There is always more you can do with photography in your own home, and I have some incredible results, but this use of a projector is up there with the best.
In the last year, I've seen more and more behind the scenes footage of shoots where the background isn't just a static wall or backdrop. Some months ago I saw a photographer use a large television to great effect, and as technology improves and we see more OLED televisions, this will only become more viable.
In this video, Manny Ortiz uses a reasonably cheap projector to create a backdrop for a cyberpunk, cosplay style shoot with a model. At first, the setup may seem intimidating and complicated, by as is the case with most things in photography, it's easier than it seems. There are only two or three lights at any one time (for the most part it looks to be key light, rim/ambient light, and an accent light) as well as the projector.
When I think of projectors, I'm still taken back to the awful and cumbersome machines that were rolled out in school and produced translucent images with little to no contrast. However, I have seen what high-end projectors can do, both ones used for gallery exhibitions and home-use projectors, and the quality is now superb. Ortiz's projector is just from Best Buy and isn't too expensive. If you have a bigger budget (one of the few photography devices you could convince the family of its benefits!) there are some projectors that offer significantly stronger contrast than the one in this video and could offer wider applications as backdrops.
Have you ever used projections for a shoot? Share your images in the comment section below.
That's a cool idea. looks imma have to get a projector!
This was very creative! Loved it and thanks for sharing.