Making of - Shooting Florence

Written by Manuel Faessler
Hi folks!

As I get constantly asked how I've done this or that shot I'll start with writing a short blog-post about it in the future (starting today). This will relieve me of having to explain the same thing „over and over" again and I'll get a little collection of the settings I did as well. Actually I've done this once before, if any of you guys have missed it, here is the blog.

This time I'll write about the shooting I've done with Florence. The shooting was planed as a low-key-black-and-white-shooting and I've prepared a couple of setups that were a little bit more complicated than usual (and hoped that they'd work out as planned). Out of this shooting I'll explain two setups allong with all settings and toughts.

Before I start my explainations I've to ask you to excuse my non-existant drawing skills ... I've made the sketches that follow only for you to understand my explainations better ... I think I'll have to get one of these fancy setup-drawing-programms soon ... ;-)

Set 1 – Bidirectional lighting

Pictures and Setup-Sketches Set 1234

The basic idea behind this setting was, to get the light ONLY where I wanted it. I wanted to play with light-edges and shapes without showing too much ... to play a little bit with the viewer's fantasy but to get a well composed low-key nonetheless. The whole thing in black and white to reduce everything to the most significant things ... just as I love it. I really like this „reduced style" where you won't get distracted by colors or too much information ... I could watch pictures shot like this for hours without getting bored ... ;-).

As you can see in the layout, I've built this setup on a black paper background, which I've pulled all over the floor even behind the photographers position, just to eliminate every possible reflection. Addidionally I've set up two screens (in my case large EPS-plates which are white and have one side painted black – about 2m high, 1m wide mounted on a wooden base) on each side with the black side facing the models position. Between those two screens I've positioned a flash with a striplight (30x120 cm, without the front diffusor, without grid – upright) attached to it. Exactly between the flashes I've put a wooden box which I've covered with a black fabric for the model to sit/lie on. As you can see in the second sketch I've pointed the striplights slightly downwards (maybe 10°) just to light the box a little bit. The two additional screens right in front of the photographer were set up as a „security measurement" ... just to eliminate every reflection that might come from the room behind the photographer (I think those two were unnecessary).

The gaps between the screens on the sides were even a little bit narrower than the striplights were wide (I'd say about 20cm) to creat a really narrow „beam" of light. The right flash (from the photographers point of view) was set about half a stop less than the left one, just to create a drop of light despite the very symetrical setup – or to work with a „main flash" if you want.

The camera-settings were nothing really spectacular, ISO, 1/160s (of course – it was a studio-shooting), aperture f9 (to eliminate all ambient light and to get a big enough depth of field) on my Canon 5DIII and my favourite Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX DG.

The main challenge while shooting is to guide the model EXACTLY (as I see it, working with the modeling light is an absolute must – it's the only way to get a clue how the flashlight will look), as the light-beam is very narrow and depending on the models' pose will look completely different. Additionally it is very probable that the model will throw shadows on herself because of the pose ... the posing possibilties are very limited with this kind of light – but I think Florence has done a great job despite the complicated setting!!

Set 2 – Backlight

Pictures and Setup-Sketches Set 22

The basic idea behind this set was to creat a backlight-setup, but to additionally light the model from the front as well, but only lightly. Principially I wanted to „fake" the light as it would be if the model would stand in front of a big window and would only be illuminated by the light falling trough it ... but as a low-key shot in front of a black background.

As you can see in the layout I've used a black paper-background again (again pulled as far as the photographers position). The screens were set up as a „L" behind the model on each side with the white sides facing the inner side of the „L". In addtion to that I've set up two additional screens right in front of the photographer with the white sides facing the model (acting as reflectors). As you can see in the layout the set is built much narrower than the one before. This is to ensure that the distances for the light to travel are as short as possible (as the light-intensity is reduced with the distance it as to travel).

The flashes (equiped with 30x120 striplights and front-diffusor but without grid) were positioned on each side pointing into the „L" in a way that the reflected light that hits the model is indirect and very soft (as I've tried to show in the sketch, the screens which are parallel to the background are protuding slightly). The to screens (acting as reflectors) in front of the photographer reflect some light on the model, even indirecter and softer.

The camera settings were nothing special neighter, again ISO100, 1/160s (still shooting in a studio, remember?), aperture f9 (again because I wanted to eliminate ambient light and the depth of field) and again on my Canon 5DIII (because nobody wanted to equip me with a Phase One ...) and my favourite Sigma 85mm f1.4 EX DG.

