Using V-Flats as Negative Fill in Fashion & Beauty Photography
Today I'm going to share 3 reasons why I love using v-flats to create negative fill in fashion & beauty photography.
You might not know what a v-flat is, or what negative fill is...but fear not, I'll explain.
A v-flat is typically a foam-like object similar to poster board (but often thicker) that is used to block light or channel it. It's another form of a modifier. You can DIY your own, or do what I do, and get quality made ones from V-Flat World (link below) that fold up and generally are easy to use.
If a fill light adds light to your photos, than negative fill is it's polar opposite. It removes light (aka blocks it) in order to create contrast, and can even absorb it!
This is super important, especially if you're in a space where light likes to bounce all over the place. The v-flats become a great way to control that spill of light.
I use v-flats all the time, in the studio, on location, you name it. I find them to be a very versatile tool. They don't require power, yet themselves are quite powerful!
Here are 3 ways that I use negative fill with v-flats:
1. Emphasize cheekbones & jawlines
This helps to carve out the features because it helps to absorb any bounced light that ordinarily would fill in those shadows, so you get more of a contrasty look. Try this out yourself, it's an interesting way to carve out those details! Check out the before/after in the video at 2:27.
2. Define edges
In mid length and full length fashion shots using negative fill is a great way to add definition to the side of the body and sides of the subject. I like using this technique when I'm shooting in high contrast black and white especially since it creates s sharper edge on my subject. Check the before/after at 3:21 to see the major difference adding v-flats can have!
3. Control the background
This last example is more about flagging the light, than negative fill, but that's also a very important thing. As I mentioned, v-flats are great for blocking light. I use v-flats for controlling the tonality of the background. A lot of people get various colored backdrops, but don't realize they can actually change the color in real-time by how much light hits it! Check out the differences starting at 4:00.
So here were just a few ways you can use v-flats. Definitely check out some of my other videos on the subject below:
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👉 Using V-Flats to create 3 different beauty images: • How to Create 3 Differ...
👉 Using a V-Flat to create Graphic Shadows: • Photo Deconstruction: ...
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👇 💬 Shoot me a comment below and let me know if you use v-flats in your work and if you find them to be as invaluable as I do!
📸 Gear used in this video:
✅ Canon EOS R: adorama.rfvk.net/Q14Ra
✅ Canon 24-105mm RF: adorama.rfvk.net/q74XY
✅ Canon 85mm RF: adorama.rfvk.net/Rk5Qy
✅ Profoto D1: adorama.rfvk.net/azKqR
✅ Profoto D2: adorama.rfvk.net/qvB7y
✅ Westcott Scrim Jim: adorama.rfvk.net/KNZ5a
✅ L Umbrella w/ diffusion: adorama.rfvk.net/bKGzg
✅ V-Flat: adorama.rfvk.net/djdBq
✅ Savage Beige Background: adorama.rfvk.net/zkmEr
✅ Savage Primary Fashion Grey: adorama.rfvk.net/9ZeX3
✅ Savage Primary Red Background: adorama.rfvk.net/V371R
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🔥 Want to learn these types of techniques and more? Check out my class Master Studio Lighting: lindsayadler.photo/masterstud....
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Пікірлер: 111
fill negative but stay positive
Great quick video on V-Flats and flags. And thanks for the links too!
Another great video. Clear, concise and helpful. Thanks.
Love your videos, especially the jewelry. Kudos to you and your team for creating great content.
Great video. Love the side by side comparisons. Thank you.
Totally love negative fill as a preference. Good stuff as always
I find myself every day looking for new videos from you. :) Love your work and the fact that you share. Thank you very much.
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
Aw thank you so much! Glad that you enjoy them!
Negative Phil is my next door neighbor. Negative fill is money! As always, polished content, thanks for sharing Lindsay!
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
lol. dad jokes. ;p
Excellent, clear, useful, simple. Great educator
Thank you so much Lindsay, very informative tutorial and useful tips. Good luck and God bless.
Thanks for another jewel of information. I love your work.
Nice explanation of negative fill and the examples really helped. Thanks.
Lindsay, you’re amazing! Thank you for sharing! The V-flats are going to be my next purchase. Thank you again.
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
xo
Lindsay thank you for sharing this !
Thanks a lot!! I were havin some hard time to find a real footage with side to side comparison using the v-flats and negative fill, thank you
Lindsay, I have to thank you for sharing. I have been following you for a while and I really enjoy all your content. I have all your classes on creative live. You are the best! Thank you again for all you do 😉
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
Awww thank you.
Always amazing--thank you!
You are just a gold standard, Lindsay. This advice is next-level, but also accessible and concisely articulated. Thank you for what you do!
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
awwww thank you! I try to get to the point quickly so I don't waste people's time. xo
@MrStuartFord
3 жыл бұрын
@@lindsayadlerphoto I basically came here to say what he said :-)
@MikeStaubes
3 жыл бұрын
Perfect video and presentation. Bravo
Great lesson, thank you!😍
The model is gorgeous
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
right??
Amazing! Thanks a lot for the tutorial!
Amazing how V-flats can add so much to the mood of an image. I'll start incorporating them in my shoots!
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
they really do!!!
Amazing!
Over at love life drawing Kenzo is telling us to use negative till to get a better grasp on portraits. Now I see what you are doing.
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing this. I love your content :)
love it! thanks for sharing!!!
A lot of thanks for making and sharing your video!!
@lindsayadlerphoto
Жыл бұрын
My pleasure!
Perfect 🥰
I just LOOOOVE YOUR VIDEOS LINDSAY
falling in love with negative fill
@lindsayadlerphoto
2 жыл бұрын
Right? It's a whole other thing!
