Through a series of creative shoots I test new ideas and concepts before I decide if it's a shot I would want to create commercially or for a client. January's big test was using a snoot to create a spotlight in a totally blacked out room. I wanted to test both a single light scenario and creative professional look in a potential nightclub or evening event setting.
I also considered if this might be a good add on for a luxury boudoir setting or even portfolio images for night time workers such as showgirls, cabaret singers or burlesque dancer
In this blog I'm going to be reviewing the use of a snoot on a studio flash to create drama in night time shots, handling and positioning for hard light and diffusing a spotlight for softer focused light.
Let's start with a few samples from the shoot using different lighting techniques including flags, diffusers and a snoot
Don't fancy reading my rambles? Skip to the part you want here:
Equipment List To Recreate These Shots
- FUJI X-T4
- 18-50MM 2.8
- Godox DP600 III Professional Studio Flash
- Cheap snoot with a Bowens mount (£17.99)
- Tripod stand with clip attachment
- Circular pop up diffuser
- Flags (which I made from black card)
Props:
- Amazon sequin curtains (I bought two for a client and loved them so bought more for the studio in different colours!)
- Very large fur throw
- A fabric ottoman that provides a range of poses
Post production stuff
- Lightroom
- Photoshop
- A small number of light overlays
Studio light snoot attachment review:
I was using a modelling lamp because as mentioned- it was pitch black. This meant the tiny plastic diffusion disk got hot and melted in about 5 minutes. The snoot itself was like fire in 10 minutes, carefully when removing---- or don't use a modelling lamp but, who does that?!
The directional light is good but if you want a crisp edge to your circle, you need another device or a flag as an add on.
I have to use the modifier with a coloured gel and in a lit room to give a more well rounded review but for the sake of the look I was aiming for in these shots if you want to recreate I would either do them at night or in a blacked out room/studio.
Spotlight effect with a diffuser:
I am a little obsessed with the light + a diffuser right next to the face, the spread of light is a lot more flattering without the fallout to the background.
I used a tripod with a clip attachment and asked my model to smile with her face towards the light.
Spotlight with flags
I used a set of homemade flags to further reduce the light into beams to frame different areas of the model which again created a lovely dramatic and theatrical effect that would work well for burlesque models or for luxury boudoir shoots.
With a two or three light set up I'd normally put a spotlight slightly above the models face and a bounce underneath but in these shots the spotlight was almost level so I could try to avoid any ugly nose shadows under the nose.
No fancy equipment for flags, I used a clipboard and a few pieces of card I had laying around on clips
Spotlight effect, direct light
Wow, isn't it dramatic! I love that the light is concentrated on the model but the fall of on the sequin curtains give a gorgeous rich bokeh glow while the focus stays on the model.
Again careful placement is needed for your model not to be shrouded in darkness.
In summation
I can't wait to use this lighting modifier in so many ways! I hope this inspired you to get creative too.
Cat Brant Photography
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