V-Flats, Wind Machines, and Full length Posing
This tutorial covers constructing a V-flat, using wind machines, and suggestions for full length lighting and posing. We are going to start off by building a 4X8 foot “V-flat”. If you accept the premise that a soft box can emulate window light; representing a window that you can position where you want it and has a repeatable color temperature, then you might be able to visualize that a “V flat” can emulate the light coming through a doorway.
Furthermore, while a “V flat” might be more difficult to position than a soft box because it is so much larger, you can more easily adjust the lighting it provides to emulate light coming in through the bottom, middle, or top of the doorway. Secondly, you can cover the front of a “V flat” with a diffuser such as Set Shop Tough Lux and change the direction of the light shining into the “V flat” so it emulates either direct or diffused light coming through the doorway.
The tutorial continues by showing how a wind machine can be added to the set to accentuate and reinforce the energy created by the lighting a photographer uses. Finally, the tutorial ends with some suggestions to improve full length posing and an illustration of how camera height, relative to the subject height, can actually change the subject of the photograph.
Set Shop Tutorial Checklist
Call (800) 422-7381 or visit us online to purchase any of the products used in this tutorial.
- Foamcore: Our most popular size foamcore, this B/W 1/2 thick Foamcore is great for creating V Flats. May be used as a giant gobo, this Foamcore is great when adding black to a reflection or lighting setup.
- Silvers Gaffers Tape: Grey Gaffers Tape- 2″ x 50 yd. All of our professional gaffer tape comes from Shuretape formerly known as Permacel.
- Black Gaffers Tape: Black Gaffers Tape – Professional grade.
- White Gaffers Tape: White Gaffers Tape- 2″ x 50 yd. All of our professional gaffer tape comes from Shuretape formerly known as Permacel.
- Set Shop Tough Lux: This is a 3 Mil. version of our ever popular Tough Lux sold in 48″ width. Tough lux is a good all around diffusion. It is also the densest diffusion available in rolls. Set Shop Brand Diffusion Material Tough Lux is available in 60” wide, 4 mil thick and 48” wide, 3 mil thick, 15-foot long rolls. We also offer it at a per yard price.
- T-Pins: Keeps fabrics in place or use a T-Pin to attach a photo to your Foamcore
- Reel FX Rental Fan: The Reel EFx RE Fan II – Comes with an adjustable speed control for variable speeds and has a one touch blast button. This turbo bladed wind machine can go from a focused beam of wind to a wide spread beam with just a turn of the knob. Rental price is per day – A price break may apply for week based rentals.