"Invisible" Low-Key Studio Experiment

Will V|Photography

Senior Member
Just experimenting with some new techniques. This shot was taken in a completely lit basement with a few incandescent bulbs around, none of which lit the model. Strobist info in the photos description on Flickr. Let me know what you think!



Lass with Sass by FLWill, on Flickr
 
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fotojack

Senior Member
re: "Invisible" Low-Key Studio Experiment

Not to be too critical, but...all I see is a lot of body and hardly any face. To me, the face is the important part to focus on. Just my opinion.

Technique-wise, I think it's well done. And I mean the lighting and shadows of the shot. I just wish I could have seen more of the face. Is that her tongue sticking out, or is there something in her mouth? Hard to tell.
 

Will V|Photography

Senior Member
re: "Invisible" Low-Key Studio Experiment

Yes, that is her tongue. The shot was taken about midnight, she was ready for bed but I showed up with my equipment and insisted she model for me while I try this out. Out of the lot, this was the only really decent shot to come out so I chose it to go online. I may upload another but I'm not too happy with her facial expression in that one. Thanks though.

*edit: would you mind correcting my thread title? Thanks.
 

westmill

Banned
I like low key pics ! I genraly start with a black background when Im in the studio, but this technique can be used even outside
in bright sunlight. Another flash with a snoot to put a bit of light on the face would have been nice. Then thats just down to personal taste though.
The pic as it is, still works for me too though.
 

JulianK

Senior Member
Personally, the experiment and spontaneity are terrific, brave lighting, nice off-center composition, like the models body pose and confidence.
The light's a little inconsistent, softer shadows on the arms, really hard cutting shadows on the face. I used to shoot a lot of low key work, really a lot, about 12 years ago a fellow photographer told me "If you're going to play with shadows you really have to craft them, they can't be accidents."

It's a punchy shot, but with hair off her face with 1 strobe/studio head 3-4 feet above her at a 45 degree angle facing down steeply and you'd have something that flowed better. Would be interested in seeing another go at it!
 

Will V|Photography

Senior Member
Thanks for the compliments and tips, Julian! It was shot with a single strobe with no modifier so it was hard getting even lighting on her. Actually her one arm had to be brought back a lot in post so it wouldn't fade off into the background. Once my umbrella and reflectors come in I have a good idea for another go at this. I'll definitely make sure to keep the hair away from the face, too :D
 

JulianK

Senior Member
You're welcome Will, a silver brolly and reflector will really help. Here's a low key shot I did for a commercial job. Two lights but very simple set up. One main light at just over a 45 degree angle and a little low powered blue gel snoot. I post it because although I'm professional I don't really believe in expensive lights - good camera yes, but lights...they go pop so I treat them as disposable. So this kind of low key lighting is perfectly achievable with basic kit, might give you an idea for your next moody shot!

ClaireSteps1.jpg
 
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