The Subject
This is Emelia – fiery, fabulous and full of fun. Photographed during a family session with Kimberley, Luke, Emelia and Lara, it was one of those shoots where you’re meant to be working but you end up grinning the whole way through. The girls had so much character – so much attitude – it was impossible not to be swept up in it. This shot was created partway through the session, after we’d banked all the warm, smiling family moments. Now it was time to go moody.
The Setup
It’s a deliberately stripped-back setup – a single Elinchrom FIVE and a 1m softbox. Nothing fancy. The key is in the control: the light is feathered gently across Emelia rather than pointed straight at her. This softens the fall-off and helps light both her and the background with one source.
Camera right: the softbox.
Camera left: a subtractor – a big black flag – to kill off any unwanted bounce and keep the shadows rich and textured.
The background is about a metre and a half behind Emelia, which lets the light wrap onto it without casting strong shadows. No need for a second light – just careful feathering.
She’s leaning on the stool rather than sitting – a small detail, but one that gives her posture a relaxed confidence. That, combined with the chunky boots and that killer expression, gives the shot its bite.
I’m sat on the floor, about three metres back. It’s our usual studio floor – nothing shiny – but once you get low enough, the angle picks up the light and gives just a whisper of reflection. It’s a subtle thing, but it helps ground the whole image.
The Image
Postproduction is where the tone really comes together. I’ve desaturated the colour quite heavily – not all the way to black and white, but close – leaving just enough colour in the skin, the dress, and the boots to keep things alive. The shadows are soft but present, and the highlights are never clipped. The dress glows, the boots shine, and Emelia owns the space completely.
Key Elements That Make It Work
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Lighting control: The feathered key, subtractor, and reflector create mood and depth from just one light.
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Viewpoint: The low camera angle adds strength and elegance.
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Styling: Sequins, ruffles, boots – absolutely nailed it.
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Postproduction: Desaturation adds focus and enhances the mood.
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Expression and posture: She’s not performing – she’s just being.
What I’d Tweak Next Time
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I might lift her forward slightly to balance the background gradient a little more evenly.
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A subtle rim light (very subtle) could help separate her from the backdrop without losing the softness.
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Possibly a tiny clean-up or dodge on the nearest stool leg – just to stop it pulling the eye.
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And I’d test print it before final output – just to make sure those floor highlights don’t pop too hard.