At the Ranch — Part 2 | Kayla McQuay (Patreon)

By the time we got into this half of the set, the light had pretty much dropped off completely. That quick window from Part 1 was gone, and this is where we switched it up and brought in flash.

Same setup, same idea—just a completely different approach. Instead of chasing what little natural light was left, we took control of it. The sky was still going crazy, super saturated with that deep sunset color, so the goal was to hold onto that in the background while lighting Kayla and the horse clean and direct.

This is where it all starts to feel a bit more punchy. Harder light, more separation, a little more edge to everything. It almost gives it that editorial, on-location flash look where the subject just pops off the scene, especially against a sky like this.

Still freezing out, still rushing against time—but this is the part where everything becomes a bit more intentional. Instead of adapting to the light, we’re shaping it.

Two completely different looks, same location, same moment—just a shift in approach.