In this set the model is a little bit more free with her position and posing (despite the narrow set) because of the more evenly lit setting. The main challenge here are the poses, because thebalance of the light edges and the amount of light that hits the models front is essential. I have to confess that I've really messed up a lot of shots because that balance hasn't worked out ... the light-edges were to strong or in the wrong place, the lighting on the front side to weak or to strong, ...

Based on this setup and with the expieriences I've made I've a new setup in mind which I want to try on one of my next shootings. I want to get the light a little bit „harder" and more „controllable" and to eliminate the downsides of this setup ... you can look forward to it, as I surely will post it here ... ;-)

If you have some additional questions for my, feel free to ask me. You can just comment here, write me an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send me a message on facebook. I'll do my best to answer all your questions.

If you want me to write about a specific topic in the future please let me know. I'll be happy to write a little post about it.

And as allways: if you like this post (or not), please let me know ... spread the word, press „like", etc. I really appreciate your feedback!!!

Cheers,
Manuel

Comments

HaaryAdert 2023-05-30 17:38
Regards! Plenty of data!
pay to write paper: https://essaypromaster.com/ kindergarten writing paper paper writers for college: https://paperwritingservicecheap.com/ pay to write paper
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-29 18:17
Fantastic postings. Thanks.
essay writer website: https://hireawriterforanessay.com/ write an essay for me essay writer website: https://theessayswriters.com/ online essay writer
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-28 19:08
Cheers, An abundance of postings!
do my homework for me: https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com/ coursework do my math homework for me: https://helpmedomyxyzhomework.com/ do my math homework
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-27 19:39
Thanks a lot! Plenty of facts.
write a paper for me: https://writingpaperforme.com/ write my paper for cheap write my paper reviews: https://custompaperwritersservices.com/ ai essay writer
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-26 20:34
Beneficial content. Thank you.
writing an analytical essay: https://essaywritingservicehelp.com/ scholarship essay writing service writing essays service: https://essaywritingservicebbc.com/ cheap custom essay writing services
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-25 21:28
Nicely put, With thanks!
legitimate essay writing service: https://essaywritingservicehelp.com/ application essay writing service australian essay writing service: https://essaywritingservicebbc.com/ service to others essay
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-24 21:59
Really plenty of fantastic tips.
thesis statment: https://argumentativethesis.com/ doctoral thesis thesis binding: https://bestmasterthesiswritingservice.com/ phd thesis database
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-23 21:19
You reported it well!
top essay writing: https://studentessaywriting.com/ best essay writing service 2016 legit essay writing service: https://essaywritingserviceahrefs.com/ college essays writing
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-23 05:43
Appreciate it, Ample data.
write my paper: https://writingpaperforme.com/ essay writer free persuasive essay writer: https://custompaperwritersservices.com/ how to write a scientific paper
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-22 08:59
Very good forum posts. Kudos.
college essay writing: https://studentessaywriting.com/ cheap custom writing service writing a college essay: https://essaywritingserviceahrefs.com/ legit essay writing services
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-21 12:07
Helpful knowledge. Kudos.
dissertation writing services: https://helpwithdissertationwriting.com/ dissertation writing help dissertation writers: https://dissertationwritingtops.com/ what is a phd
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-20 15:21
You revealed this very well.
last minute essay writing service: https://writinganessaycollegeservice.com/ writing essay service i need help writing an essay: https://essayservicehelp.com/ writing an essay outline
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-19 18:38
You've made your point very effectively!!
buy college paper: https://bestpaperwritingservice.com/ paper writing services pay someone to write your paper: https://bestonlinepaperwritingservices.com/ graduate paper writing service
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-18 21:59
Superb postings. Thank you!
write my essay for cheap: https://hireawriterforanessay.com/ write my resume for me write my essay for free: https://theessayswriters.com/ professional essay writers
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-18 01:18
Wonderful info. Thank you!
professional essay writers: https://writingpaperforme.com/ how to write a scientific paper write my paper for me: https://custompaperwritersservices.com/ professional paper writers
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-16 06:34
Nicely put. Many thanks.
write my research paper: https://writingpaperforme.com/ pay for paper essay writter: https://custompaperwritersservices.com/ write paper for me
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-15 07:02
Nicely put, Thanks.
professional paper writing services: https://essaywritingservicehelp.com/ will writing service college paper writing services: https://essaywritingservicebbc.com/ last minute essay writing service
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-14 07:36
Thank you. I value it!
essay writers online: https://writingpaperforme.com/ professional essay writers essay writer website: https://custompaperwritersservices.com/ writing papers
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-13 09:11
With thanks, I value it!
helping others essay: https://essaytyperhelp.com/ college application essay help help with essay writing: https://helptowriteanessay.com/ medical school personal statement
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-12 10:21
Great facts, Appreciate it.
buy dissertations: https://dissertationwritingtops.com/ dissertation abstract dissertation writing help: https://helpwritingdissertation.com/ dissertation writing services
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-11 11:37
This is nicely expressed. .
essay typer: https://essaytyperhelp.com/ cheap essay help essays help: https://helptowriteanessay.com/ essay bot
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-10 12:50
Whoa quite a lot of superb data!
buy essay papers: https://quality-essays.com/ pay to write paper pay to write essay: https://buyanessayscheaponline.com/ buy essays cheap
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-09 13:52
Info certainly taken.!
write my essay online: https://theessayswriters.com/ write a essay essay writer website: https://bestcheapessaywriters.com/ essay writer free trial
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-08 14:21
Seriously quite a lot of fantastic knowledge!
