While sitting at a table in a trendy petite nightclub waiting for a runway fashion show to start, I was thinking how come I don’t make these tasty Mojitos at home? Instead of paying $17, surely it won’t be more than $5 to make them myself, in an extra large glass.
I then thought about the reasons why I didn’t bring any lights with me other than my Canon 580EX2. First, knowing that I would have to walk quite a distance from the car park to the club, they would be too heavy and cumbersome. The club is quite small roughly about 12×12 meters square and will be packed and therefore setting up a lightstand will probably be frowned upon.
After having a quick look around the runway area,my ambient settings are ISO3200, 1/40 @ f2.My first instinct was to mount the flash on camera. Which I then noticed a spotlight directly in front of the runway which presumably will be turned on at the start of the fashion show.
So my idea of frontal flash is now obsolete, the models will be properly lit, so what can I do to make it a bit more interesting?
Back to my Mojito and while studying the different types of mini-skirts, it came to me!! Using the method of deductions, if there are already a front light, and side light what is missing is the back light, bingo!!
1.
Settings: 1/40 @ f2 @ 1600ISO … the lens was 35mm f1.4 @ 35mm
The flash is now up on that pole using a gorillapod, the light will be directly behind the models on the runway. I also added a 1/2 CTO gel to the flash.
2.
Settings: 1/40 @ f2 @ 1600ISO … the lens was 85mm f1.8 @ 85mm
3.
Settings: 1/125 @ f2 @ 400ISO … the lens was 85mm f1.8 @ 85mm
With the spotlights now on, I was able to drop the ISO down to 400. The purpose of the rim light was to add more separation to the model and background, it was mounted high enough to also double as a hairlight.
4.
Settings: 1/125 @ f2 @ 400ISO … the lens was 85mm f1.8 @ 85mm
5.
Settings: 1/125 @ f2 @ 400ISO … the lens was 85mm f1.8 @ 85mm
