Simple Volume Headshots with Jeff Carpenter

Simple Volume Headshots with Jeff Carpenter
Learn how to shoot multiple subjects with the same setup in a compressed time period in order to increase efficiency and maximize profits - ALL while pleasing your client.

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[csmvideoproductions]

Thanks. Excellent overview of your process. It was extremely helpful

[mark.admiral]

I think this is a really versatile high key lighting setup for headshots. I normally use clamshell but this has the advantage of being able to adjust the lighting style on the fly - flatter for females or a little bit more shadow or classic style for males, while keeping the number of lights you use to a minimum. I also love the use of the black vflat! The use of two stripboxes as key light reminds me of Peter Hurley’s style (although he used 3-4 lights himself). I’ll definitely give this a try!

[the_learner]

Great presentation and results. I am old school and I notice when you change the power of the key light by going up 1 stop are you changing the aperture by 1 stop to ensure the exposure is correct? I don't see you using a light meter or talking about your adjustments to your settings like aperture. What focal length, aperture, shutter speed and ISO are you shooting at? Do you make adjustments by looking at your tethered laptop? Thanks again.

[PeteDavies]

Love this video, its up there with the best I've seen to date, and I've watched a lot.

[lighthousephoto]

Great video. I love the look of the photo lighting with the black backdrop although I think I'd prefer the rim not spilling on her face. Regardless, this is a setup I'll be sure to try.

[xglvn]

Many thanks for this valuable information. Excellent presentation.

[tracyshankland]

Very useful and detailed info - thank you

[clarkconway]

Jeff, Lots or really good information shared. I wish someday I can be as comfortable as you behind the camera when making adjustments quickly and on the fly. You make it look very easy. LOL!

[matcuba]

Thanks for a great video with clear, specific examples of light settings!

[peterhewel]

Last summer, I had a job to shoot just under 200 headshots for a company. Then several groups of management and finally group shots of everyone. 200x5=1, 000 minutes÷60 minutes in an hour and that was that is 16 hours and 40 minutes.and a VERY fast pace. We budgeted 2.5 days (20 hours). I made it crystal clear that that was very tight. If it was 21 hours or even 20.25 hours, the rate did not stand. All overages would be billable hours. The final bill would be adjusted for early or late completion. The assistant in HR did the organization of everyone.. She was really organized and demanded complete respect from everyone. Didn't matter if you were the janitor or worked the docks and we're only hired last week, or the CEO who took over for his father 30 years ago She was like a drill sergeant! There is no way I could do that Without her, it would have possible. It would have raken 30+ hours easily.

[mitchellreisinger]

How would you meter both of those light to meter them correctly with this set up

[truthsayers]

how do you light the background when the client wants something other than black or white background? gray or blue seems to be popular so obviously youre going to use a backdrop (cloth or paper) but how do you avoid a shadow without having the subject 10' away? do you put a kicker down on the floor or boom it out over top of them

[clarkconway]

Jeff, do you find yourself shooting headshots more with this two light setup, or the traditional overhead key light with clamshell fill? If two lights, is that because of the versatility it offers? Thanks!

[stanspb]

Hi Jeff, I know this older but not to me. Are you using grids on the strip boxes? I ususally use a Clamshell arrangement but this looks simpler to adjust for different looks. Most of my vol sessions are location head and full length for actors attended workshop master classes, 30-60 in number. This looks simpler than changing between the two light formulas. I shoot more due to that requirement so having a large monitor to the side allows them to see a pretty high res version without moving. Sometimes we work in location but otherwise in a a studio next to the class room work can be done in both rooms without disturbing the workshop. When in the attached studio two setups next to each other, one for headshots and the other at 90 degree is the full length lighting and background, and two camera stands. I doubt many head shot sessions need both but that works for us so the subject just turns to face the other camera while staying on the same mark.
Nice reminder about hydration, it makes a difference both for my alertness and the subjects look. 85% of such master class attendees are female who are stage actors so they do their own makeup, and too much because they are stage actors, so we have a MUA to do it to make sure it is optimized for an adience the camera distance instead of 12th theater row audience.

[nuleaves]

Everything is so close and I’m shocked your able to get that crisp black. I’m working in my bedroom and small spaces and having issues getting my backgrounds dark enough via separation from the subject versus background. I’ll keep working at it though!

[mikel]

Hello. Like the information. How many pictures your clients are allowed to pick out for edit and delivery?

[therookiefisherman]

Wow, it looks like a whole lot of lighting for simple head shots.

[jairrodriguez]

What software or app can I use for letting parents download the pictures, paying and give the options for printable pictures in different sizes?

[Richie]

How do you keep track of the different clients headshots, when dealing with a large company.

[onegreenev]

Air Direct is no longer. Will have to just deal with wired tethering for now.