Portrait shooting skills in different backgrounds

The same model, the same posture, shot with different backgrounds, even the same main light, can get two photos with different effects. This issue of "School" will introduce how to achieve more creativity and get better shooting results through rapid background changes and various lighting adjustment methods.

I always feel that the black Caribbean skin represented by black and white photos has a magical effect, and proper transformation can produce a strong visual shock. A little olive oil, choosing a good model and designing a symmetrical posture to show strength are the keys to the success of the work. As we all know, the transformation of black and white photos is purely personal taste, so I just focus on the methods of photographic lighting.

● Scene 1

Advantages of high color tone

Most of us are no strangers to the white background. This kind of lighting is often used for family photos, urban fashion works and portrait photography. Sometimes, the main light background can better increase the contrast of the picture; Especially for models in this case, the contrast effect between athletic figure and dark skin is also quite good. The difficulty is to achieve the balance between specular reflection and predefined shape, and at the same time, it will not cause overexposure of high light spots of the subject. So, how to do this?

Just like many factors you have considered, such as the skin color of the model, the existing lighting regulator and modeler, the type and color of the background and floor, and even the camera model you use will affect the final effect. Of course, you can copy the lighting scheme introduced next, but it is also an interesting challenge to achieve similar results through various alternatives, such as using your own reflector and adding your own ideas through a small attempt.

Shooting and lighting

Illuminate the white seamless background paper with two Baorong high-performance reflectors. For this scene, I used high-gloss paint on the wall to create a white background of the main light. Right above the model, a standard 60x60 soft box is hung on the arm of the lamp holder to form a vertical highlight; Adjust and position in the center of the model and picture. This is the main light, which forms bright light on the skin of the arm and back.

Multi-position fill light

As you can see in the photo, a lot of auxiliary light is added to the model's face, otherwise it will produce shadows. When the floor is painted with high light, the light emitted by the soft light box can be reflected to the face and arms, which helps to form auxiliary light. But please don't worry, if you use matt paper, you can put a small reflector on the ground in front of the model and just outside the picture, so that more light can be reflected to the subject. If you feel that the light is insufficient, you can even add some plexiglass and transparent plastic plates that reflect the light, and add a reflector on the ground.

What about overexposure of highlights?

If the highlights on the model's shoulders are overexposed, several methods can be tried to eliminate them. First of all, make sure that the model's skin is not too oily, otherwise it will be easy to reflect light; If the skin is ok, look at the positioning of the main light, the model of the modeling light and the dimmer. You can change the direction of the light first, or even use a weak specular reflector. In addition, we should also consider whether the distance between the model and the background is too close-because the picture often feels like being "washed" by the background light; If so, we should consider increasing the distance between the model and the background or reducing the power of the background light.

Lighting scene 1

The measured main light is about f11; When necessary, a white or silver background board can be used to show the shadow of the model's face. Then, adjust the power of the high-performance reflector in the background until it is about to start trimming the highlights around the model. The required lighting power ultimately depends on the surface reflection characteristics of the background material you use and the distance between the background and the model. The stronger the surface reflectivity of the background material, the lower the required light distribution power; Do the opposite.

● Scenario 2

Distinguish between models and backgrounds.

Using the same model, the pose is the same, but the background is different, and the picture you get feels very different, like two different photographs. Simple replacement has different effects! Changing the background paper to black soon changed the tone of the whole set of lights. You may think, how can the difference be so big? Because the model has dark skin, it is easy to mix with the background, so you must consider how to form the necessary separation from the background and determine the corresponding shape and tone.

Shooting and lighting

Quickly replace the high-performance mirror with a set of grid mirrors and honeycomb grids, and then turn around to illuminate the side of the model. The main light remains strictly unchanged. The second change is to provide enough auxiliary light for the face, but not too bright. My method is to put two large composite plates on both sides of the camera and a piece of white cardboard under the camera, which can not only reflect the light to the face and body, but also form an eye. Don't worry if there is no composite board. You can use a white or silver reflector outside the picture to reflect light, thus producing a similar effect.

Lighting scene 2

The measured main light is about F 1 1, and the model's face and body are supplemented by white composite board, white cardboard or reflector. The rougher the background material and its surface, the higher the power of the auxiliary light source. The light of each grid reflector on the left and right sides of the model can be measured, preferably between F5.6 and F 16. Fundamentally speaking, this value depends on the color tone and reflective characteristics of the model's skin and clothing fabric. The darker the background material is, the rougher the surface is, and the higher the sidelight and sidelight power are required. That's the reason. Prepare to shoot.