Using Profoto gear, UK-based portrait photographer Drew Forsyth documents women working in male-dominated industries. Here he guides us through his shoot with mechanic Zoe Coghlan in her Manchester garage, and speaks to the important role the Profoto B10X, OCF Softbox Octa and Profoto A2 played in capturing her hardworking and independent spirit.
Meet Drew Forsyth
“Strong women characterize my portfolio,” Drew says. His “Breaking Ground” series is the latest example of just that. The females he photographs are experts in their fields, and he captures them in their element. “I want to showcase amazing women who are fighting all the odds to succeed in industries that typically haven’t attracted—or catered to—them,” he explains.
A subtle approach
When it comes to my lighting, I think about my images holistically. I like to keep it very natural, and most of the time, incredibly soft. My goal is that the subjects look like they haven’t been lit at all. I always light for the face first, and everything else second. When we look at photographs, we’re drawn to the subject’s face, regardless of the content of the photograph.
Action oriented
Since I’m on location so much, I like to work with Profoto B10Xs because they’re battery powered. Being able to move quickly is absolutely crucial. Especially in a situation like this shoot where we were in a busy garage and cars were constantly moving. Lights that need to be plugged in would have been unworkable. I can follow the action with the B10X, and I love that it’s durable and reliable.
Sculpting with light
My lighting setup for Zoe’s shoot was very straightforward. I used the B10X and an OCF Softbox Octa for 80 percent of the images. When I paired them together, I got that flattering light that I crave. The softness of the light the Octa creates is wonderful. It beautifully sculpts the face. I placed the B10X and softbox between 45 and 90 degrees to the subject. It was crucial that the light wasn’t aimed directly at Zoe, but rather that she was illuminated with the edges of light.
Shadow play
For a couple of the later shots, I added in the Profoto A2. With Zoe in front of a backdrop, I propped an A2 on a nearby table and pointed it directly at her. It was at a very low power, but it filled in some shadows and created others. I also used an A2 when I captured Zoe holding the tires. I placed the A2 on a stand, firing back towards the camera. Then my assistant sprayed some haze into the shot, giving it a truly cinematic look.
Find your light
Lighting doesn’t have to be complicated to achieve beautiful, natural results. The key is everything working together: the lighting, lens choice, framing and composition. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. I encourage everyone to take their lights out into difficult circumstances and give your subjects the lighting they deserve. To see more of my work and learn about my other lighting setups, visit my Share The Light profile.
Photography & Direction: Drew Forsyth @_drewforsyth
Subject: Zoe Coghlan @zoecog
Photo Assistant: Naomi Kane @itsnaomikane
