Three one-light setups using V-Flats with three very different looks
Oct 8, 2019
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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V-Flats are one of those most underrated studio accessories, but one of the most useful and versatile. At their core, they can do two things. They can reflect or block light, and that’s pretty much it. But photography is all about light, and controlling it through reflections and blocking.
They’re particularly useful when it comes to shooting portraits as their reflective sides can produce beautiful soft light and specular reflections. And they can also help to create a lot of drama. In this video from V-Flat World, photographer John Gress shows three different ways to use V-Flats for portraits using just a single light to get three different looks.
The three looks John creates are all very different from each other, but all of them just use the same basic tools. A single light, some v-flats, and maybe an extra flag or two to prevent light spilling where you don’t want it.
They’re only really useful in the studio, as they’re pretty light and can easily get blown away or destroyed out on location – there are much better options available for taking outdoors – but when you are in the studio, V-Flats can become one of the most valuable tools you own.
Do you use V-Flats? Why do you find them invaluable?
[via FStoppers]
John Aldred
John Aldred is a photographer with over 25 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter – and occasional beta tester – of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.
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2 responses to “Three one-light setups using V-Flats with three very different looks”
Very good. Professional and concise, nuanced though clear.. with polished and seasoned finals. So many want/think to just “burn out” the ladder in post. Appreciate seeing this done on set, always a good reminder.. Props to the model too. Well done.
loved the tutorial… THANK YOU!!! GREAT study material and to practice…