Vintage-inspired fashion photography brings a timeless elegance that resonates with many enthusiasts. Understanding how to create such imagery while maintaining a modern twist can elevate your work. This video will take you behind the scenes of a vintage-inspired photoshoot, emphasizing the importance of concept, lighting, and post-processing.
Coming to you from Lindsay Adler Photography, this fascinating video explores the intricacies of a classic, vintage-inspired fashion shoot. Adler draws inspiration from old Hollywood, incorporating elements such as hair, makeup, lighting design, and set decoration to create a timeless yet modern image. The video showcases a DIY set with a focus on warm, desaturated hues to achieve a luxurious and vintage feel.
Adler begins with a simple but effective DIY set, using champagne-colored curtains purchased from Amazon and hung on C-stands. This setup transforms a sterile studio environment into a stage-like scene, adding depth and context to the shoot. The use of warm tones in the makeup and wardrobe complements the set, creating a cohesive look that is both vintage and contemporary. Adler’s approach to color, lighting, and styling demonstrates how a well-planned concept can bring a vision to life.
Adler employs five different strobes to achieve the desired lighting effect. The main light is a Magnum reflector with a grid, providing a smooth yet controlled light on the model’s face and torso. Two rim lights, using 1x4 foot strip softboxes with CTO gels, add warmth and highlight the body, while a large umbrella with diffusion serves as the fill light, lifting shadows and maintaining detail in the dark areas of the scene. An overhead rim light with an optical spot and warming gel adds a subtle hair light, enhancing the overall depth and dimension of the image.
In the post-processing phase, Adler demonstrates how to refine and enhance the image captured in camera. She adjusts the white balance, desaturates the colors, and adds a vignette to focus attention on the model. Contouring techniques are used to highlight the model’s features, adding finesse to the final image. This meticulous attention to detail in both the shoot and post-processing stages underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to achieving a professional result.
The video also highlights the significance of collaboration, as Adler regularly works with her model to explore new ideas and concepts, encouraging you to find inspiration through creative partnerships. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Adler.
It looks great and I think the key is that the magnum reflector is similar to the gear used in the vintage era.
Softboxes are easy and give great light but IMO not a vintage look...
It also shows that a lot of the look is in the post processing.