Man, I’ve been loving this lighting set-up lately! It’s gorgeous and super easy to do.
I wanted to create moody, flattering, dramatic backlighting that evoked a feeling of being on stage.
Here’s how to do it:
All images shot with Dove Grey 9 ft seamless backdrop, Elinchrome BX-Ri 500 set at the lowest power with a 53″ Octabank as the main light. The backlight is a Speedotron 805 lowered to about 75 watts with a #10 grid attached.
Here’s a diagram of the set-up:
You guys know I love versatility and variety, as well as a classic look, so of course we changed it up, turned off the backlight and shot these too:
Fun, right?
Lighting doesn’t have to be intimidating or complicated to flatter :)
Next up on the blog: my secret recipes!! for luscious light in post…
Have a phenomenal day!
xoxo Christa
ps. If you missed out on the news last week, you can still read all about my business secret weapon and how it changed my life and rocket-launched my business!
Beauty , Thanks for share your knowledge and passion
Greetings from Costa Rica ;)
Terrific setup, Christa — with stunning results! Thanks for sharing this! ~Tom
beautiful!!! gorgeous!!!! in love with!!!
Hi Christa,
Thank you for sharing this beautiful images, great model too she did it very well.
I think it is the contrast between the soft front light with the background kicker (hard) light. Yummy. Very nicely done!
These are gorgeous Christa! Love this set-up! Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Very nice work. I really like the second B&W image. Curves and the tones.
Thanks for sharing Christa :) I am just starting to incorporate diff lighting and this sure helps!
Beautiful lighting! I’ve been trying to play around with that set-up for other shoots, but never considered it for boudoir. Your featured shot makes me think of a risque rendition of a “Chicago” number. Well done.
This is just beautiful. I am going to try this with a few models this weekend. Thank you xo
I am losing my mind, these are so beautiful!!! Oh..4 and 5!!!
Losing. My. Mind. Are those two taken with the same lens? That is a whole lot of long, lean gorgeous. xoxoxo
Thanks for the Q Rajia –
I used the 24-70mm 2.8 for the full length shots, the 50mm 1.2 for the medium body shots, and the 85mm 1.2 for the close-ups.
xoxo Christa
Christa Belle. How do you keep it so sharp? I seem to be having a focus issue w my Canon. I like my eyes crystal, and on occasion, I see a tiny softness. Any ideas? Thank you for all this amazing inspiration.
Hey Raj,
I don’t know what lens you’re using or how you focus… it could be either or both. If you’re doing focus/recompose, that could be the problem – if you’re not locking focus and/or straying too far after you’ve locked focus. Read your manual, google focus/recompose, practice on your kitty and be patient with yourself :) You’ll get it!
xox Christa
Christa! Your enthusiasm and talent are really motivating! Thank you for sharing those sumptuous images and insightful diagrams!
Now I know what I want for my birthday. . . that dove grey backdrop!
Major Leagues! Superb! This definitely inspires one to work even harder at his or her craft. Arigato!
Beautiful model, beautiful light, excellent photographer = beautiful results. Thanks, Christa, for sharing the lighting and the resulting images.
Rajiakitty – I found this article that might explain why that happens: http://visual-vacations.com/Photography/focus-recompose_sucks.htm, or you can Google your camera model with the words “focus lock” or “focus problems” and find more answers. There’s a lot of possibilities.
Thanks for sharing Tony. Appreciate your kindness!
xoxo Christa
Christa, these are beautiful. What were you shooting with and what were your camera settings if you don’t mind me asking?
Hey Pamela,
I’m happy to share that info. Here ya go!
In order:
85mm, 200 ISO, 2.2, 160 sec (ND 0.9 Filter)
50mm, 200 ISO, 2.2, 160 sec (ND 0.9 Filter)
85mm, 200 ISO, 2.2, 160 sec (ND 0.9 Filter)
85mm, 200 ISO, 2.2, 160 sec (ND 0.9 Filter)
24-70mm, 200 ISO, 7.1, 160 sec
24-70mm, 200 ISO, 7.1, 160 sec
85mm, 200 ISO, 2.2, 160 sec (ND 0.9 Filter)
Hope that helps you!
xo Christa
Gaaah! Gorgeous Christa! Thanks so much for sharing:)
I have tried this before but have yet to nail it! These make me really want to try again!
Thanks Christa!
Gorgeous work! Do you use a flash meter when you are working with lights?
Joe,
Thanks. I don’t use a light meter any more – haven’t for such a long time. I use my camera’s metering system.
xo Christa
Hey Christa,
These images remind me of film studio lighting which I love. It draws out all the beauty hidden in the subject.
George
Christa you are one in a million, your photography is stunning like always.
Great shots. That’s some nice looking light.
love it!!
Wonderful photos, and beautiful light and model… thank you for sharing!!!
Really great blog, this is so simple I had forgotten the dramatic effect and never considered it for nudes. Simply stunning!
Thanks Christa for sharing so much with us! I just love your work and your book is AMAZING!!! Thank you for sharing so much with us other photographers :)
Amazing shots Christa, love the last image with the Meola tape ;) x
Just stunning. You are a master.
These images are gorgeous and have made me order your book. I can’t wait to begin going through it.
OMG! Love these shots girl!!! Love the models natural hair too!!
Did I mention the frothing at the mouth at the beauty?
Love this lighting! Thanks for sharing that with us..
These are some really beautiful shots. Of course. As expected. :)
Can you tell me, on the key light, how do you have the light positioned, height-wise? Is it up above tilted down, or is it more even with the model, pointing straight in? Her hair and nose shadows seem say the light is coming straight in, and not from slightly raised.
Great job; I always enjoy reading your blog. :) Hopefully I’ll make more than one person feel as good as I’m sure you clients do with photographs..
Seriously gorgeous. Whenever I need inspiration I make my way back to your site. Looking forward to joining a workshop sometime soon.
I just love the effect with your black ribbon wrapped around your lady…absolutely a cute idea and shot!!
SM