Another installment of the Lighting 102 series is posted on the Strobist website. The issue of Specular Highlight Control is covered and includes a number of examples. In simple terms, we’re talking about a reflection of the light source itself.

Most photographers think of specular highlights as small point reflections. As David describes in the article, it also includes larger reflections of the light source. He takes a point light source and changes it to a broader, larger source by simply changing the zoom position of the flash. The reflection is still there but it’s larger and less obtrusive. (see glasses samples in the article)

He talks about, and shows examples of, some great one light portraits. Using a single umbrella/flash combo and letting the light spill onto the background is one technique. The photo of the girl about halfway down the article shows this simple method. Also check out the samples from his seminar in Rhode Island. The first shot is very creative and the shot with the halo effect is amazing.

I love reading the articles on Strobist as it gets me to think outside the box.