Hopefully, the narrative arc throughout this book has demonstrated that taking a few key elements into consideration will help you exercise better control over each photo session. When there is a level of consistency in your method of controlling the light, selecting the background, and presenting your subjects, you are firmly on your way to getting great results from every photo shoot.
If you feel intimidated by off-camera flash, then start at the simplest point: enhancing the existing light with just one flash. Experimenting with this uncomplicated sweetening of the available light is a good place to start—and a good foundation from which to begin exploring more complicated setups when you’re ready.
OBSERVING AND CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION AND QUALITY OF THE LIGHT IS A KEY TO SUCCESS.
And, finally, remember that whatever kind of light source you’re using, and whatever environment is the setting for your portraits, observing and controlling the direction and quality of the light is a key to success.
—Neil van Niekerk