Creating a Basic Studio Portrait

Setting up the Backdrop

Before we get started on the shoot, we set up a Photoflex^® ProDuty BackDrop Support Kit, to hold up the painted muslin backdrop we used in the lesson. This product includes a telescoping black aluminum pole and two extra large LiteStands with threaded pins that attach to the top of LiteStands and then to the background pole. The BackDrop Pole will extend up to 12 feet 6 inches.

First, we set up the stands and set them about 12 feet apart. Then we extended the pole. [figure 1 & 2]

Once we had the stands and pole set up, we attached several spring clamps to the pole spaced out about 2 1/2 feet apart. We pulled the muslin drop out of its storage bag and started attaching it from one end. [figures 3 & 4]

With the backdrop attached to the pole, we pulled out the balance of the muslin out of the storage bag and spread it out in the studio. To raise up the background we had one person on each side of the background raise the stand in unison to the height we needed for the shoot. [figure 5 & 6]

Before Beginning

To make your setup more convenient and versatile, we have now included the Photoflex^® FlashFire™ wireless kit. Using this equipment allows you to move more freely with your camera instead of limiting yourself to within a few feet of your lights.

Even adding just one trigger and one receiver you can set your secondary lights to slave so that they fire through the infrared sensor. Either way you choose to use the FlashFire™, you cannot ignore its ability to provide your "tool bag" with a great amount flexibility. [figures 7 & 8]

Setting the Key Light

The medium OctoDome^® SoftBox that comes in the StarFlash^® medium OctoDome^® kit is the best choice for our lesson. This portrait specific light modifier creates soft wrapping light that makes any subject look great. The five foot SoftBox is ideal for portraits from headshots to 3/4 length.

To get started on our lighting solution, we set up the StarFlash^® kit to the right of the camera about 60 degrees from the subject relative to the camera. [figure 9 & 10]

In our results image we see the soft wrapping quality of the OctoDome^®, creating the pleasing light pattern on the model. [figure 11]

Controlling Contrast

To control the contrast across the subject, we applied a Photoflex^® LitePanel kit as our fill reflector.

We first set up the LitePanel frame and attached the included CrossBar. We then set up the Photoflex^® large LiteStand also included in the LitePanel kit. To attach the LitePanel frame to the LiteStand, we attached the GripJaw™ onto the top of the LiteStand and secured it with the set screw. Then we placed the CrossBar into the 'Jaw' of the GripJaw™.

Once we had the reflector assembled, we attached the white/soft gold fabric with the white side toward our subject, then set it to the left of the camera at about 45 degrees. [figures 12 and 13]

With our reflector fill on the set, we posed our model into position and fine-tuned the reflector's position for our next shot.

Our results show the light ratio under control. We have detail on the shadow side of the subject and a better sense of three dimensions. We have also gained brightness in the eyes we were lacking in the first results image. [figure 14]

Setting the Hair Light

Our next action was to add a hair light to our lighting solution. This will help us to gain more dimension to the shot as well as helping to separate the subject from the background.

We chose to use a StarFlash^® 300watt strobe on a medium HalfDome^® for this task. We assembled the HalfDome^® on to a strobe connector then attached a flash head to the connector. To get the light out over the model's head, we set up a Photoflex^® Boom and BoomStand, then attached the StarFlash^® and HalfDome^® assembly to the end of the Boom. We set the BoomStand just behind the OctoDome^® and swung the Boom and HalfDome^® over the center of the set, placing the light over and just behind the model's head. [figures 15 and 16]

With the hair light in place, we powered down the StarFlash^® 300watt strobe to half power. To be sure we had the proper placement of the hair light, we shut down the key light and made an exposure with the hair light alone.

We can see that we have achieved the correct placement of the hair light. The light is falling on the head and shoulders only with no spill falling onto the model's face. [figure 17]

Figure 17

In this result image, we see the effect of the hair light on our subject. We have gained even more dimension to the shot and have set the subject apart from the background giving the shot added depth. [figure 18]

We could easily stop at this point and have a classic portrait any one would love. Yet we could do even better by gaining more separation between the model and the background.

To take this shot to the next level and add unmatched control to our lighting, we added a Grid to our SoftBoxes. To illustrate the control that the Grid adds to the lighting, we will go through a similar set up adding the Grid to one light at a time.

Our key light is the first light assembly to receive a Grid. The Grid attaches to the OctoDome^® with the sewn-on Velcro^® that lines the perimeter of the Grid. The SoftBox has the receiving Velcro^® strip sewn-on the inner rim.

To attach the Grid, line up one corner of the Grid with one corner of the SoftBox, then press into place along rim of the box. [figure 19]

Figure 19

Once we had the Grid attached to the OctoDome^®, we set it back into position. To give you a better sense of what the Grid does, we shut down the hair light and backed the LitePanel kit off the set. With just the OctoDome^® lighting the model, we posed her and made an exposure. [figures 20 & 21]

In our comparisons, we can see the differences in the subject. Our contrast levels have increased quite a bit with the major differences visible in the background.

With the Grid on the OctoDome^®, we have changed the spread of light from about 130 to about 40 degrees, so we have the ability to focus the light on the subject and not on the background.

In figure 21, we see the broad spread of light effecting the background light levels. In figure 20, the Grid has controlled the light to fall mainly on the model.

To finish off our shot we fired the hair light back up and then we set the LitePanel kit back into place. [figure 22]

Figure 22

With all the elements in place, we gave the model the freedom to pose away and we shot until we got what we wanted. The following figures are a selection of the final shots. [figures 23-26]

Notice how the darker background has provided a very nice separation from our well-lit model. The combination of a large SoftBox for soft lighting and a Grid for directional light control has resulted in a very flattering portrait light.

This lighting solution used only two powered lights and one reflector and still achieved great results.

Remember to have fun and keep experimenting to find the style that fits you. Its important to not let your passion stop flowing!