Ad Campaign Photography (Part 1)

In part 1 of this ad campaign tutorial, talented photographer Lou Freeman discusses the dos and don’ts of a commercial photo shoot.

Behind the scenes at Coyote Ugly saloon in Florida, Lou begins her shoot by reviewing the requests from the client. Commercial photography clients will typically give their hired photographer suggestions on mood, styling, posing, and more prior to the shoot. For this shoot, the team at Coyote Ugly wanted a sexy, colorful, and confident look that showcases their venue.

Lou uses her knowledge of lighting and experience shooting for Playboy for this ad campaign. For her first setup, Lou uses 4 lights to precisely illuminate her subject and the setting. Gels and grids play a big role in this setup, adding glamour, precision, and color to the image.

The first light is a speedlite as the key light. This speedlite is modified with the Apollo Orb Octabox with 40-Degree Grid (43"), diffusion, and 40-Degree Egg Crate Grid for Apollo Orb (43"). This speedlite is also modified with a tungsten gel to match the ambient light.

The second light is a speedlite as a fill light. This speedlite is modified with the Apollo Strip Softbox with 40-Degree Grid (16" x 30"), diffusion, and 40-Degree Egg Crate Grid for Apollo Strip (16" x 30").  This speedlite is also modified with a tungsten gel to match the ambient light.

The third light is a speedlite as a rim light. This speedlite is modified with the Apollo Strip Softbox with 40-Degree Grid (16" x 30"), and 40-Degree Egg Crate Grid for Apollo Strip (16" x 30").  This speedlite is also modified with a tungsten gel to match the ambient light.

The fourth light is a speedlite as a back light. This light is snooted with a tungsten gel.

ISO 1000 • F/5.6 • 1/60

ISO 1000 • F/5.6 • 1/60

Stay tuned for more tips and techniques in part 2 of our Ad Campaign Photography series!

Lighting Gear in Action