I spend a lot of time with test shoots, using models to try out new lighting setups and ideas which I can then bring to commissioned shoots. The image above was created using a single strip box – feathered to create a nice light fall off across the subject. A very easy one light setup which is nice and portable to homes and office locations.
Second image above was a bit more complex, with a a feathered Octabox as main and two gridded reflectors behind and pointing at the subjects shoulders to create a nice backlight.
Third and fourth images were created using a single gridded beauty dish against the graffiti covered shutters of the studio, an ideal setup for teenager fashion shoots.
For every studio shoot, I aim to use four or five different setups, with the subject changing clothes each time, so that the end result is an excellent set of images to choose from for model portfolios or portrait albums.
Email me at paul@paulhurstphotography.co.uk if you would like to arrange a shoot.
Ellen contacted me recently to get a set of new images for her modelling portfolio with her agency. I have worked with Ellen on several shoots now, and it is always a nice session to do. The planned environmental shoot changed to a warm studio shoot thanks to the British weather, but we managed to create a great set of images, and even had time for some fun shots at the end.
A recent shoot with the wonderful Alex (on her first ever shoot) allowed me to test a few new lighting setups within the studio. A rarely used pink paper roll has been hanging in the studio for a long time, watching me and begging to be used. I decide to see what I could do with it, so used a single gridded beauty dish to light Alex and throw a distinct shadow onto the pink backdrop.
Second setup was against the white infinity cove, using a single gridded reflector on a Bowens head and shooting through a standard set of window blinds. You can just see the shadow it creates on Alex’s shoulder and chest.
Third image is the same setup as above, but with different lighting levels to enhance the shadow effect from the blinds.
Alex is a great model and for her first time did exceptionally well. Looking forward to working together again soon.
I think I have probably completed my last urban shoot of the year now the weather is decidely more Autumnal. Cold, rain and wind are not a pleasant mix for a photoshoot. This was the first time I hve worked with Danielle, and we managed to find a small backstreet in Leicester which I had never used before. A quick bit of research on Google’s Street View helped me pick the location, as it appeared to have a few areas for possible backdrops within very short walking distance.
As it happens we were spoilt for choice and ran out of time before we ran out of street.
I did a test shoot recently in the studio with Grace, a new local model with a great look and who is very easy to work with. I used the opportunity to try out some different lighting setups with Octaboxes and gridded beauty dishes, whilst Grace was able to start building up her modelling portfolio.
We had a very successful couple of hours in the studio trying out a mixture of low and high key lighting with a variety of poses in a relaxed environment. I am looking forward to working with Grace again in the near future.
I spent a few hours last weekend testing out some new lighting setups with the wonderful model Nicole who I have worked with previously.
We had a great big room to use so we could really spread out and go to town on the lighting. The image above was one of my favourite from the session, and was a simple one light setup with a gridded beauty dish to control the light spill. This particular setup can be created in a very small room, including a living room in a home.
Second image is the same location and same background, but lit with multiple lights to give a completely different look. this lighting really makes Nicole’s skin glow.
This last image had a subtle change to the lighting to create a completely different look to the previous image.
A great session completed, and I am really looking forward to trying these lighting setups in photoshoots over the coming weeks.
Professional portrait photography is constantly changing and adapting to new trends. This means test shoots are vital to try out new lighting setups and ideas without the limitations that a client photo shoot brings.
Charlotte is an experienced model who responded to my casting call on a model website at the last minute, and we managed a very successful three hour studio shoot in Leicester creating a set of new and dynamic images which can be translated into exciting client shoots.
Many more test shoots in the pipeline this year.
Last family photoshoot of the year was in the Leicester studio to celebrate family member birthdays and new arrivals. This photoshoot was great fun to do as everyone was relaxed and radiating great big smiles. The baby was the most relaxed 14 week old I have ever come across and a joy to photograph.
This image was created with a single gridded softbox, camera right.