Corporate portraits with a difference

Got a call from a consulting firm PBA couple of weeks ago ask for me to do some high key portrait for them, I initially thought they want traditional, very business like. I was wrong, they want something totally opposite, they want something fresh and fun. The idea is to attract young and dynamic people to the company. So they asked for different poses and facial expression. It was a really fun shoot, I can have a bit fun with my models and use more contrast in the lighting rather than the very soft light I would use in a more traditional business portraits

 

 

The location set up

To set up a location high key is relatively simple, it does require a big light source that can be placed very close to the subject to product a more wrap around light, avoiding too much contrast on the face. I use the large Rotalux as my main light, remove the white diffuser and placed it very close to the backdrop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The High ley backdrop is achieved with using another flash head and place it directly behind the paper backdrop, turn the power up to make sure it will burst through and white paper. Its really simple, thanks to Kevin (who is sort of my mentor/really good photographer friend) teach me this trick when I was doing a school portrait with him one day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The result is an instant high key lighting with just 2 lights and in a confined space, which normally requires at least 3 lights to do it. One thing I learn from this assignment is that I should add a reflector on the side just to balance out the shadow a but better.  Obviously it is for single person, thou might be able to squeeze 2 person on the back drop at a push.