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.
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.
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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