Using V-Flats as Negative Fill in Fashion & Beauty Photography (Video)

Today I'm going to share 3 reasons why I love using v-flats to create negative fill in fashion & beauty photography. You might not know what a v-flat is, or what negative fill is...but fear not, I'll explain. A v-flat is typically a foam-like object similar to poster board (but often thicker) that is used to block light or channel it. It's another form of a modifier. You can DIY your own, or do what I do, and get quality made ones from V-Flat World (link below) that fold up and generally are easy to use. If a fill light adds light to your photos, than negative fill is it's polar opposite. It removes light (aka blocks it) in order to create contrast, and can even absorb it! This is super important, especially if you're in a space where light likes to bounce all over the place. The v-flats become a great way to control that spill of light. I use v-flats all the time, in the studio, on location, you name it. I find them to be a very versatile tool. They don't require power, yet themselves are quite powerful! Here are 3 ways that I use negative fill with v-flats: 1. Emphasize cheekbones & jawlines This helps to carve out the features because it helps to absorb any bounced light that ordinarily would fill in those shadows, so you get more of a contrasty look. Try this out yourself, it's an interesting way to carve out those details! Check out the before/after in the video at 2:27​. 2. Define edges In mid length and full length fashion shots using negative fill is a great way to add definition to the side of the body and sides of the subject. I like using this technique when I'm shooting in high contrast black and white especially since it creates s sharper edge on my subject. Check the before/after at 3:21​ to see the major difference adding v-flats can have! 3. Control the background This last example is more about flagging the light, than negative fill, but that's also a very important thing. As I mentioned, v-flats are great for blocking light. I use v-flats for controlling the tonality of the background. A lot of people get various colored backdrops, but don't realize they can actually change the color in real-time by how much light hits it! Check out the differences starting at 4:00​.