Portrait session feat. Laura M.
I have been working regularly with at least 3 to 4 lights the past year, and it was fun. But I jump on the occasion of playing with only one light every time I get the chance to.
By far my most used lighting setup and probably the easiest one to replicate for anyone starting out. I am only using one light so if you look closely at the shadows figuring out where it is placed should be a no-brainer.
I’ve done too many reviews recently, so let’s go back to the good old Behind the scenes videos. Laura, a model "in the making", came by for a few test shots. So I knew I wasn’t gonna blast her with multiple lights. This session took place during the time I was testing the GODOX P-128 .
This Parabolic light focusing system is really perfect for this type of session because you can change the quality of your light in seconds.
Gear-wise, I did the entire session with the Fujifilm GFX100s,the GF80 mm f1.7 and the Godox AD1200 pro.
You will see it in the behind the scenes videos right away... I’ve reached the limits of what I can physically do in such a tight space. On top of that, my model, is quite tall, so I had to do a few background extensions in Photoshop and use a few tricks to make the session work. Doing all this work in post is something I try to avoid as much as I can. The less photoshop, the better!
Laura M. (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm GFX100s and GF 80 mm f/1.7 R WR
1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 50
The GODOX P-128 and the AD1200 pro were placed camera left. When I see that little catch light in the eyes of my model I know I am not far from the right height for my light modifier.
If you are a bit of a control freak, using one light simplifies the process. Your model can move freely, less conflicts, no weird shadows, and you minimise messing up your contrast ratios between all your lights.
Laura M. (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm GFX100s and GF 80 mm f/1.7 R WR
1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 50
I barely moved the light for all these shots, making easy to try multiple looks. Since it was our first time working together we also did this test shoot to get to know each other.
Laura M. (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm GFX100s and GF 80 mm f/1.7 R WR
1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 50
Every time I work with a new model I usually start the session sitting down. I find it easier to place the legs and find a working pose this way. Inexperienced models sometimes are lost when you give them too much freedom. Setting constraints and minimising the working area can help them focus.
Laura M. (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm GFX100s and GF 80 mm f/1.7 R WR
1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 50
Of course, we tried a few shots standing up. But I decided early on not to include the entire body.
I also decided to color grade the images according to the outfits, instead of applying the same look on the entire session.
Laura M. (Toulouse - France)
Fujifilm GFX100s and GF 80 mm f/1.7 R WR
1/125sec f/1.7 ISO 50
Another little trick if you wish to work with the entire body with a tall model in a small space? Use a barstool! You reduce her height, and she can lean, hold on to the stool and change her balance and create interesting shapes more easily.
This was a fun and instructive photo session for the both of us. This often leads up to a 2nd session where we'll be more daring and creative... I cannot wait!
I had to work on a few micro short films recently, that’s why I was unable to share anything here. But you know what this mean. I will play "catch up"next month and post more content!
Summer is round the corner so take your camera, go out and shoot… This is probably what I am going to do and work a little less indoors. Take care of yourself and your loved ones, and like always, I will catch you in the next one.
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