Head Shots - EEM
If you read my “Head Shots Galore” post from last summer (you did, didn’t you? expectant look), you know that the last time I did a group of head shots, I had the benefit of a studio rental which made life SO easy! It was a natural light studio, with these ginormous windows: backgrounds, c-stands, and v-flats were all at my fingertips! Unfortunately, I did not get to rent a studio for my recent shoot. :( They needed me to come to their building, and use an 8’x10’ office with virtually no natural light, so I had to create my own.
As my teacher, and now mentor Justin (www.thatphotoschool.com) taught me, “start with one light!”
Here’s my progression, and lighting diagram:
Camera Settings: 5.6F | 1/125 | 400 ISO
Key light (1/32)
Key light (1/32) + Fill Light (1/32)
Key light (1/32) + Fill Light (1/32) + Strobe (1/128)
Key light (1/32) + Fill Light (1/32) + Strobe (1/128) + White Fill Card
Feels like school pictures, HA!
Because I wanted that bright, “airy” feeling sunlight provides; I initially used white to fill, thinking it would help me attain that. It ended up making the final shot look flat when compared to one of my TX studio head shots, I realized I should still use the black side to bring out more depth and shadows. I made that slight adjustment when setting up for the job. Scroll down to see the final arrangement, and a couple test shots.
Side Note: My VERY first test shot, which you’re about to see, I was NOT paying attention to myself. I was still pre-occupied with my lighting set up and making sure everything was coming together… so when I looked at it, I was SHOOK!!! WHY DOES MY FACE LOOK LIKE THAT? That’s not even RBF, it’s beyond. *facepalm* No wonder I don’t have friends. I’m legit not even mad, that’s just my fuckin’ face. omg…
Shitty collage of the set up in their office.
First shot: overexposed, no fill, no hair light
vs
Final shot: last take before I brought in the first team member
Anyway, here are some of the shots I got! Obviously I got professional, business head shots for everyone, but these fun ones absolutely made my day! Success.
Hope this post was enjoyable and educational for you! Definitely hit me up with questions and comments!
-V
