Tag Archive for: strobes

Quick portraits on location and to show how easy it is we have a cute labradoodle

March 8, 2024/in blog, Visions and technique/by Frank Doorhof

Quick Portraits on location

Quick portraits on location are always a challenge. You have to think fast, find a location, set up your lighting and often only have a few minutes with your client. Today we are going to take a look at how we set up a location session and what I use.

Make it easier on yourself

There is always a way to make it harder, but let us focus on the things that can make everything go as smoothly as possible. The first thing is, of course, preparation.

I love to mess around with lighting in the studio but often also have more than enough time. On location, I often have to set up and hit the ground running. This is why we talk with our clients about what they want for most on-location sessions. This means that when I arrive on location I already know where to place my lights, do a quick light meter check, and can start immediately.

Now you might wonder… “Didn’t you forget something?”
Yeah, I know what you think.

The background for a quick portraits on location

Of course, when we talk to our client before the shoot we also show different kinds of backdrops so the client can choose which one fits their look and brand. Because I’m using strobes I know that ambient light in most cases won’t cause any problems. However, don’t ever forget to take a ColorChecker image during the shoot. On location, you can have the most weird situations that can mess up your color that at first, you won’t notice because you’re using flash.

Now in the past, I’ve used solutions that worked pretty well but were always just a bit too short, narrow, or too large so they didn’t fit in my car forcing me to take the van (I prefer to drive electric of course :D)

Recently ClickBackdrops released the Clicki backdrop system and it’s become my favourite backdrop for quick on-location shoots. It’s wide enough to fit one person for wide (landscape-style) portraits. And with a little bit of AI in Photoshop I can easily shoot 3/4 shots in landscape mode because the subject doesn’t overlap anywhere. Somehow I prefer to shoot in landscape orientation which makes the width vital for me.

The Clicki fits with ease in my car (Hyundai Ioniq EV) and only needs a stand to be assembled on location in under a minute.
Of course, I also need to bring strobes.

Strobes

When we talk about speed I also have to be able to move fast and setup fast. So bringing heavy strobes or battery packs is out of the question.
For location work, I’m using the Geekoto GT200 and GT250

The main advantage is that I can easily adjust the angle of the strobes via the pistol grip. So I can use almost any studio stand, which not only saves space but also makes setting up much easier and faster. The Geekoto also supports both ETTL and HSS. Combined with a 200/250W power output and 450-500 shots per battery makes it a very versatile setup that can easily suppress sunlight outside. And you can use the thicker more saturated colorgels for some really gorgeous color effects.

And the final piece of the puzzle…

What Light shapers to use for a quick portrait on location

Of course, I’m not using the strobes bare.
Although that can be a nice effect, it’s often not what the client wants to see.
So we need something to modify the light.

If it needs to be compact I love the Rogue products. Especially the new magnetic system is awesome for creative use on location (and in the studio) and of course the “famous” Frank Doorhof Flashbender :D. But for this setup, I’m using the Geekoto 26″ softbox. The main advantage of this system is that it just folds up very small but it also has a detachable speedring which makes it super easy to carry with you.

Enough talk, let’s take a look at the setup.

As you can see we just placed the Clicki behind the table. So the dog didn’t have to move and the whole setup was done in seconds (everything was set up, I just had to slide it there). Because we mark the floor when doing the meter readings, it’s a setup that makes it possible to almost immediately start shooting and thanks to the size of the Clicki you can also shoot from a few different angles.

So let’s see the results. It’s never perfect with these kind of one-minute sessions but the owner loved them. And for the trimmer, it’s just an extra service or something they can charge for.

So now you know what I use for quick portraits on location. If you have questions, find me on social media and let me know.

see the introduction of the Clicki Backdrop on Photodays in Brussel (2023)

A different background for a totally different look

March 1, 2024/in blog, Visions and technique/by Frank Doorhof

A Different background for a totally different look

Of course, we all know that changing the backdrop can create a different feel or look. Different backdrop and same styling
But somehow it also always triggers my creativity. We used the same styling.
Model and styling: Nadine
Backdrops: ClickBackDrops
Strobes: Geekoto

Just a backdrop or more?

For me, a backdrop is not just a pattern or something to fill up the space behind the model. I always try to make the backdrop a vital part of the shot. When I want something edgy I’ll often go for a more distressed wall look, when I want something more classical…. mmm maybe something with old curtains?

Well luckily for you guys we did just that with our model Nadine.
We decided to keep the styling and lighting idea roughly the same but change the backdrop. As you can see even Nadine poses differently. My position is different and the end result is totally different.

Now this might seem logical. But often it’s forgotten that when you really blend background and model together ON SET you get a much more “organic” and “real” result. Not just because the shadow and light play on the backdrop. But also because both model and photographer are “inspired” by the results coming in.

People often ask me if I’m afraid that AI will replace all backdrops?

No, I’m not.
Yes it will replace it for some people, and the possibilities are limitless. But it cannot replace the shadow play, and inspiration the photographer/model experience during the shoot. The shadows could maybe be replicated but you would need a proper knowledge of lighting in the first place and an above-average knowledge of Photoshop to make it 100% convincible.

