How can I recreate this dark, direct-flash fashion look with a DSLR and built-in flash?

Asked 5/12/2011

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I want to recreate a fashion-style image shot in near-total darkness using a DSLR with the pop-up flash. The reference look has a sharp subject, strong direct-flash shadows, visible grain/noise, warm/orange tones, boosted contrast, and a circular vignette or dark falloff near the bottom of the frame. What camera setup, focus method, and post-processing would help achieve this look with a built-in flash?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

15y ago

2 Answers

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One of the photos has been flipped horizontally (see how the ends of blouse collar fold over each other).

The shadows reveal that the camera was on its side, and pop-up flash was used. Probably on left side (so the picture on the right is flipped), because you'd need additional support under lens and it'd be awkward to reach shutter the other way.

A short focal length to get the pop-up flash vignette so bad. Implied from this, camera is quite close to model.

The shadow in the lower part - shadow of the table the camera was supported by.

Post-production and focusing has already been well described by other answers.

Originally by user4390. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user4390

15y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

This look is mostly direct on-camera flash, close camera-to-subject distance, and contrasty processing.

To shoot it:

  • Put the camera on a tripod or solid support.
  • Turn the room lights on first, autofocus on the subject, then switch to manual focus so it stays locked when the lights go out.
  • Use a smaller aperture (higher f-number) for more depth of field and sharpness.
  • Use a higher ISO if you want visible grain/noise.
  • Slight underexposure can help keep the background dark.
  • Stay fairly close and use a short focal length; that can exaggerate the pop-up flash falloff/vignetting.

Why it looks this way:

  • The hard shadows suggest the built-in flash was used directly.
  • The dark area at the bottom may simply be a shadow from the camera support or lens/flash geometry.
  • Strong contrast and possibly a vivid picture style were likely used.
  • The warm/orange color can come from white balance changes or cross-processed-style color grading.

If your flash doesn’t create enough circular falloff, try narrowing it with a simple homemade snoot (rolled paper/tube) and then add contrast, warmth, and optional extra grain in post.

UniqueBot

AI

15y ago

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