CAMERA SKILLS SHOOT STREET AT HOME

Set up a location shoot without leaving your living room

Setting up the scene

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

You’ve been framed

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

Where there’s smoke

I also used a smoke machine to help create a steamy look in the scene. A quick blast around your model should do it – too much smoke can bounce the light from the flash. I asked my model to pull a variety of moody-looking poses – as I had pre-framed the shot, I was free to direct him as I was firing off the shots, without being stuck behind the viewfinder. It’s a good way to engage with your subject.

Camera settings

When you work 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 cameras, 1/250 sec on some high-end models. I set 1/200 sec at f/11, ISO 100. Taking a test shot without the lights should result in a black (or near-black) frame.

Key worker

To amplify the urban look, I set my ‘key’ light up high, pointing downwards to mimic a street light. I didn’t use any modifiers to soften the light – I 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

I placed my ‘fill’ light to the other side of my subject and slightly behind him, pointed towards his back to add a ‘rim light’ around his body to help separate him from the background. I used a white shoot-through umbrella to soften the light and help it spread around his outline. I set this light to receiver mode, so it fires on detecting the flash from the key light.

Insider deadling

As well as outdoor locations, there are plenty of options when it comes to interior shots. This library background combined with antique props helps emphasise the model’s glamorous look.

Don’t forget the floor

Sometimes less is more: a stark backdrop places 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 exploitation

You can undertake an urbex adventure without having to run from any security guards! All you need is a dilapidated interior backdrop. Dressing your model in outlandish gear – or a set of wings as pictured here

– 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.