How to Use a V-Flat to Create Dramatic Background Shadows

A v-flat is one of the most versatile tools any photographer working in a studio can have. And while you normally think of them as something used to modify lighting on the subject, you can also use them to create dramatic shadows on the background that can completely transform the mood of your photos. This great video will show you how it is done. 

Coming to you from Lindsay Adler Photography, this excellent video will show you how to use a v-flat as a gobo to cast dramatic shadows on the backdrop, such as the split black and white look in the video. V-flats are tremendously useful, as they allow you to deepen the shadows or reflect light back onto your subject. You can also use them as a convenient background or to build a set. However, as you can see, with careful placement, you can use them to cast shadows on the background as well. Certainly, you could accomplish this sort of thing in Photoshop, but that would take some careful masking and could end up being a bit tedious, whereas accomplishing it in camera will leave you less work after the shoot. I also find it particularly satisfying to get things right in camera. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Adler.