Shooting your subject with the flash looking straight onto the subject will give no-shadow, flat photograph ( like this one)
In order to create depth in the photograph we need to move our light source to the side, so one side of the subject will be brighter than the other.
In this episode David Bergman with AdoramaTv will show you how to create a Negative Fill.
Photographer David Bergman examines this setup: “However, if you’re shooting in a room with white walls, or even outside, you might still have a lot of light bouncing around. I’m simulating that look by using a big white V flat, and all of that light reflecting off the walls fills in those shadows a bit more than I’d like.
David continues: “Today we’re going to use negative fill. Instead of using another flash, or a right reflector to kick some light back into our subject, we’re gonna use black to absorb the light, and prevent as much of the reflection as possible. I can use another V flat or even carefully place a small piece of foam core or any black material like duvateen, on the shadow side of her face.
“Some light will always be bouncing back, unless we’re in a completely black room. But the closer I put the black card to her, the darker the shadows are gonna be.”
“The light hitting her on the right doesn’t change at all, but by making the shadows on the other side darker, it increases the contrast which makes the image just a bit more dramatic. “
Check out our WORKSHOPS in Los Angeles that teach you hands-on how to make great photos!
One of our closest workshops – Studio Lighting 101 : Introduction to Studio Lighting and 3-Light Set Up
will take place on January 9th, 7-9pm, in one of our Los Angeles studios !!!
Watch the full episode with David Bergman and Adorama TV: