Step By Step / how to shoot your levitating portrait…

1 Get yourself composed

We need to frame our shot with enough space on either side and below the model, so we can show that she’s above the flowers. Set up your tripod to the desired height, and with the Nikon attached, adjust the tripod head until you find a backdrop that isn’t distracting.

3 Set a wide aperture

By using such a fast shutter speed we needed to open up the aperture on the lens to get a good exposure. Our final aperture setting was f/2.8, which also meant we benefitted from the focus separation between our subject and the backdrop.

5 Wait for the wind

If you’re shooting this outside, as we were, wait for the wind to blow and have your model face into it. The wind should blow their hair and clothes, adding to the illusion of flying up above the flowers. Be sure that any long hair isn’t blowing across the model’s face.

2 Use a fast shutter speed

In Manual mode we used a fast shutter speed to freeze any movement that the model or props have while shooting. We’ve chosen 1/4000 sec. Our ISO was 200 because on the day the sun was popping in and out of cloud, meaning it was quite bright.

4 Take some test shots

Have your model climb up onto the ladder with the violin (or whatever prop you’re using) in hand. Try a variety of poses, stood up, sat down, lying flat and so on. Make sure the prop is visible in the scene and don’t let the model get too close to any edge of the frame.

6 Take an empty frame

Remove everything from your scene and take an empty frame before moving your Nikon. This part is crucial as it’s what makes your editing easier in the following few steps. If you don’t do this, or move the Nikon slightly, you’ll give yourself a lot more work to do in post.