In this video, Lindsay Adler shows how getting back to the basics, nothing more than a camera, a white background, and a bare shadow flash can produce some great images.
When I first started with photography, I remember thinking that the further away you put the light, the softer the edges will be. But then you learn the difficult darkness that comes when you have the light far from your talent. Just look at what the sun does on a summer day, and it will correct that in the mind.
I am one of those photographers who has felt nervous in the studio, asking myself if I could afford to light someone well with two or three lights. I’m grateful it’s not like that anymore, but it’s also cool to see what can happen with just one bare light bulb.
What will I take from this video
- Silhouettes with a light can really work if you have several walls, floors or ceilings that reflect light back into your frame.
- Try to add something between your light and your talent, and use the shadows it brings with purpose. It can be leading path, contrast, mystery or whatever suits your shot.
- Every time Lindsay finishes talking to the camera, she lets us know that she’s going to start filming. So there’s intention, and she’ll keep shooting until she gets the shot she has in mind. I shot where I just shot until I thought I had something of value. But having an idea or intention before shooting and making sure you get the shot is what I believe will give you great images. So planning and sticking to what you want to achieve is an important part of the photo session.
Inference
I’ve always wanted to see how Adler directs her models. She has a way of taking energy out of context, and this translates it into her photographs. She is also very good at explaining how things work and what to look out for.
