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Article: Light It Like Jeff: Shooting Vintage 70s-Themed Portrait | Ep 17

Light It Like Jeff: Shooting Vintage 70s-Themed Portrait | Ep 17

In this episode, Jeff Carpenter takes us on a fun, retro-inspired journey in his studio. This time, he's shooting a groovy 70s-themed portrait featuring model Emily. His setup is clean yet creative, using a mix of modern lighting with a dash of vintage charm. Here’s how he pulled it off.


The Three-Light Setup


Jeff’s approach revolves around a simple yet effective three-light setup, complemented by a couple of V-Flats. His key light is a Profoto B10 paired with a beauty dish, which is angled just right to create a flattering loop lighting effect. The trick here? A strategically placed V-Flat on the white side, which bounces light back onto Emily’s face to soften shadows, keeping the lighting natural but dynamic.

Jeff Carpenter

Behind the key light, Jeff introduces his second light – a Profoto B1 fitted with a purple gel. Rather than using a traditional softbox, Jeff gets creative by bouncing this light off another white V-Flat. The result? A subtle yet cool purple-hued rim light that adds depth and a pop of color, giving a fun nod to the funky, colorful vibes of the 70s.


For the final touch, Jeff throws in a third light overhead, this time equipped with a chocolate gel. The light bounces off the background with a 40-degree grid to create a smooth vignette effect. This not only frames Emily in the shot but also gives the entire background a warm, nostalgic feel, drawing all attention to the subject and perfecting the 70s-themed portrait look.


Bringing It All Together


Jeff’s ability to layer light and color without overwhelming the scene is what makes this setup shine. By adding just a hint of 70s color while keeping the overall aesthetic natural, he captures a modern take on a retro theme. The purple gel and chocolate-toned vignette subtly enhance the image, while the V-Flats help control and direct light in a way that feels effortless.


For anyone looking to create a cool, retro-inspired portrait, Jeff’s setup proves that a few well-placed lights and a couple of V-Flats can make all the difference. And as always, Jeff’s signature style brings out the best in both his subject and the scene.

70s themed portrait of woman in retro clothes with purple and brown lighting.

V-Flats Used in Video

Wanna Learn More?


Want more tips and tricks from Jeff? Check out the complete "Light It Like Jeff" series.


You can also find him at @readylightmedia on Instagram or head over to nextlevelworkshops.com to dive deeper into his work.

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