Westcott University — Storytelling with Light

Photographer Joel Grimes is a master at using lighting to create compelling narratives. His recent photo shoot at Simpson Ranch in Wickenburg, Arizona, exemplifies his skill and artistry. Faced with intense desert sunshine, Joel used a combination of natural shade, softboxes, scrims, and powerful strobes to tame the light and shape the atmosphere around his subject.

Controlling Harsh Desert Sunlight

Despite the harsh outdoor conditions, Grimes employed several tools to manage and manipulate natural light. By strategically positioning his subject under partial shade and supplementing it with controlled strobe lighting, he achieved a balanced look without losing the gritty essence of the ranch setting.

Main Lighting Setup: FJ800 Strobe and Softboxes

Joel’s primary light source was an FJ800 strobe modified with a Rapid Box Switch 3×4 softbox. This setup served as a main cross light to produce a natural Rembrandt-style effect on the subject’s face. He also introduced an FJ800 with Rapid Box Switch 2×3 softbox with an egg crate grid as a subtle rim light, helping to separate the subject from the background and lend depth to the overall scene.

Exposure Control with the “Sunny 16” Rule

Maintaining consistent exposure outdoors can be challenging, especially in bright conditions. To simplify, Joel utilized the “Sunny 16” rule, setting:

Aperture: f/16
ISO: 200
Shutter Speed: 1/125s

He also factored in the need for high-speed sync or neutral density (ND) filters whenever he wanted to maintain a shallow depth of field under bright light.

Older man wearing a cowboy hat looking off into the distance

Outdoor portrait of Larry Simpson lit with two FJ800 strobes

Older man wearing a cowboy hat in black and white holding a lasso

Black and white portrait of Larry Simpson lit with two FJ800 strobes

Fine-Tuning with Scrims and Light Positioning

A Scrim Jim Cine 4×4 with Black Block allowed Joel to selectively block the Arizona sun. By carefully positioning the main strobe slightly forward, he achieved a classic Rembrandt triangle on the subject’s cheek, lending a three-dimensional quality to the final image.

Behind the scenes photographer taking pictures of older man in a white hat

Behind the scenes lighting setup with Joel Grimes

Adapting to Different Lighting Scenarios

One hallmark of Joel’s approach is his ability to pivot between lighting setups. Shooting outdoors often necessitates additional gear like an ND filter to achieve a shallow depth of field. By stopping down from f/18 to f/1.7, he blurred the background while keeping the subject sharp, preserving a natural aesthetic even under unforgiving sunlight.

Older man wear a cowboy hat and holding a lasso

Portrait with a deep depth of field at f/18 to showcase the background detail

Portrait with a shallow depth of field at f/1.7, using an ND filter to achieve background blur.

Storytelling Through Composition and Detail

Beyond just technical prowess, Grimes emphasizes the storytelling aspect of photography. Every detail, from the rustic barn in the background to a rope held by the subject, contributes to the narrative. By changing compositions (vertical vs. horizontal) and adding small props, Joel ensures that each frame is immersive and reflects the authenticity of the location.

Balancing Technique and Creativity

With over 45 years in the field, Joel Grimes’ meticulous attention to light, composition, and detail allows him to craft striking, character-driven environmental portraits. From harnessing harsh sun to employing subtle rim lights, every decision serves the larger story. His disciplined approach to exposure, combined with creative flair, results in images that both highlight his technical ability and reveal the unique personalities of his subjects.