A V-flat can be a useful and versatile tool for studio photography. In this video, Spyros Heniadis gives you five easy ways to use a V-flat in the studio for all kinds of portrait shots. All you need is one or two V-flats, and some DIY magic (if you feel like it).
1. V-flat as a background
You can use the V-flat as an instant backdrop. Just put it behind your model, bring in the lights and the camera, and shoot away.
You can add a piece of black foam core to the back side of the V-flat. This way, you’ll have a white background on one side, and black on the other, for more versatility.
2. V-flat as a reflector
Next, you can use your V-flat as a reflector. One way to do it is simply to place it opposite the strobe so it bounces some of the light back and fills in the shadows. Another way is to point the strobe at the V-flat. This way, the light will bounce off of the white surface and light the subject evenly. This is especially useful for full-body shots.
3. Creating a clean white background
For this setup, you need two V-flats and two strobes, one on each side of the subject. Shine the light into the V-flats so it reflects onto the backdrop. This way, you’ll get a nice, clean white background.
4. Creating a colorful background
This is an upgrade to the previous setup. Have the V-flats and the strobes on each side of the subject, but this time – add color gels to the light. This will give the background the color of the gels you use.
5. V-flat as a flag
V-flat can do the trick as a flag to block the light from spilling onto the dark background. Take your V-flat and place it between the light and the place where you don’t want the light to hit. This way, you’ll get a deep black background without the light spilling onto it.
If you’re now convinced that you need a V-flat in your studio, you can buy one (or two). But it isn’t hard to DIY it either. If you already use V-flats for studio photography, feel free to share photos and any tips you have to add.
