Bouncing Light vs. Flagging Light: Lighting Tips with Nathan Elson

When it comes to professional photography, lighting is everything . In our latest video, we teamed up with renowned portrait photographer Nathan Elson to dive deep into two powerful lighting techniques: bouncing and flagging light—using V-Flats.

Whether you’re a seasoned studio photographer or just stepping into the world of light modifiers, mastering how to control and shape light can dramatically improve your images. Nathan walks through real-world examples, showing how he uses V-Flats in his Calgary studio to craft the look he wants, every time.

What’s the Difference?

Bouncing light involves using a reflective surface (like a white V-Flat) to soften and spread light, creating a more flattering and even illumination—ideal for portraits. It’s perfect when you want to fill in shadows or maintain a natural look.

On the other hand, flagging light (using the black side of a V-Flat) is all about control. It blocks or subtracts light, allowing you to introduce contrast, shape shadows, and add drama to your images.

Nathan demonstrates both approaches and explains the why behind each decision. It's a hands-on, practical breakdown that’s easy to follow—no fluff, just pro-level insight.