Knowing how to effectively use continuous LED lights and v-flats can greatly simplify your process, helping you capture professional results without excessive gear.
Coming to you from Samuel Bouret with V-Flat World, this informative video shows how LED lights combined with v-flats can improve your shots, whether you're doing photography, video, or both. Bouret demonstrates how the Forsa 720 paired with an extra-large umbrella and black v-flats creates a moody, dramatic look. This approach is ideal if you’re after a high-contrast aesthetic, as the black v-flat absorbs excess light, deepening the shadows. These choices underscore the practical advantages of continuous lighting setups, making your workflow more streamlined by eliminating the need to switch between strobes and continuous lights when doing photo and video work.
Bouret also addresses adjusting shadows and highlights efficiently by simply flipping v-flats from black to white. This quick tweak instantly modifies the mood by subtly lifting shadows for a softer, more balanced exposure without requiring additional lights. If the white v-flat alone doesn't provide enough fill, he shares another straightforward method—bouncing a separate LED into the white side of the v-flat to increase the brightness precisely. He demonstrates a clever workaround when shooting horizontal video, showing how centering the subject and extending the sides in Photoshop effectively solves framing issues without complicated setups. Such practical tips allow you to work smarter, adapting easily between different shooting styles and client requirements.
The versatility of this setup becomes particularly apparent when Bouret switches from a moody look to a high-key setup. Using two additional LEDs bounced off white v-flats toward the background creates a seamless, evenly lit backdrop ideal for clean e-commerce shots. Directing lights this way prevents hotspots and results in a uniformly bright white surface, enhancing the visual appeal without extensive post-processing. This technique demonstrates how minimal adjustments to your existing lighting configuration can significantly alter the visual outcome, giving you greater flexibility in your shoots.
One especially useful tip from the video is Bouret's method for achieving seamless horizontal footage with limited space—an essential skill for e-commerce and promotional work. By using simple Photoshop extensions, you can easily fix frame edges, maintaining professional production value even in tight spaces. This not only maximizes your shooting environment but also saves you from extra editing time later. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bouret.
