Fstoppers Lighting Diagrams: The Martin Schoeller Portrait

Last week I tried my hand at emulating Martin Schoeller’s portrait lighting with a single bare-bulb speedlite. Though the experiment was technically a failure, it still produced a nice portrait. Since then, I have tried two more lighting scenarios before finally nailing it on the fourth (please excuse my OCD tendancies) and final attempt.

I have been told that I over-thought this lighting scenario- that it could be done with two lights and no studio. And yes, I know that Phlearn got good results with strip boxes. But I don’t have strip boxes. Or ND filters. I do, however, have a few speedlites, some foam core and gaffers tape. Turns out that that worked just fine.

First Attempt

Above is the first attempt. As you can see, the catch-light in the eyes is there, but not prominently. Plus there is a ton of light spilling on the model’s hair.

Second Attempt

For the second attempt, I added a second light as well as a flag on each speedlite. The catch-light is better, but the spill is still there (though it makes a decent hair light).

Third Attempt

 

For the third attempt, I added black v-flats to flag the speedlites and eliminate spillage. This killed the light spill but the bounce light on the subject was broad, making it a flat portrait.

Fourth Attempt

 

In the fourth and final scenario, I added black gaffers tape to the white v-flat. I separated the bounce area into two sections and feathered the fall off with the spacing of the tape.

Lessons like this one as well as 25 other lighting diagrams are available in my new e-book, RGLR, The Run & Gun Lighting Resource for $10.