve this effect. To enhance the shadowy elements, I positioned Black V-Flats on both sides, intensifying the shading.

Knowing that I intended these images to be in black and white, I performed a quick edit in Capture One during the shoot to preview the monochromatic outcome. My focus was on ensuring that Cassie's light-colored skirt against the bright background retained its definition.

For lighting, I positioned my ELC 500 and Litemotiv Para 120 cm to the side and slightly above Cassie, directing the light straight down onto her. Behind the Litemotiv Para 120 cm, I placed another ELC 500 equipped with a reflector, aiming it in the opposite direction towards a white wall that could bounce light back into the scene for fill. As you might have gathered by now, I'm quite fond of using bounced light whenever the opportunity arises.

That’s all for now! I hope these examples and thoughts on using the Litemotiv Para Softbox 120cm were helpful. I hope you all stay creative, playful, and inspired to try new things with your lighting and photography.

About Emily Teague Emily Teague, a skilled photographer and director based in Brooklyn, New York, began her photographic journey at the young age of 16. With an insatiable curiosity for storytelling, lighting, color, and capturing emotions, Emily's photographic style has been greatly influenced by her extensive photojournalism experience, as well as her love for exploring different cultures and creating visual narratives. As a true storyteller at heart, Emily has found a balance between creating her own stories and capturing those of others through her work with non-profit organizations and NGOs. Her travels have taken her to over 30 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Africa, allowing her to capture the beauty of different cultures and their people through her lens.

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