letter writing service: https://studentessaywriting.com/ professional cv writing service letter writing service: https://essaywritingserviceahrefs.com/ best rated essay writing service
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-06 18:27
This is nicely put! !
order essay online: https://payforanessaysonline.com/ pay to write paper essays for sale: https://buycheapessaysonline.com/ pay to write paper
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-05 18:56
Fantastic facts, Kudos.
write my paper for me: https://essaypromaster.com/ best essay writers how to write a reflective paper: https://paperwritingservicecheap.com/ online essay writer
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-04 20:15
Really all kinds of great material!
best online essay writing services reviews: https://essaywritingservicehelp.com/ service to others essay essay writing service buy: https://essaywritingservicebbc.com/ term paper writing service
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-03 21:05
Whoa all kinds of very good data!
online essay writer: https://hireawriterforanessay.com/ write my paper for me essay writer website: https://theessayswriters.com/ do my essay
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-05-02 09:14
Really tons of terrific material!
define dissertation: https://helpwithdissertationwriting.com/ phd paper best dissertation: https://dissertationwritingtops.com/ dissertation def
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-30 15:58
Truly tons of amazing data!
essay writers online: https://essaypromaster.com/ how to write a reflective paper ai essay writer: https://paperwritingservicecheap.com/ how to write a conclusion for a research paper
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-29 17:06
You actually explained that terrifically!
write a thesis: https://argumentativethesis.com/ thesis creator thesis statements: https://bestmasterthesiswritingservice.com/ thesis
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-28 18:17
Very good tips. Thank you!
custom research paper writing services: https://researchproposalforphd.com/ research paper services proposal research: https://writingresearchtermpaperservice.com/ buy term paper
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-27 19:10
Good forum posts, Regards!
grad school essay writing service: https://topswritingservices.com/ admission essay services academic essay writing: https://essaywriting4you.com/ essay write service
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-26 19:56
You said it perfectly.!
homework help cpm: https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com/ should i do my homework do my homework: https://helpmedomyxyzhomework.com/ hire someone to do my homework
Reply
OscarsVog 2023-04-26 05:28
You expressed that exceptionally well.
a good thesis statement: https://argumentativethesis.com/ thesis writing research thesis: https://bestmasterthesiswritingservice.com/ thesis writing
Reply
OscarsVog 2023-04-25 08:08
Fantastic posts. Thank you!
write my essay for me free: https://essayssolution.com/ write my essay for me free write my essay online: https://cheapessaywriteronlineservices.com/ write my essay online
Reply
OscarsVog 2023-04-24 10:12
Amazing information. Cheers!
thesis writer: https://argumentativethesis.com/ example thesis thesis creator: https://bestmasterthesiswritingservice.com/ thesis proposal example
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-24 00:47
Thanks a lot! Quite a lot of forum posts!
paper help: https://service-essay.com/ buy college paper pay someone to write a paper: https://custompaperwritingservices.com/ paper writing service reviews
Reply
OscarsVog 2023-04-23 12:21
Wow a good deal of useful info!
write my paper for me: https://writingpaperforme.com/ pay someone to write a paper write my paper reviews: https://custompaperwritersservices.com/ write my paper for cheap
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-23 01:00
Superb stuff, Appreciate it.
phd paper: https://helpwithdissertationwriting.com/ dissertation uk dissertation meaning: https://dissertationwritingtops.com/ dissertation proposal
Reply
OscarsVog 2023-04-22 14:43
Kudos, Fantastic information!
phd thesis database: https://customthesiswritingservice.com/ write a thesis thesis statement: https://writingthesistops.com/ how to write thesis
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-22 01:00
Kudos! I value it!
essay writing meme: https://essaywritingservicelinked.com/ essay writing samples cheap essay writing services: https://essaywritingservicetop.com/ real essay writing service
Reply
OscarsVog 2023-04-21 14:57
You actually expressed that fantastically!
help write my essay: https://hireawriterforanessay.com/ write your essay someone to do my essay for me cheap: https://theessayswriters.com/ best essay writers online
Reply
OscarsVog 2023-04-20 16:12
Thanks! I enjoy this!
cheap essay writing service us: https://essaywritingservicehelp.com/ custom essay writing service my essay service: https://essaywritingservicebbc.com/ professional essay writers
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-20 05:53
Point nicely used..
do my french homework for me free: https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com/ do my statistics homework cpm homework help: https://helpmedomyxyzhomework.com/ why cant i do my homework
Reply
OscarsVog 2023-04-19 17:22
You actually reported it superbly!
do my research paper: https://writingpaperforme.com/ do my research paper professional essay writers: https://custompaperwritersservices.com/ online essay writer
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-19 04:17
You actually revealed that exceptionally well!
cheap essay writer: https://hireawriterforanessay.com/ someone write my essay someone write my essay for me: https://theessayswriters.com/ write an argumentative essay for me
Reply
OscarsVog 2023-04-18 16:12
Thanks a lot. An abundance of content.
do my paper: https://essaypromaster.com/ write my research paper paper writer online: https://paperwritingservicecheap.com/ professional paper writer
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-18 01:45
Amazing write ups. Thanks!
help me write my scholarship essay: https://essayssolution.com/ write an essay for me free write my college essay: https://cheapessaywriteronlineservices.com/ cheapest essay writing services
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-17 00:47
Whoa a lot of useful advice!
make an essay: https://hireawriterforanessay.com/ essay help writer my essay writer: https://theessayswriters.com/ essay writers
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-15 23:52
Kudos. Valuable stuff!
essay writing paper: https://topswritingservices.com/ research paper writing service is essay writing service legal: https://essaywriting4you.com/ student essay writing
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-14 22:56
Seriously a good deal of valuable advice!
write my essay online: https://essayssolution.com/ write my college essays what should i do my persuasive essay on: https://cheapessaywriteronlineservices.com/ hire essay writer australia
Reply
OscarsVog 2023-04-14 20:00
You said it nicely.!
phd thesis defense: https://argumentativethesis.com/ good thesis good thesis: https://bestmasterthesiswritingservice.com/ good thesis statement
Reply
coursework 2023-04-14 17:22
Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?