Let’s first take a look at the first set we did with Nadine.

Buy the ProFabric Black Wash Backdrop in our store (8,92’x8,92′ or 272x272cm)

I just love the way the backdrop seems to add a sensation of movement to the images.
This was shot the day we got the backdrops in so I didn’t use them before 😀

As you can see I played with different looks in tinting, posing, and color/BW.
But there is a certain feel to the images.

Now let’s change to an other backdrop. Same styling, but different look

Now this backdrop is officially unavailable in ProFabric, but I loved it so much they made a custom order on Pro-Fabric (which you can now also order). And as you can see the change is not just the backdrop 😀

See the backdrops we have in stock.

Check out the video of a styled photoshoot with Nadine, where I used AI on the backdrop

Read the blog about the backdrops with isolation blankets

The way we tell stories and how to light them to get the right mood

February 18, 2024/in blog, Visions and technique/by Frank Doorhof

Storytelling with photography

It’s no secret I love guitars. I don’t label myself as a real collector but I do add guitars to my collection when I find something that’s unique or a good investment :D. And of course, I like to take pictures of my guitars. This blog is about storytelling with photography.

Vintage and stories

As a photographer, I love to tell stories.
And as a musician, I love vintage gear. I think the main reason I love vintage gear so much is the story behind it. A well-played guitar with some damage through an old tube amp… I don’t know… you just play differently.

I saw the brand Vintage a few years ago and really liked what they were doing, but never added one of their instruments to my collection. However, when they started to work with Joe Doe it became interesting.

Limited editions for the masses

Joe Doe builds guitars in a very limited quantity. And where other luthiers might build a copy of a Strat or Les Paul. He builds guitars that already have a backstory (made up). And that….. combined with great playing and sounding instruments is a very nice combination.

While looking at Marktplaats/Ebay I found a “lucky buck” in like new condition so I decided that would be my first Vintage guitar. (the brand is Vintage).

Now this is not a review of the guitar, but it’s a whole experience.
You get the guitar with the backstory, but also in this case a hard case with loads of “case candy” which all connects to the “made up” story. I can’t express how much fun this is and immediately connects you to the instrument 😀

The backstory

For the Lucky Buck, this is what I got from their Facebook page.
“Leslie ‘Lucky Buck’ Coal topped the Billboard Country Music charts in 1952 with his heartbreak-inspired single, “Whiskey for Breakfast”. Flushed with sudden success, Coal signed numerous endorsement deals, the most lucrative of which was a contract to become a regular fixture on the WHB national radio show Giddy Up Y’all!.”

And of course, when you buy a guitar you have to use it in a shoot right?
Yes of course 😀

My story of storytelling with photography

Now there are always different sides to a story.
For this workshop I thought it would be a great exercise for myself and the attendees to use one prop, one model, one theme but tell two totally different stories, and how lighting and styling can completely change the narrative.

For me, the story goes as follows (following the original).
Leslie topped the billboard chart and had it all, but…. lost it all and was forced to play in small bars. Almost like living rooms, holding her head down so she could imagine still being on the big stages playing the guitar they made for her when everything was going great.

Years later a rapper finds the music, uses her hooks, and immediately propels Leslie back into the spotlights and the huge stages. So she needed photos for magazines. And this is of course a totally different Leslie. Heads up and fun Leslie, she made it “again”….

The setups

For the first setup, I wanted to create a very small stage idea.
One artist with a guitar and mic.

We used our brick wall from ClickBackdrops as background, and a wood floor to mimic an old western bar feel.
I’m using the small Geekoto 26″ softbox with a grid as my main light (one of my favorite light shapers) on the model (Felisa) and making sure the face is covered in shadow.
For some extra mood, we added a standing lamp with continuous lighting.
But that would make a very dark image.
So I added one Geekoto GT250 with our magnetic rogue grid to add some glare on the guitar en mic and just enough to give a slight outline to the face.

With that setup, a lot of areas were just a bit too dark/ So it was time for the final ingredient, a little bit of smoke.
Smoke doesn’t just add to the “smokey” atmosphere fitting the scene. But smoke is also a kind of “secret” weapon you can use as a diffuser and reflector. Add too much and it looks terrible. Add too little and it doesn’t look right. But add just enough and you get a sort of haze that’s great for light beams, glowing flares. But also to just light up areas where light doesn’t normally hit.

For the back, we are using larger smoke machines. But we recently started using smaller smoke machines for details and for smoke that actually sticks to the floor. The handheld smoke machines are great for location work but as you can see in the full-body shot. The attachment for making the smoke stick to the floor works like a charm. With the larger machines we can never get results like this. And the fun part is that they are very cheap and available in two sizes. I would highly recommend adding one of them to your kit bag, smoke really adds a lot.
This is the larger one, and the smaller one.

Setting this up is tricky

The main light has to be exactly right to light the model’s body and part of the guitar, but not the face. But also cover the front of the microphone and add a nice flare. This means you have to play a bit with the angle of the microphone, guitar, and position of the model. This does limit the poses the model can use, but in this case, we only need one or two shots.

