Tag Archive for: posing

Using a projector for awesome and unique effects

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

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

 

Working with the optical spot from Westcott to create stunning images

Creative light shapers are awesome

When you want to create something different than the standard photo there are a lot of options.
You can add some props, add a nice backdrop, maybe add some smoke and accent lights etc.

But something that will really spice up your shoot is without a doubt an Gobo projector, or optical spot.
In this video tutorial I’m using the Westcott Lindsay Adler optical spot for three completely different sets with our model Lois.

You get to see the lighting setups, all the photos I shoot and of course the technique is explained in depth.

As an extra bonus I also demonstrate the Rogue (Frank Doorhof) Flashbender.

Digital classroom is made possible by :
BenQ
Rogue
Cascable
Calibrite

Using loads of flowers in a set for an awesome pregnancy shoot

Styled pregnancy photo shoot video

When your model is pregnant it’s time for some extra shots, especially when the model is our friend and stylist Nadine!

Every pregnancy is unique, and when we shoot a pregnancy I always try to find something fitting for the model.
I think we all know Nadine, and with Nadine, it’s impossible just to shoot some images of her belly. So during a recent workshop, we decided to shoot different setups all aimed at a part of Nadine’s character and of course my input 😀

it was a load of fun, Nadine got several totally different pregnancy shots, and well… we got some cool behind the scenes videos.

Today the video about this shot.

In the video, I show you the lighting setup and explain the idea behind the shoots.
We always appreciate a like and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

You can read more about this shoot in another blog where we accidentally caught some amazing shadows.