There's a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks
Reply
HaaryAdert 2023-04-13 21:58
Nicely put. Thanks a lot.
thesis sentence: https://customthesiswritingservice.com/ a good thesis statement example thesis: https://writingthesistops.com/ a thesis
Reply
OscarsVog 2023-04-13 21:37
You revealed that very well!
writer paper: https://writingpaperforme.com/ do my papers research paper writer: https://custompaperwritersservices.com/ lined writing paper
Reply
HectorItend 2023-04-12 20:08
Whoa a lot of terrific facts!
help me write my argumentative essay write a paragraph for me using these words can someone write my dissertation for me
Reply
Nathanmoulp 2023-04-12 19:18
Incredible plenty of valuable knowledge.
do my essay australia write this essay for me essay writer useless website
Reply
HectorItend 2023-04-11 02:19
Truly quite a lot of helpful info.
professional essay writers online who can write essay for me my essay writer
Reply
ScottPap 2023-04-09 02:16
Regards. Lots of content.
best online casino sites best online real money casino: https://bestonlinecasinoreal.us/ caesar casino online
Reply
Nathanmoulp 2023-04-09 00:55
Amazing loads of helpful tips!
cheapest essay writer write a paragraph for me using these words write my essay for me fast
Reply
HarryAdert 2023-04-04 18:53
You've made your position quite clearly.!
paper writing service nursing: https://writinganessaycollegeservice.com/ best university essay writing service cheap custom essay writing services: https://essayservicehelp.com/ cheap essay writing service australia
Reply
Andrewbut 2023-04-04 18:53
You've made your stand very effectively!.
paper writer online write my thesis paper automatic essay writer papers writers
Reply
GregoryloM 2023-04-04 18:53
You've made your position very nicely..
how to write a college argumentative essay https://homeworkcourseworkhelps.com write my essay services https://bestpaperwritingservice.com
Reply

Add comment

Security code
Refresh