Before we get into the meat of this video, I've got to warn you...it's long. Like nearly 20 minutes long. That said, if you'd prefer not to gawk at the model and get to the parts that will truly help you with your photography, I have them listed out below. Despite it's length this may be one of the better BTS videos I've come across in a while. I say this because it's not often that a photographer will actually go in and explain what they are up to. Rather than make this a promotional video of sorts, Karl uses it to teach. In my opinion that should be the reason BTS videos are created in the first place.
In this particular video Karl takes us on set for his client Ava Corsetry. The set was built to mimic a vintage French style room and the light was very specifically crafted for each look. As you watch you'll notice a dramatic difference in the light between the bridal images versus the rest of them.
So here are the key points to take a look at:
Set building and team information: 00:55 - 01:55
Photoshoot B-roll (not much information): 02:00 - 11:00
Explanation of Lighting: 11:00 - End
There are some hidden gems in the shoot video (like using dulling spray on a metal lamp to reduce glare) but overall the real good information is in the last 5 minutes. One YouTube commenter asked about camera settings and focal points and if you were wondering the same here is Karl's reply:
"Was f4 for most of these for a shallow DOF. For flash, shutter speed is irrelevant unless outdoors to reduce the daylight, wouldn't have made a difference if the shutter speed was on 125th or 500th for this. ISO always use the lowest possible, with flash in the studio I use 50 no problem, I can just increase the flash to compensate. Focus on eyes or corsets both in the same plane of focus. Don't get hung up on any of above as understanding light and composition will be more useful you first :)"
You can view more of Karl's work at karltaylor.co.uk/
Thank you. I enjoyed watching his videos. He had a nice comparison between Broncolor and Profoto packs on his blog.
Neither of which I could afford. :p
Nice post, I like Karl Taylor, I've learned a lot from his videos throughout my photography.
i can gawk at the model, no problemo
by the way, the tech info on the lighting is good, but the real star of the photographer is commanding the model, finding her best positions and leaving her at will. and i think that's perfectly shown on the 2~11m time.
Buhuhu am văzut țâțe. Kinda.
All I saw was the advertisements for Broncolor and Hasselblad. That and the creepy lingering of the camera on the model's crotch.
Needing your eyes tested then...you're in the wrong game.
You might wanna think about that comment. If you didn't see those things then maybe sir it is you that isn't an advertising photographer.
Totally agree Matthew, it looks like an ad for Hasselblad and Broncolor! Two products of which I'd never be able to afford. I just don't see the need for a $30k camera on my budget right now!
Karl is always awesome. His comparision or Broncolor to Profoto is good too.
Looks like he needed a Profoto D4 with 4 sockets.
Is it me or does he sound like Russel Brand?