How to create harsh shadows in studio photography?

[myportfolioepb]

Hello everyone!
I don't know if it is a right place to ask this question here, if it's not then I apologize.

Can anyone tell me how to create harsh shadows in studio photography?

[i speak in math]

Hardness and softness of light is a function of the apparent size of the light source. Soft light means big light sources and hard light means small light sources. If you want hard shadows, you need small light sources. Using an unmodified speedlight should work just fine.

[Daryl Everett]

Small shop lights from the DIY store do a fine job too.

[bhursey]

Also you can if using an umbrella put the flash closer to the umbrella and co-laps it around the flash..

[Life in Motion]

Also just to add a little information. if you want to use a modifier with your flash....a small softbox creates a lot more dramatic lighting than the umbrella in my limited experience. The umbrella seems to spread the light out more while the softbox modifier seems to create more of a spot light effect. i actually like to use one of each in my studio. Then for dramatic closeups i'll use the softbox as a main, and turn my flash way down low to use as a slight fill for the shadows. hope this helps!

[dlambert]

You'll definitely want to check out strobist if you haven't already done so. There are some really amazing examples of light modification and lighting setups there.