Innovative   lighting techniques

It’s one thing to know how to work with natural light, but those who have truly mastered the craft are also experts with flash – in studio and location. For this feature, we look at work by leading photographers to gain insights into how they go about lighting their images and what lighting solutions they rely on. We also explore how photographers’ experimentation with light not only separates them from the norm, but pushes boundaries through merging art and photography.

Gregory Heisler

With over 70 TIME covers under his belt, portrait specialist Gregory Heisler is no stranger to innovation and artistry. Renowned for his evocative images of politicians, actors, and sporting stars, the award-winning photographer and educator (he was recently appointed Distinguished Professor at the Newhouse School, Syracuse University, in New York) likens technique to a recipe – something that someone else can do with similar results. Style, however, he believes is within the photographer. “Style is your vision as expressed through your technique; it is where the technique becomes individualised,” says Heisler.

Tools of the trade

Ten years ago, Heisler admits he wouldn’t have been caught dead with a speedlight. “They were little and plastic, but now they are very sophisticated,” says Heisler who is hesitant to advocate the tool, but acknowledges its merit. He believes that while the ETTL (evaluative through-the-lens metering) is not always accurate, it comes pretty close and can be tweaked, often saving photographers time, replacing the need to take multiple readings, images, and adjustments to get things right.

“Speedlights are small. You can put two of them in your bag with your camera and two zoom lenses and you can kind of do anything,” he says. “And you don’t need giant stands for them as they’re lightweight.” What Heisler particularly likes about them though