Capturing the perfect shot often involves more than just a keen eye and a camera. It’s about the meticulous planning, creative execution and the careful orchestration of lighting that brings a vision to life.
In this article, I’m going to take you behind the scenes of a recent fashion shoot for the relaunch of Icon/Refined Magazine.
Setting the Stage
The first thing we knew for this shoot was that we wanted to create a captivating nighttime ambiance. To achieve this, we decided to shoot at night to eliminate all ambient light.
This not only allowed us to have complete control over the lighting but also set the stage for the dramatic effect we wanted to achieve. Hosting the photo shoot at The Hive Studios in Phoenix, AZ – we used the open 10×10 door to shoot into the dark parking lot.
The Main Light (Key Light)
The key to any successful fashion shoot is the main light. For this particular shoot, we positioned a large octabox with a Paul C. Buff strobe to the camera’s left side. The octabox emitted a soft, diffused light that beautifully illuminated our models, providing a natural, flattering look.
The position of the main light was feathered slightly to create a softer falloff of light on the subject.
Creating the Fill
To balance the lighting and eliminate harsh shadows, we employed two sources of fill light depending on the shot. On the camera’s right, we used a softbox to cast a gentle, even light on the subject. Alternatively, we had a V-flat set up on the same side, further contributing to a well-balanced exposure. These fills were instrumental in ensuring that the model’s features and wardrobe was perfectly lit from all angles, eliminating any undesirable shadows.
Rim Lights and the Rain Effect
One of the standout elements of this shoot was the use of two rim lights, strategically placed outside the frame. These rim lights had 7-inch reflectors, which helped to create a soft and ethereal glow around the model while also adding a rim light effect, which made her stand out beautifully against the dark, night sky.
To take things a step further, we added a unique rain effect to our setup. We attached a water misting system to light stands with a crossbar positioned over the model’s head. This technique allowed us to create the illusion of a gentle rain shower cascading down around the model, adding an element of drama and mystique to the scene.
The two rim lights not only illuminated the water but also provided a mesmerizing glowing effect that beautifully contrasted against the darkness of the night. It was like capturing the magic of raindrops glistening under moonlight.
Crew
Photographer James Patrick
Assistant Lori Young
Models Ashley Wilke, Mariah Jansen, Dana Tate and Jessica Waller
Studio The Hive Studios
Lighting Paul C Buff
Client Icon/Refined Magazine
Editor Chelsea Clarke
Creative Director Kristina Patrick
Swimwear KL Swimwear
In Sum…
In photography, it’s often the behind-the-scenes work and innovative lighting techniques that set the stage for stunning images.
The ability to experiment and think outside the box, while maintaining a deep understanding of the tools at your disposal, is what can make a photoshoot truly iconic.
If you have any questions about the techniques used in this shoot or would like to learn more about photography and lighting, don’t hesitate to reach out.
I’m here to help you navigate the world of photography and media.
ALSO… you can get your own copy of ICON/REFINED Magazine here!
James Patrick
JamesPatrick.com
IG @JPatrickPhoto
