Mastering Portrait Photography: Brandon Barnard’s Profoto Share The Light Featured Shoots
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South African photographer Brandon Barnard recently had two striking portrait photographs featured on Profoto Share The Light, the prestigious platform showcasing exceptional lighting work from photographers worldwide.
These carefully curated images demonstrate the intersection of technical mastery and compelling visual storytelling, where advanced lighting techniques meet thoughtful character development.
The two portraits, “The Stoic Warrior” and “The Punk Poet”, showcase sophisticated three-light setups with Profoto professional lighting equipment. In this article, we break down the creative vision and technical execution behind both shoots. These projects showcase the level of artistry clients can expect from our portrait photography services.
Behind the Scenes
The Stoic Warrior: Philosophy Meets Photography
This portrait captures a man embodying warrior, father, and philosopher, drawing inspiration from classical Stoic texts. The image freezes a moment of quiet contemplation before decisive action, with atmospheric smoke adding mystique and depth.
The Shot
Lighting Diagram
The technical execution used a three-light Profoto setup. A B3 with three-foot octabox and grid provided the main illumination, creating soft yet controlled light. A B10 Plus with zoom reflector, grid, and orange gel added dimensional modelling from the side, whilst a B10 with orange gel behind the subject illuminated the smoke for separation and atmosphere.
Shot on Leica at 1/160s, f/3.5, and ISO 800, the image required minimal post-production. The straight-out-of-camera result demonstrates the precision we bring to every portrait photography session.
Behind the Scenes
Stoic Warrior Behind the Scenes
The Punk Poet: Rembrandt Meets Modern Edge
The second portrait tells the story of a young punk rock poet burning a list of grievances before embarking on justice and a world tour. The lighting pays homage to Rembrandt, bridging classical painting techniques with contemporary editorial photography.
The Shot
Lighting Diagram
This three-light setup used a B3 with octabox, double diffusion, and grid for the key light, creating softer illumination. A B10 with orange gel highlighted the smoke, whilst a B10 Plus with zoom reflector added subtle side lighting. Shot on Leica SL3 at 1/60s, f/3.5, and ISO 1600, the settings captured ambient fire light whilst maintaining balanced flash exposure.
Rembrandt lighting, characterised by a triangle of light on the shadowed side of the face, creates dramatic dimension. Brandon’s adaptation demonstrates how classical techniques remain powerful in modern portrait work.
Behind the Scenes
Punk Poet Behind the Scenes
Professional Equipment and Recognition
The Profoto lighting system delivers 750Ws of power with exceptional colour consistency. Light modifiers like octaboxes and grids sculpt and control light precisely, whilst colour gels introduce creative atmosphere. This professional-grade equipment enables the technical precision visible in both portraits.
Being featured on Profoto Share The Light represents recognition from industry peers for exceptional technical expertise and creative vision. The platform’s curated nature makes inclusion a meaningful achievement.
Brandon Barnard’s featured work demonstrates the technical mastery and creative storytelling that defines professional portrait photography. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, Brandon works with clients internationally. Explore our portrait photography services or view our gallery to see how we can create compelling portraits that tell your story.