I always use a silver reflector below the model for fill & another on the side away from the BD to add some rim lighting to the dark edge to separate the model from the background (whether in studio or on location). Love the BD for key lighting but I believe that a few reflectors for kickers soften the shadows just a bit and create some separation.  I've only had success with a BD by itself on extremely tightly cropped fashion images. But the images shown here are AMAZING!!!

Beauty dish with a grid on a boom stand, strip light for the rim and a background spot.



The second one is also a beauty dish with a grid, and a softbox as rim light.

AB800 22" BD grid and sock

From Yesterday: PCB 22" on the AB1600

16" dish only, no grid or sock



16" dish, no grid or sock with hair light on boom

Thanks for keeping this thread going with more great images.

I had a play today with the dish, no grid or sock (still can't find that ), i positioned a gridded standard reflector behind to add drama in an attempt to get a circus / carnival feel. I think the flare really adds to that and was deliberate.


Frankie Lynn

Am I getting it?