First Attempts at High-Key

Mike J · December 10, 2013

I've been wanting to do some high-key shots but I've been intimidated for some reason so I finally bit the bullet...

Lighting Setup
Background light: 2 AB800's with no modifiers other than the standard reflectors on white seamless background metered at f/11
Main Light: AB400 in softlighter II metered at f/8

Next step is to do full-length shots. I've seen people put various things (masonite, plexiglass) down on the floor to get some cool reflections. I've seen things on top of the seamless on the floor and underneath. Anyone have any insights to share?

Here are a few from the last few nights...

#1 - Isabel just got her new ski jacket for the race team and we thought this would be great for our first attempts...

#2

#3 - Isabel multitasking: talking to her sister who is away at college and being my model. Now that's talent!:D! I got her to take the bands off her wrist a couple of shots later...:doh

#4 - Finally got her to give the phone to her mom...

#5 - and one from tonight using a 22" beauty dish as the main light...is the processing too fashion for her age (12)?

Hackbone · December 10, 2013

Great job for your first attempt, especially love # 2. For the floor goeap. Visit Lowes or similar store and pick up a 4x8 sheet of white plastic board. The cheapest and lightest you can find.

What was your main?

Mike J · December 10, 2013

Hackbone wrote: »

Great job for your first attempt, especially love # 2. For the floor goeap. Visit Lowes or similar store and pick up a 4x8 sheet of white plastic board. The cheapest and lightest you can find.

What was your main?

Thanks Hack. I assume that you put the white plastic board on top of the seamless?
Mainlight is an AB400 in a 60" softliter II.

Bryce Wilson · December 10, 2013

I think you did super on the lighting. Can't find a nit at all. Getting the pure white background and yet maintaining the texture of the white hat shows you're spot on!

Back when I used to do full length hockey portraits, I found a sheet of white material that I believe was meant to be used as wall covering. It was rough on one side and smooth on the other. It was thin enough to roll into a tube shape and tied for transport, but rugged enough to withstand the rigors of hockey skates. 4' x 8' sheets and I used two of them. Was pretty cheap too.

Hackbone · December 10, 2013

Yes, Mike, on top of the seamless. I've seen folks try to get all around whites with a box and that is hard to do.

divamum · December 10, 2013

I believe the shiny side of tileboard works. I personally have some polypaper backgrounds, and turn one over to use as a floor drop when needed; the material has a slight sheen which, while it doesn't give a full reflection, is just enough to brighten things up. 'Course, I struggle with full length in my space, so I don't use it all that often!

These are lovely. I find that 4 has a little too much shadow for me for a high key look - the camera right side of her face is definitely dark on my (calibrated) monitor. But that's a nit - they're very nice!

zoomer · December 11, 2013

These aren't high key....look like pretty normal exposures.
2 looks best.

Mike J · December 11, 2013

zoomer wrote: »

These aren't high key....look like pretty normal exposures.
2 looks best.

You are correct. These are not high-key. My bad. Looks at least one person online would call these Hot White -

HOT WHITE
The term "hot white" refers to the use of a pure white background and is not concerned with the colouration of the main subject.

kdotaylor · December 12, 2013

Oh my gosh...#2 is so beautiful!

Mike J · December 13, 2013

kdotaylor wrote: »

Oh my gosh...#2 is so beautiful!

Thanks Kate. I really like the light I'm getting out of the Softlighter II. It does some really nice things...

Mitchell · December 16, 2013

I like #1 here. Pretty good job on the lighting. How far was she from the background? I often have issues with spill with this setup.

Mike J · December 16, 2013

Mitchell wrote: »

I like #1 here. Pretty good job on the lighting. How far was she from the background? I often have issues with spill with this setup.

Thanks Mitchell. Spill and flare were my biggest worries. I was able to get her 7-8 feet away so spill was not really an issue and I had no problems with flare.

Qarik · December 17, 2013

#2 is spot on. I think she has deeper set eyes so you are getting bit of raccoon effect as well (#1). #5 is great as well but I feel like there is touch too much shadow under her eyes which makes her look tired. touch up!

anonymouscuban · December 22, 2013

#2 is pure awesome.

You have the same curse I do. "The curse of the beautiful daughter". Mine is grown but there often times that I would wonder how much easier life would be with an ugly kid.

First Attempts at High-Key

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