You made so easy to understand! A great teacher! Thanks!
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much!
Awesome and informative as usual. The intern who gets to work with you is so lucky.😃👍🏻
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
I just hired my new one!
I don’t know why this lady came out in my suggestions, but I can’t stop watching her I think I’m in love, she is just beautiful to watch and the way she explains things is hypnotizing I think I can listen to her all day. Keep on the good work 🙌🏽
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Los mejores vídeos en fotografía. Esteticos, planificados y muy profesional. Felicitaciones.
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
you are a great teacher
Love this one
Amazing videos every time
Lindsay is loving the EOS R!
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
YESSSSS
I love it!! I use in my photos 🙌😍😍😔
love it
first thing first. tomorrow i will use it i love contrasty images
So impressive what light and shadows can do
awesome Video !! as always!!
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
Thank u!!
Nice presentation.
Thank you!
Bravo ! merci Madame ;))))
Hoping I can purchase one soon After I save!!
Great video. V-flats are also really easy to make DIY. I made mine for less then 60 bucks.
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
Depends on if you have the time and want to spend the effort doing it. I used to do tons of DIY stuff until I realized my time is better spent taking photos than building equipment. :D
@allanmenard1651
3 жыл бұрын
@@lindsayadlerphoto Agreed. I guess it comes down to money as well.
This was brill
I must say this information was very helpful I'm also excited that you use a little More video in what your explaining..it felt like I was really there..so my question for you Ms. Adler when will u go live on KZread again to answer questions from your fans and viewers like me for more tips and tricks?
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
Hmm... in the future for sure. Nothing planned yet but there will be!
You rock!
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you Doron!
Thanks for the class. Do you ever re-tint the background in post to cut down on the number of backdrops to stock
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
Sometimes, yes! To be honestly I also just have a huge collection of seamless. lol. :D suits my style.
💕💕💕👌👌👌
Hey Lyndsay I just set up my home studio and it’s all new including my camera the R5 and 70-200mm lens and was wondering if you shoot with the hood on or not?
How do you all keep them from warping? a week after I opened mine, they were so warped, they wouldn't even velcro together.
Lindsay ❤️
Thanks for sharing
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
my pleasure. xo
Flats are great for definition and separation from background but for full length portraits/fashion work you really can't just use 1 overhead light source as this will only light the face and not the entire body - I use flats and reflectors (hidden) inside the flat areas to provide additional directional focused lighting.
Thank you
awesome, thanks for the tips :)
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
my pleasure!
@donbodat
3 жыл бұрын
@@lindsayadlerphoto the pleasure was all mine
Vielen Dank 😘😘
Hi awesome work I have question about v flat in place I leave it is hard to buy things like that but I’m a hardware store I found big black plywood which looks perfect but the black OS a bit shiny reflective do you think it will still do the job ?
@lindsayadlerphoto
2 жыл бұрын
The shiny parts of it might wind up reflecting too much. I'd repaint them matte black or use poster board -- probably much cheaper too.
Hey there! Great video. Any v-flat recommendations for portable studio?
@paskrell
3 жыл бұрын
I should’ve watch the video until the end before asking the question. Link in the description!
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
@@paskrell lol :D
Did you change your camera or strobe settings when adding in the black vflats?
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
Only if it blocks the main light from the subject. so usually, no. :D
I made a couple of these because I came across them in one of my lessons.. yea, I did not have the budget for 395 for two.
🌟🌟🌟🌟!! 🙏🏼
Do you have any advice for photographing models with round faces?
@lindsayadlerphoto
2 жыл бұрын
Not that I know of the top of my head. You'd just have to watch through videos to see if you find one.
Would I get the same results or almost the same results if I use 2 collapsible black backdrop on either side of my model ?
@Bigricky06
4 ай бұрын
Yes. You would get the same effect. V flats are a little easier to maneuver because they stand on their own and you can control the angle on each side of the subject
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 ай бұрын
@@Bigricky06 answering your own question? Guess maybe you forgot to log into the right account lol
@Bigricky06
3 ай бұрын
@lindsayadlerphoto omg, Idk why I did that but what makes me happier, is the fact that The Lindsay Adler replied to my comment. Wow. That made my day. Your lightning recipes are what I use weekly on my Photoshoots. I really appreciate all the photography knowledge you shared with us (me) on KZread.
👍🏽
GOAT
Who keeps Photo industry going? There is an overwhelming amount of videographer and photographers making videos for youtube, is that indicating lack of clients? I ask because, the equipment is so expensive. Such as cameras and lenses. Lindsay what do you think?
@lindsayadlerphoto
11 ай бұрын
It really truly depends. I know a photog in Toronto (who takes my workshops) whose studio makes $10k a day on boudoir. legit. And most of my commercial jobs are in the $5-30k per day range. Are they every day? Nope. So, it is hard to say. I do hear overall that the industry is REALLY slow right now, so it may just be a downturn.
or you can have your studio walls paint in black
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
yea but that's a bit dungeon-y
@OniYT-WR
3 жыл бұрын
@@lindsayadlerphoto scientifically it does the job, besides, black looks great on you.
@lindsayadlerphoto
3 жыл бұрын
Most studios walls, in fact like probably 98% of them, are painted a light color.
@OniYT-WR
3 жыл бұрын
@@lindsayadlerphoto see you in the 2%
Great information and examples, thanks! Also I got here from fstoppers.com, and there are some interesting comments in the notes regarding vflats vs grids worth reading. fstoppers.com/education/power-v-flats-negative-fill-507475