Street at home

SET UP A LOCATION SHOOT FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME

Set the scene

We went for Click Props’ Urban Tokyo backdrop, and used a backdrop roll holder to secure our vinyl, carefully unrolling it to form a curve where the floor and wall met. Ensure it hangs flat – kinks ruin the illusion! We used a couple of sturdy alligator clips to lock the backdrop firmly against the holder.

Settings

When working with studio lights, it’s crucial that you work in Manual mode. You’ll also have to set the shutter speed below your camera’s max sync speed – 1/200 sec on most Nikons, 1/250 sec on some high-end models. We set 1/200 sec, f/11, ISO100. Taking a test shot without the lights should result in a black (or near-black) frame.

You’ve been framed

We used a tripod to ensure our backdrop was perfectly framed, and checked it was level using the display (alternatively, use the bubble level on the tripod) and no bits of lighting kit were sticking in the frame. After autofocusing on our model, we set manual focus, confident that f/11 would keep him sharp as he moved between poses.

Key worker

To amplify the urban look, we set our ‘key’ light up high, pointing downwards to mimic a streetlight. We didn’t use any modifiers to soften the light – we wanted plenty of harsh shadows. Connect the light to the camera’s flash sync socket (or use a wireless trigger) and fire a shot, adjusting the power to light your subject without bleaching them out.

Flash dance

We placed our second ‘fill’ light to the other side of our subject and slightly behind them, pointed towards their back to give a bit of ‘rim light’ around their body and help separate them from the background. We used a white shoot-through umbrella to soften the light and help it spread around their outline. We set this light to receiver mode, so it fires instantaneously on detecting the flash from the key light.

Where there’s smoke…

We also used a smoke machine to help create a steamy look in our scene. A quick blast around your model should do it – too much smoke can bounce the light from the flash. We asked our model to pull a variety of moody-looking poses – as we had pre-framed the shot, we were free to direct them as we were firing off the shots, without being stuck behind the viewfinder.

Insider dealing

As well as outdoor locations, there are plenty of options when it comes to interior shots, from stately homes, to disused factories. This library background combined with antique props helps emphasize our model’s glamorous look.

Don’t forget the floor

Sometimes less is more, putting the focus of your shot firmly on the subject. Backdrops that combine simply textured walls and have extended sections printed with floorboards help to continue the illusion through the shot, from front to back.

Urban exploration

You can undertake an urbex adventure without having to leg it from the security guards! All you need is a dilapidated interior backdrop. Dressing your model in outlandish gear – or a set of wings! – can add a fantasy flavour to your shots.

Add some props

Including a selection of foreground props can really add a feeling of depth to your scene. Here a length of chain, an old tyre and a broken section of piping complement the industrial-looking gear wheels on the printed backdrop.