It’s all about the shadows, get them right and you’ll be a master of the “dark” element of a low-key portrait. Adding some mood is a little more tricky. That requires a combination of carefully considered shadows, styling, or props that add some dark character and possibly a little bit of post-processing magic.
Photographer Gavin Hoey starts at the beginning and shows you how to make the shadows as dark as possible before you start your photo session. Next Gavin uses a simple two-light setup to keep control of the light on his model and background using a Glow softbox and two Flashpoint flashes.
For the mood in his portraits, Gavin has three simple studio ideas that use everyday props in an unusual way. It starts with some heavy, dark fabric that Sophie, his model, wears like a hooded cloak. Next Gavin mixes things up and uses the brim of a top hat to cast a shadow that hides his model’s eye. Finally, Gavin switches to some sheer black fabric that completely covers his model but adds that all import mood and mystery to the images.
Timestamps and Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:15 Camera settings for maximum shadows
02:14 Setting up the key light and background flash
03:25 Hooded cloak photo session
04:58 Dark beauty lighting set-up
05:59 Top hat with shadows photo session
07:38 Correct camera setting for sheer fabric
09:50 Sheer and lace fabric photo sessions
10:50 Conclusions and Subscribe
Gavin Hoey is a freelance photographer, content creator, OM SYSTEM ambassador, and trainer who specializes in all things photography.
With over 25 years of experience, Gavin’s photography career has grown from a part-time job writing articles for photography magazines into a full-time career creating video tutorials and live streams. More often than not he can be found photographing, filming, and editing in his small home studio.
Gavin is a highly creative and talented photographer who believes that anyone can take amazing photos. Now in his 11th year with Adorama TV, sharing that belief with over 1.2 million subscribers is an honor he never takes for granted.
Whether it’s portrait or macro photography, studio lighting, or post-processing, Gavin is passionate about creating simple, entertaining, and educational content. In fact, the only thing he enjoys more than talking about photography is actually doing photography.
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✘ PRODUCTS USED:
Flashpoint XPLOR 300 Pro
https://www.adorama.com/fplfx300ptb.html
Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Pro
https://www.adorama.com/fplfev200pk1.html
Flashpoint R2 Pro Transmitter
https://www.adorama.com/fprrr2proo.html
Manfrotto 5×7′ Vintage Collapsible Background, Smoke/Concrete
https://www.adorama.com/ls57bcksmke.html
Westcott 8×8′ X-Drop Pro Wrinkle-Resistant Backdrop Kit with Stand
https://www.adorama.com/we880k.html
Glow EZ Lock Collapsible Silver Beauty Dish (25″)
https://www.adorama.com/glbdez25s.html
OM SYSTEM OM-1
https://www.adorama.com/iomom1.html
OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II
https://www.adorama.com/iom1240pb.html
Lexar Professional 1667x 64GB SDXC UHS-II/U3 Memory Card
https://www.adorama.com/ilxsd64g1667.html
Kupo 20″ Master Raiser C-Stand
https://www.adorama.com/kuks703712.html
Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm
https://www.adorama.com/fplsc.html
Glow S2 Round Flash S-type Bowens Mount Bracket
https://www.adorama.com/glbdsm02pro.html
Tether Tools Pro 16′ USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable
https://www.adorama.com/ttcu1917.html
Sekonic L-308 Flash Meter
https://www.adorama.com/sksk401305.html
#studioportraits #homestudio #adorama
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Follow Gavin Hoey on
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Model and MUA Sophie Daly
https://www.instagram.com/sophie_daly
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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!
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Awesome, prize-winning images.
Gavin the great! Great photographer and great instructor.
Fun and always fun watching Gavin 👍
One of the best if not the best !
love the video always you give a great show
I was lowkey hoping Gavin would gift us with some Jamiroquai moves at the end
Very good!
🤫😍😍
Beautiful, striking images, Gavin and Sophie! ❤
Very nice concept.. I've watching lots of your videos and i find it very inspiring..Good to see sophie again..
Always a joy watch you build this images.
Nice photography
What is the name of the tripod ? I'm looking for something like that.
would you do a video in your small home studio with 3/4/5 models?, how to do a group photo shot and the many options?
I’ve been watching Gaven for a long time. You really don’t need the Pro in the lighting, that he uses.
Awesome. One of the best videos from Gavin so far. Also not that long 😜
Reminds me of the Scottish widow advert back in the 90's
Gavin Hoey, you are the best that Adorama has.
Always look forward to watching Gavin's tutorial. Great materials as always Gavin! Thank you.
Hi Sir, I am following you since I wanted to become a photographer. I have one question for now, and that is how much long and wide is your home studio?