Let’s speak Beyoncé. Particularly, that now-iconic Cowboy Carter promo photograph that’s been all over the place. In my newest video, I break down precisely how I’d recreate that look on a finances—and how one can too, with one or a number of lights.
We’re not right here to repeat Beyoncé 100%. That is theft. We’re utilizing what I name my 85% Rule: reverse-engineer somebody’s lighting setup to about 85%, after which carry your individual aptitude to the ultimate 15%. That’s the place your magic lives. That’s how artwork evolves.
The Beyoncé photograph I selected isn’t only a fairly image. It’s purposeful. Artists use pictures like this for press kits, Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music—you title it, and the publicist loves them. So studying tips on how to recreate this model can truly land you paid work! Additionally, apologies for the Beyoncé puns. I feel she’s extremely proficient, however I do not know her music past a handful of songs.
The Lighting Setup
Within the video, I present you ways this setup might be performed with one, two, or three lights. I even reference a shoot I did with Usher in a room barely greater than a closet, utilizing one mild and a equipment lens. Don’t let your gear maintain you again. It is troublesome as an example lighting in a weblog publish, however I do hope it conjures up you adequate to observe the explainer video.
To interrupt down Beyoncé’s lighting, I analyzed the three main shadows: underneath the cowboy hat, underneath the chin, and on the wall behind her. These shadows informed me the whole lot from mild placement to top to output. I even used a 3D render of “Mock Beyoncé” to stroll you thru the setup step-by-step. Keep in mind, the purpose is not to straight copy her lighting however to get impressed by it. I’ve a rule that I created referred to as the 85% Rule, and it is the utmost restrict to copying somebody’s lighting. I discussed it earlier, and it is value saying once more! The opposite 15% is your individual recipe—your secret sauce—and that really lets us have distinctive voices. Please don’t copy 100%. It is dangerous etiquette and disrespectful to your expertise and that of the unique photographer.
I used a tough key mild for construction, a bounce to carry shadows, and a 3rd mild to softly illuminate the background. The important thing mild was positioned simply off-center and raised barely above eye stage to match her shadow angles. It’s surprisingly easy when you break it down.
The fabric of her outfit (leather-based or vinyl) informed me I wanted to observe my mild output. Blowouts are simple with reflective materials. I additionally adjusted ISO and aperture to get the pores and skin tones proper and added V-flats to regulate spill and bounce mild.
We wrapped it up with slightly composition tweak. Within the Beyoncé picture, she’s trying down barely. Which means your digital camera wants to come back up only a bit so your topic seems to be highly effective and elevated.
If this sort of breakdown is your vibe, it’s good to watch the complete video. I present each mild place, clarify each resolution, and stroll by means of the construct in actual time. You’ll be taught far more by seeing it in motion.
