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

A kind of different product photography, shots from guitar pedals

February 23, 2024/in blog, Visions and technique/by Frank Doorhof

A kind of different product photography, shots from guitar pedals

Most of the posts we do online are from model photography. But product photography is also one of the services we offer our clients. Most of the time, the model shots are however a lot more interesting to post. But sometimes we also show you some of the products we shoot, when it’s special.

Hobby vs business

I always say I’m a lucky guy, every day I can do what I love most, create images. But sometimes I’m double so lucky when I can combine two of my passions.

I’ve known RJ-amps for a few years now and he can do wonders with tube amps but also builds great guitar pedals. When I brought my amp in I got two brand new pedals to play with which will be released later this year. And of course…. and he knows that…. I couldn’t resist to take some images.

Now we also took some of the more boring white backgrounds but when we do product shoots I also always like to add some “special set” shots. With handbags for example. We build a small set fitting the brand and took some shots in there, with fancy lighting. In most cases, we do this for free (and fun) but clients often end up using those images also.

How I shot this product, the guitar pedals

For this series I decided to shoot it at home with a combination of a Lumecube with a snoot and two Nanlite led tubes on the side.
The challenge was to get the Lumecube in exactly the right place, but luckily we could use the K&F concept tripod I’m using for my iPhone video setup. This is an awesome tripod because it can act as a boom arm, making it ideal for shoots like this or using phones in video setups.

Here is the behind-the-scenes setup for both pedals.

A little bit of set styling

The reason I shot this at home was mainly because it was the best location 😀
This is the area where I create my music and also host live streams when I do seminars for clubs or Digital Classroom episodes without live shoots.

I love the carpet here (somehow most guitarists seem to love them) so I wanted to use that as my “base”
Because it’s a pedal I chose this vintage-looking amp because it’s pretty neutral-looking and stands close to the floor. So there is no problem fitting it in the frame.

Of course, you also need a guitar. Here I chose a custom-built guitar for the nice wood look which I think works great with the color of the amp and the carpet. Also, the finish has a very high gloss which makes it harder to light. But the effect when done right makes it possible to use just a little bit of light to see some details.

For some “fill,” I used my favorite-looking microphone, a nice Marantz Ribbon mic.

Lighting

As mentioned I’m using the Lumecube with a snoot and two Nanlites tubes on the left and right.
I love using accents with red and blue because both are on the same axis in the colorspace they blend together really nicely and both are also the so-called “emotion” colors so for me personally it’s a combination I use a lot.

Placing the lights is vital if you want details in the guitar without getting too much glare. However, around the edges, I did want just a little bit of reflection making the guitar stand out. After finding the right spot you can fine-tune the spread by just turning the tube very slowly and keep looking through your camera.

Ok… let’s show the results.
I did use just a little bit of BorisFX for special effects.
Get a 15% discount on BorisFX by using our link.

PS: if you like this blog about product photography (from guitar pedals), let me know! Find me on social media.

Behind the scenes during the Zebra photoshoot with Nadine and some great styling

January 31, 2024/in blog, Visions and technique, Webinars and instructional videos/by Frank Doorhof

In todays blog post we take you behind the scenes during the Zebra themed photoshoot we did with our Model, Stylist and good friend Nadine.

See how we build the set, which lighting we used and of course you get to see the end results.

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

read the blog about Creating Patterns with Adobe AI

Creating awesome zebra patterns with Photoshop AI

January 29, 2024/in blog/by Frank Doorhof

Creating patterns with Photoshop AI

WOW.
I knew that the generative fill from Adobe was great. But sometimes it all works great in demos, but not in real life. And to be honest that was a bit my experience so far. It was a bit hit-and-miss. But Adobe constantly improves and that’s visible. In today’s blogIn today’s blog, we take a look at what Photoshop AI did in this amazing zebra set with stylist and model Nadine

Generate fill in Photoshop

I don’t use generative fill a lot to add things to a scene. Mostly to extend backdrops, add some hair or skin, etc. You could say I use it to speed up my workflow but not really change my images. Well ok, during the cosplay workshop, we go all out but that’s also clearly visible 😀

Creating zebra patterns with Photoshop AI

Today some images we took with our model/stylist Nadine.
For months, I had this idea with zebra prints. And we started buying material until we thought we could pull it off.
Nadine owns a great vintage store so the clothing was not a real problem in this. The main issue was that we did not really have enough material to cover the whole wall and for the floor, we only had a relatively middle-sized rug.

As you can see in the images…. Photoshop did very well. I was mostly impressed by the perspective on the floor.
In some images I actually hid some zebras in some of the final results… can you spot them? 😀