Creating fine art portraits in a small space can be challenging, but it’s achievable with the right tools and techniques. Using minimal equipment, such as a single speedlight and a versatile backdrop, you can produce stunning results. Here’s how you can do it.
Coming to you from Jiggie Alejandrino, this detailed video showcases how to create beautiful fine art portraits using just one speedlight and a collapsible backdrop. Alejandrino demonstrates the process in his small home studio, highlighting the practicality of his approach. The backdrop he uses is one meter by two meters, printed on non-reflective fabric, and reversible, offering two different designs. This feature is particularly useful for those with limited space, allowing you to lean it against a wall for convenience.
Alejandrino uses a diffuser to spread the light evenly. He sets it up on a stand that comes with the package and explains the book lighting technique. This involves bouncing the light off a white panel and then diffusing it through another panel to soften it further. This setup eliminates hotspots and provides a gentle, even light on the subject.
The camera used is a Sony A7R V with a 50mm f/1.2 lens. Alejandrino prefers this setup for its ability to create a nice background blur at f/1.2. He adjusts his camera settings to 1/250 second, f/1.2, and ISO 100, controlling the flash remotely. He also discusses the importance of adjusting the white balance to match the color temperature of the lights, setting it to 5,600 Kelvin for this shoot.
Alejandrino measures the distances between the camera, light, backdrop, and subject to ensure precise placement. His daughter is the model for this shoot, and he places her three feet from the backdrop, two feet from the light, and five feet from the camera. This arrangement allows for optimal lighting and composition.
He emphasizes the importance of eliminating ambient light to maintain control over the lighting setup. By increasing the shutter speed to 1/1250 second, he ensures no ambient light affects the exposure. Alejandrino records the entire process, providing a look at his process.
Adjusting the white balance to 8,000 Kelvin adds a warmer tone to the images, enhancing the overall aesthetic. Alejandrino makes minor adjustments, such as adding a flower, to improve the composition. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Alejandrino.
If you would like to continue learning about how to light a portrait, be sure to check out "Illuminating The Face: Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley!"
That tripod setup is pretty wild! Now that I have a son, I definitely see the fun in shooting portraits like this of your kids. These will be much more timeless and less cheesy than when they get older and more awkward haha.