how can i shoot "GQ" style?

[claysu]

hello all,

i have very basic stuff. rockin' my Canon XSi with the stock lens and the 50mm 1.8. i have also picked up a speedlite 430EX. thats the extent of my gear as im very much an amateur, and i definitely dont have a studio or studio lighting. so here are some examples of the type of style im going for, which is very popular in GQ magazine:








my questions are:
1. how can i create this look on the cheap? if i use a white/light colored wall and makeshift lights and my flash, will it work (maybe ill rent equipment)?

2. how can i create this effect? from just looking at the photos, harsh shadows are very minimal (in some magazine shoots they are not visible at all). i can only expect that this is either done by having very even and direct light from most sides or multiple flashes going off at all angles at once.

3. if this is done by using flash, how can i minimize washing out facial features and reducing shine or reflection in glasses?


thanks for your help. if you need any more details or have questions about the look im going for, feel free to ask!

[OsmosisStudios]

One very small but powerful light source.

The shadows are harsh, which means small.

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

One very small but powerful light source.

The shadows are harsh, which means small.

Also extremely close to the lens.

Edit: Subjects EXTREMELY close to the background too.

[claysu]

ah, i see. so something like a ring flash? will it need to be softened a bit as to not wash out facial details?

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by claysu

ah, i see. so something like a ring flash? will it need to be softened a bit as to not wash out facial details?

Not necessary to have a ring flash, though it might help. Just a small-source powerful flash close to the subject and the subject close to the backdrop.

[gturner]

You are lucky, you could get this look with a pop up flash

that said, it looks as though they have 2 softer lights at 45degrees and a powerful one straight in front

[claysu]

thanks, everyone! ill be giving this a try real soon.