Article: INSANE LIGHT with Just 2 V-FLATS
INSANE LIGHT with Just 2 V-FLATS
Creating Cinematic Light with Just Two V-Flats — Behind the Scenes with Nathan Nelson
Hey V-Flat World family! Today, we’re bringing you a quick and insightful behind-the-scenes look with photographer Nathan Nelson, who shows us how to create dynamic, cinematic lighting using just a couple of V-Flats. If you’ve ever wondered how to add drama and dimension to your portraits without complex gear, this one’s for you.
The Setup
Nathan takes us into the studio where he’s working with model Cameron, who’s leaning against a movable wall. The star of the setup? Two V-Flats, carefully positioned in front of the model with a narrow gap between them. This slit allows a beam of light to pass through—creating a beautiful streak of illumination across the model's body.
Originally, Nathan planned to use direct sunlight streaming through large studio windows. But when clouds rolled in, he adapted on the fly, swapping the sun for an Aputure 600D , which became his new key light.
The Lighting Technique
To mimic natural light pouring through a doorway or narrow corridor, Nathan spaced the V-Flats just enough to allow a single shaft of light to hit his subject. Shooting from the shadow side of the setup, he used the contrast between light and dark to sculpt the model’s face and figure—producing a cinematic look that’s both simple and striking.
To balance out the scene, he flipped the V-Flat furthest from the window to its white side , reflecting soft fill light back onto the wall and reducing the intensity of the shadows.
Camera Settings & Gear
Here’s the tech breakdown for all you gearheads:
Camera: Nikon Z6 II
Lens: 85mm
Settings: f/2.8, 1/640 sec, ISO 400
Software: Capture One Pro (tethered), with Nathan’s custom color grading styles applied in real time
The Results
The final images speak for themselves: moody, textured, and full of depth. It’s a perfect reminder that with the right tools and a creative mindset, you don’t need a ton of gear to achieve beautiful, professional results. Just a couple of V-Flats and a little ingenuity go a long way.
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