From The Shoots Issue 2

Welcome to issue No.2.

In this post I’ll be going through the lighting and set up from a recent shoot with Jane MacDonald which wads the cover shot for last weeks Daily Mails Weekend magazine 25th November 2023.

The photoshoot coincides with the launch of Janes new UK tour in 2024, the shoot was a lot of fun and I had my team of wardrobe styling and hair/make up onboard and after a month of planning the shoot came together perfectly. The cover shot was one of several outfits Jane wore throughout the day and these can be seen once the tour programme is released. 

So, onto the lighting and choice of equipment, flash heads, lighting modifiers, camera and accessories used. Firstly I planned to get the softest, most flattering light so went through my kit and opted for some large umbrellas, both Profoto deep versions, one large for the key light and an XL for the fill light above camera, both umbrella have front diffusers attached, two Profoto D1/1000 watt flash heads, the key light was at f16 and the fill at f11.

As you’ll see from the lighting diagram the position of the key light is in a split light position but when pulled back towards camera it takes on a cross lighting scenario meaning no light is actually aimed at the subject, it simply travels in front and across to make the light even softer, both umbrellas have a white interior which also helps to soften the light, a V flat reflector on camera right also bounced a little light back into the shadow side of James face.

The shoot was done on my Phase One medium format camera as we shot a lot of space around each image but still needed the huge resolution the camera offers to allow cropping options in the edit without losing any detail, this is my go to camera when shooting fashion photography and beauty photography.

Thanks for reading, issue 3 is in the making,

Stevieroy