The accent light is the hardest.
It looks maybe natural but every position and angle is experimented with and changed.
Angle the guitar slightly forward and there is no light hitting the frets and no glare on the maple neck. Angle it too much and the whole fretboard and headstock are white. But do it right and the light hits it beautifully.

Same with the microphone, it’s placed exactly in the light beam of the accent light. The sides of that light beam just barely light the face.
When it all comes together you get images like this…..

So now that we did the story of the bar it’s time for……

Better times

For me, David Lachapelle is a huge influence so for this shot I wanted to do something that has a “feel” of his work. Now we don’t have the budget or team he does, but I hope you get a little bit of that feel.

For the background, I’m using light blue with plexiglass on the floor for some soft reflections.
Because for this set I wanted something much more fun and focussing on the feeling of joy we used a small rocking horse and just let Felisa go wild.

The main light is a Geekoto GT400 with the 48″ softbox without a grid to get a nice and even light source.
You can also use an umbrella for this, as long as you have a broad light source in the front. Also, place it far enough from the model so you get a nice and even fall-off on the backdrop, we want the front slightly lighter than the back (due to the background light). And by placing the light far enough you use the inverse square law to get the fall off you like. Over time you will know exactly where to place it. But always experiment with what the light does, even if you find something you like right away.

Because just the main light looks really flat we want more depth in the image.
If you can’t use shadows to create depth you can use the opposite, highlights.
So for this setup I’m using two striplights with grids on the side.
If you aim them slightly up (or use grids) you prevent the annoying shadows that will run towards the camera and look unnatural.

For the background, I’m using a Geekoto GT250 with the Rogue magnetic grid.
If you like the center to be smaller (or if you have to place the light farther away) you can always stack our grids.

So let’s take a look at the more fun shots.

Conclusion: Storytelling with photography

As photographers we are storytellers, we freeze unique moments in time that never come back.
BUT… as photographers, we can also create our own reality out of “nothing”. This will not only create fun photoshoots but also help you as a commercial photographer to be able to be creative on set when a client wants something more than just a headshot.

During the workshops, I love to challenge myself and the attendees. And by using a strong storytelling concept I always keep the workshops fresh and interesting. And I can add a lot of techniques to the educational part of the workshop.

So the next time you do a free work shoot, pick one prop and try to tell at least 2 totally different stories with it. Trust me, you will have fun, the models will too.

You can order the gear I use via our website frankdoorhof.com/shop
You also find my instructional videos there, including the brand new “Did you know… Adobe Lightroom“.

If you have any questions or suggestions let us know.

You can find Vintage guitars here.
(we are not affiliated with them and I bought the guitar myself).

Want to hear some of my music?
Check out Frank Doorhof on your favorite streaming service.

A set built with isolation blankets for… zero

January 12, 2024/in blog, Visions and technique/by Frank Doorhof

A set built with isolation blankets?
Why not?

Today in the blog some images we shot with our model Trista during a recent workshop.
We recently had the studio roof replaced and of course, that also meant that we have some stuff left, including some isolation blankets.
The moment we saw them we knew we had to do something with them.
We have already built sets with rescue blankets (gold/silver) but these were a lot larger. And in the end, in all honesty, it just didn’t work in this set. But I think they would be awesome as a background for portraits, so I think you will see them again in the future.

Let first, start with the initial setup. We used our movable walls and taped the isolation blankets to it.

As you can see the set is far from perfect, but somehow it also works.
Here I’m using the mirror to mirror the legs and the accent lights, I talk a lot about walking around the model to get a different kind of contrast, here you can clearly see what the angle does on the legs, this is not photoshoped 😀

Of course after that I oped for more close ups, mainly because I didn’t like the set for full bodies.

This I liked a bit better, but I also tried one from the back.
And to be honest I’m still in doubt between the two which one I like most.

Angles, angles and again angles….

And as usual, always try different angles.
I can’t tell you guys enough how much impact the shooting angle can have, not only in lighting but also with the total way the image looks.
Lower angles will often give a “hero” feel, where higher angles sometimes give a really cool effect.

Adding some color….
Or a lot

After the “standard” setup I opted for a lot more red in the scene.

Now be warned, these images are far from the run of the mill images, but sometimes I just love to go to the extreme sides.
In this case I opened the aperture a lot (to the point of overexposing) just maintaining the highlights in the skin, I didn’t want the skin to overexpose, this often looks awful in color shots, the only thing you could do is convert it to black and white where we are often a bit more forgiving for overexposure. But best is to keep it just below overexpose on the skin, you can always go to black and white later if you want.

Im adding a Rogue omnidirectional dome here with a magenta gel, and although I’m still using the mainlight the red really overpowers everything giving it a totally different vibe.

As you can see by just adding some color you can change the look of our set built with isolation blankets completely. Just make sure the model covers up for certain angles.

Feel free to reach out with questions.
A like and share on social media is highly appreciated.

Check out the short about the rescue blankets

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Tag Archive for: strobes