Here are 26 shots of Victoria Bond from a 1:1 training session in Bristol. I used simple yet beautiful lighting to create timeless classic photographs that could have been shot in the 1960s.
Model: Victoria Bond
Photographer: Damien Lovegrove
Lighting: Lupo 1000 LED fresnel spotlight with a Scattergel and a Lupo Superpanel
Camera: Fujifilm GFX50s with 32-64mm and 110mm lenses
01. I used a single Lupo 1000 with a Scattergel to light Victoria here. The mirror gave a two point lighting effect.
I took these shots on a 1:1 training session for a client from Switzerland. Like many of my clients he flew into Bristol airport and checked into a boutique hotel that we had booked in Bristol for a couple of nights. Victoria and I arrived at 9am the next day and we shot until about 5pm stopping for breaks and a decent lunch at a nearby pub.
02. The Scattergel breaks up the light and leaves a beautiful dappled effect.
Part of the brief from my client was to create the high contrast beauty shots using hard light that I’ve become noted for. I like to start these training sessions with a simple one light set up and show how a Scattergel can transform the light into something quite magical.
03. The same Lupo 1000 with a Scattergel gives these ‘girl against a wall’ shots a classy timeless feel.
My emphasis is on providing a fun, relaxed space for my client to create magical pictures. I do an overview assessment of their shooting technique and together we tweak it to perfection. I like to show how to use a rhythm and to keep the pace of the shoot moving. This avoids awkward moments and ensures a great shooting experience all round.
04. The Lupo 1000 and Superpanel lights that I use are dual colour so I can match the warmth of the room lighting should I need to shoot in colour.
My clients have all sorts of ability and come with all sorts of cameras. Having shot Nikon, Canon and Hasselblad throughout my digital career I can help with camera set up as we go. Some clients have creative vision but lack the technical core knowledge and other are the other way around. Some are starting out and want to get off on the right path.
05. I showed my client a simple technique that uses a brave exposure to deliver a vibrant high key look. His Nikon DF was indicating plus 3 of exposure compensation.
06. The ghosted shadow of the telephone cord is because I lit Victoria through a wall mirror to give a key and kick lighting technique using just one light. I like to keep the shots real so I do minimal retouching. I limit myself to a maximum of 60 seconds per picture at the edit.
07. The 110mm f/2 lens on the Fujifilm GFX gives a sublime look that has a similar feel to a fast 85mm prime lens on a full frame SLR or the 56mm f/1.2 lens of the Fujifilm X series.
If you would like to spend a fun day shooting alongside me on a 1:1 basis do get in touch. I’ll be doing an extensive trip throughout the cities of Europe and even New York in 2019.
08. These shots were lit with the Superpanel. It has a softer feel and makes a good alternative to the harder Lupo 1000. Right: I lit Victoria from the bathroom via the wall mirror.
09. I used the Lupo 1000 with Scattergel here too.
10. This is one of the most beautiful portraits I’ve taken in a while. I used a technique of masking that I’ve developed over quite a few years. Victoria’s eye is right in the middle of the shot as I’ve cropped it here.
11. It’s always a bit of fun shooting a wet scene but it has to happen at the end of the session for obvious reasons.
If you love these and want to know more about my lighting techniques and how I create my portraits download a copy of this ebook now. Use the code arpeggio at the checkout to bag a 20% discount.
gorgeous work I love your lighting.
Thank you Frank :)
awesome shoot. the last few reminded me of janet leigh in psycho. im assuming thats maybe what you were going for.
Thanks Joss. I’ve never seen Psyco so I wouldn’t know ;)
Cheers, Damien
hi, under (6) you’ve mentioned that “I limit myself to a maximum of 60 seconds per picture at the edit.” do you have any articles / video trainings about your retouching techniques?
Hi Sanka,
I have produced a few post production videos in my time for various purposes but all I can find is a trailer/ sample chapter from an old Lightroom 5 movie I made. It was 5 years ago and the full production hasn’t been available for sale for some time now due to obsolescence. I hope you find this bit useful: https://vimeo.com/71813282
It’s about time I made a new video.
Kind regards, Damien.
What a stunning set of shots, and most definitely in the vein of Hollywood B&W era. My stand out shot from this collection is Panel 5 right hand shot. Such a captivating expressions on her face with those eyes just to gorgeous to turn away from.
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for the compliments. I know what you mean about that shot in set 5 :)
Kindest regards,
Damien