Tag Archive for: posing

A block can really help out in your studio

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Sometimes the solution is really simple

We can spend a lot of money on sets and props, but I always love it when it can be done really cheap.
And one of the best investments you can do for your studio is…. a block.

We have several in our studio, and sometimes I don’t use them for months, and then they save a shot.
You can build them yourself but I would advise to make the strong enough for a model to pose on, which makes adds to the usability.
You can even build one that can be used to place a model inside and create some cool creative shots that way.

But for today we are using it purely as a posing help.
It will happen a lot if you work with inexperienced models that they will have some problems to pose freely. when you’re shooting against a backdrop it’s often not possible to lean against the backdrop, and using a chair often makes the problem only bigger. But by using a block to pose agains will often give you immediate results with a lot more interesting poses.

Of course Janaike is an experienced model but I wanted to share some of these images we shot during a recent workshop.
Also want to visit a workshop?
Visit www.fotografie-workshops.nl for more info and the agenda.

 

A model and a wedding dress

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Today some images from Claudia

During the workshops I always build up the set.
This way the attendees can see what every light does in the set and how they interact, and that makes it much easier to solve problems in the future.

So let’s take a look at some images from Claudia during one of the sets.

Let’s build it up

In the first image I’m mostly using my mainlight and just a very slight accent light with a blue gel.

Of course we want some more power on the blue.
With the Geekoto commander it’s very easy to change the output of the strobes individual.
What I mostly advise is to use group A for your main light, B for background, C for color or aCcents, and D for De rest (that’s Dutch for The Rest).
This way you don’t to figure out during a busy shoot what to change and where.

Walk around your model

Often it’s easy to fall into the trap that we have our favourite angle, or favourite lighting setup and we keep using that.
When I shoot or teach I always try to setup my lighting so I can easily walk around my model/subject and shoot from at least 2 different angles.
In this case I chose to disable the blue gel and just shoot with the main light.

For the final shot I removed the blue gel and now we have our main and accent light without gels.
By setting up the lighting this way and using a remote like the Geekoto Commander you can very easily switch lights on or off and also change the output. I will mostly keep my main light on the metered setting, but change the accents just the way I like the effect. In most cases I will shoot at least a few with loads of power and flares and some with just a little bit, your client will be very happy to be able to chose, and you will be happy because you will not ask you to deliver images A with the flare of B but without the …… 😀

Also want to visit a workshop?
Visit www.fotografie-workshops.nl

Using a projector for awesome and unique effects

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An unexpected awesome light source

You probably have use one during work, or maybe you have a great Home Theater system, projectors are used in many different situations.
They are awesome for gaming, presentations and of course movies.

But did you ever think about using it as a light source?
The main different between a monitor/tv and a projector is that the projector projects light onto a screen and that creates the image, where a monitor/tv is a flat screen. So what if we replace the screen for our model.

Now you can project whatever you want on your model

But what about taking it one step further
Open up Photoshop and go to full screen mode (F)
Now let the model sit in one location and start painting on the model with your brush.
If you need more space zoom out on the projector (or move the projector further away).
You can chose to keep the images sharp but you can also defocus the projector of course.

Using a projector is awesome for effects you can never achieve any other way.
You do have to take into account that most projectors are not very bright, so expect to shoot on higher ISO’s.
When using the projector chose the vibrant, or presentation mode, this often outputs a lot more light, but you sacrifice a lot in color accuracy which in this case…. is no problem at all.

Model : Janaika
This was shot during a workshop.
Do you also want to visit a workshop visit www.fotografie-workshops.nl

Two light sources

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Two light sources

As you know the light shapers we use determine how the light behaves on our model, set, and background.
lass=”yoast-text-mark” />>When you look at a light shaper, it’s pretty easy to predict how the light will fall on your subject, just follow the lines of the ribs. Today it’s just about 2 light sources and one background.

Today, a quick tip about light shapers

 

During the workshops, we always work with different light setups. And one of the setups in the essential lighting techniques is working with, for example, the Geekoto Lantern for a very broad light source, and, for example, the Rogue FlashBender  XL in strip light setup

Now when you hear a broad light source, you might think it always means flat lighting. But that’s not necessarily the case.
When you move the light source to the side of the set, you get a beautiful shadow site on the model. And because of the open sides of the lantern, it will also light the background. If you think the shadow side is a bit too dark, you can easily place a reflector on that side because the lantern is a very broad light source. So, it “always” reflects back on a reflector on the other side.

two light sources

But of course when we use a background with a floor part, I always want to shoot a full body image.
With the same light setup.

two light sources

Well that’s ok, but what about adding some motion, and a lower angle.
It’s not perfect, but during the workshops I often take 3 shots and let the attendees shoot.
two light sources

And even with a broad lightsource like the lantern you can still shoot very high contrast images, just use an extreme angle for some beautiful almost silhouette like shots.
Clients absolutely love these.

Now I was doubting about all the mess in the back, but… somehow it also really helps in the shot in this case.
The more I looked at it the more I thought “let’s just keep it in, it looks cool”.
So sometimes maybe leave the mess in the shot….

 

Let’s change the light

For the next setup I’m using the Rogue FlashBender XL from the side and slightly above the model.
We will upload a video in the blog soon to show it during the workshop

As you can see with the FlashBender the light is much more focussed on the model. You can’t see anything in the background. And even the brighter background doesn’t show up. But also due to the more focussed light beam you now get much deeper shadows. Using a reflector is now also becoming  more complicated because you have to angle it very precisely.

For high contrast images the FlashBender can be placed very close to the model. Due to the fact the strobe is aiming straight up in the striplight you always get indirect diffused light. In other words very nice and relatively soft for a very small light source. But if you like to light your complete model you can just move the FlashBender further away. Or take the strip light off and attach the softbox diffuser, also there the trick is: indirect diffuse light.

Rogue FlashBender v3 XL Pro

Also want to visit a workshop?
Visit www.fotografie-workshops.nl