Light It Like Jeff: 3-Way Split Background Lighting | EP 3
Jeff Carpenter is back in the studio with his model, Emily, setting up bold three-way split background lighting that brings some dramatic flair to the table. In this episode of "Light It Like Jeff," he dives into the nuts and bolts of his “fun, very symmetrical look” using just a few V-Flats and a couple of lighting essentials.
The Lighting Gear Behind the Look
For this setup, Jeff uses a Profoto B10 with a gridded beauty dish as the main light source. “The grid keeps the light from shooting everywhere,” he explains. “It defines the focus of the light,” so the attention stays on Emily’s face without stray illumination. Positioned above her, this beauty dish setup creates a “butterfly light” effect – ideal for accentuating facial structure with flattering shadow work.
Behind her, Jeff sets up a five-foot octabox as the background light. The key to the setup’s visual impact lies in the V-Flats, which are arranged on either side of the octabox. The two V-Flats are set with their black sides facing out, segmenting the backdrop into a three-way split: black on each side with a striking white center strip. This split creates a sleek, minimalistic contrast in the frame, giving the portrait a strong, editorial feel.
Strategically Placed V-Flats for Dimension and Style
The V-Flats aren’t just for the background. Jeff incorporates a third V-Flat directly in front of Emily as a tabletop, which she can use as a posing aid. This additional V-Flat isn’t only practical, but it also bounces light back to soften any shadows under her chin and nose, adding depth and balance to the shot. “It just helps bring back some of the shadows,” Jeff says, emphasizing how even the smallest detail can make a difference in achieving the desired look.
Wardrobe Choices: Playing with Patterns
Jeff doesn’t overlook the importance of wardrobe in complementing his lighting setup. He had a clear vision before the shoot, aiming to blend elements of symmetry and pattern. He suggested striped shirts for Emily to enhance the background's striping effect. They settled on a shirt with vertical stripes, seamlessly aligning with the black-and-white segments behind her and elevating the entire composition.
Capturing the Final Shot
As Jeff steps back to start shooting, he’s thrilled with how the setup brings out Emily’s features while keeping the look fresh and modern. The lighting defines her face beautifully, the background adds dimension, and the wardrobe pulls everything together. Check it out:
Wanna Learn More?
For more lighting tips from Jeff, check out the whole "Light It Like Jeff" series.
Plus, we’ve got over 100 videos on our Behind the Scenes page with tips and tricks for photographers and videographers of all genres. Learn how to light, shoot, and more!
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