My studio doesn’t have windows so getting a harsh shadow style created by natural light or windows is challenging. However, sometimes a moodboard calls for that style.
I decided to do a series of tests using different types of simple DIY scrims, flags, V-flats and gobos with studio strobes to see what I could create. Some of the tests worked, some didn’t. Overall, I’m happy with the results. Here are some setups.
Here are the key takeaways from my tests:
In every situation, the scrim / flag or V-Flat had to be close to the model to create the desired effect.
A single light seemed to work the best
unmodified strobes or continuous lights were needed. Softening or broadening the light with a modifier didn’t help
The light generally needed to be placed several feet (i.e. 10-12’ or more) away from the scrim or flag
Anything can be used to create a shadow
Directing the light with a barn-door helped prevent light spillage.
For my tests, I used either a single unmodified Profoto B2 or an Elinchrom D-Lite 4 with an 8” reflector.
The settings on my camera were always the same. I started at f/8, 1/160 & ISO 160. The only variable was the aperture to taste. I metered the light to these settings. The camera used is the Nikon D810
2 v-flats to block the light spill and a “window” cut out of a pc of cardboard. Profoto B2 approximately 12’ away from the flag
The results. I stood to the left of the flag. Model was about 2 feet away from the flag about 6” from the white wall
Created a flag with cross-hatched lines to get a faux-window sill effect. Model was standing against a white wall. Flag about 2’ away from the model. Light was approximately 12’ away from the model
The results. I moved the flag and light around to get the shadow lines in different locations.
I created a window “blinds” effect by cutting 2” strips out of a piece of cardboard. Model was about 8” from the wall and the flag was about 1 1/2’ away from my model. Light was in the same position approximately 10-12’ away.
I moved the flag up and down to get them to cross different parts of my model’s face. The closer the flag to my model, the crisper & tighter the lines
To create an effect like my model was standing against a wall with light cutting across her body while standing under a tree, I took a large piece of foamcore and angled it about 2 1/2’ away from the wall held in place with a clamp on a lightstand. I hung some Hobby Lobby fake leaves from a background stand the same distance as the foamcore. My model stood against the wall.
The results. I was standing light right about 3’ away from my model. It’s very easy to get in the way of the light so you need to be mindful of not creating your own shadow
Finally I just used a v-flat with no flag. I had my model stand against the wall and simply move right and left to get the shadow line cross her in different locations. I was standing light left so that I didn’t create a shadow myself
The results
Bottomline, anything can be used to create a cool shadow effect. Next test I’m going to introduce some yellow / orange gels to recreate a golden hour effect. Should be cool