With social media now well established as the new “portfolio”, thereβs a never-ending need for new images. Time is a luxury, that not many photographers, models, or make-up artists can spare, so the idea of creating a whole new set of portfolio-worthy images in a single session is very appealing.
The secret to making a portfolio builder day work is all in the planning and thatβs exactly what photographer Gavin Hoey did to prepare for this photo session. Gavin has three very different looks in mind and three hours to photograph them. Luckily the model was pre-briefed with mood boards and came prepared with a selection of outfits to match the three themes.
Gavin starts off with a fine art-themed session. After taking you on a brief tour of his small home studio set-up, Gavin maximizes the time by adding extra props and a wind effect without moving the lights.
After a change of outfit and lighting, the next set-up is a simple high-key look using a basic white wall as a background. Here Gavin gains some extra photos by hanging some white sheets in front of the white wall which creates a whole new look using a single Flashpoint speedlight.
Finally, Gavin sets up a silhouette profile portrait. Working in black and white he carefully positions a Flashpoint AK-R21 projector to illuminate a small strip across his models’ eyes for a theatrical final photo.
Timestamps and Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:44 Lightin for a βfine artβ studio portrait
2:40 Fine art portraits with props and hair movement
4:39 Setting the lighting for a high-key portrait
5:55 High key portrait session lit with one Speedlight
7:17 Creating a silhouette headshot in the studio
8:33 Adding a strip of light with a speedlight projector
10:22 Silhouette and projector mono portrait session
11:01 Conclusions and Subscribe
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β PRODUCTS USED:
Flashpoint Zoom Li-on X Round Speedlight
Flashpoint Zoom Li-on III R2 TTL Speedlight
Glow ParaSnap 44″ Octa
Glow EZ Lock 12×36″ Stripbox
Flashpoint AK-R21 Projection Attachment Kit
Flashpoint AK-R24 50mm Lens for AK-R21
OM SYSTEM OM-1
OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II
Flashpoint R2 Pro Transmitter
Flashpoint 10β C-Stand and Grip Arm
Glow S2 Round Flash S-type Bowens Mount Bracket
Tether Tools Pro 16′ USB 2.0 Active Extension Cable
Sekonic L-308 Flash Meter
Manfrotto EzyFrame Vintage Background Tobacco
#photographysession #studiophotography #adorama
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Follow Gavin Hoey on
Model: Chloe Kerley
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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

Comments
42 responses to “Portrait Portfolio In A Day | Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey”
Which black backdrop are you using? It seems like 2 m by 2m? Itβs in the shot at 11min46sec
I really like the look of your post processing photos. Do you have any videos that show how to get that look?
ππππ
Awesome. Love this.
Such great sessions with lots and lots of great information in such a short video, absolutely brilliant ππ
Great video like always!!!
What is the βblack roofβ thing you used called? I would like to purchase one!
Would you please consider doing a tutorial video on lighting couples(2 people) in a small studio? Can it be less challenging? Help!
Watching this video for a second time (I revisit many of your videos). When you used the reflector to create hair movement, were you concerned about the gold reflective side casting a gold glow on Chloe?
Just awesome! Many years of experience, drive, planning, amazing Chloe, voice activated manual wind machine (sorry lovely Sam!π) and Gavin creates a portfolio. Well, I guess we need to start calling you Dude Highness (ref The Big Lebowski) π
Did you make the backdrop you used for the "fine art" portion earlier in the video; or did you buy it?
Is there a video you've done on making fine art backdrops? Thanks!
Great again,big fan many yearsπ€©
One of the best teachers.
Hello,
Always amazed, great work!π
Can you tell me what screen you're using to get the live picture?
Thanks
What model is that C Stand with the short column? Thank you for yet another wonderfully informative and entertaining video!
Highly impressive as always. Thank you!
π π π
Thanks, Gavin for the inspiration. Of course Chloe is the perfect model for this assignment!
Yes! This video format is just right! (As opposed to those Live Q&A sessions.)… This is interesting, pleasant, fun and above all, informative! This is the Gavin Hoey I like to watch!
I guess how some Adidas ad is made…10:05
Thanks Gavin, very refreshing!
Sin duda eres el mejor.
Un saludo desde Madrid(EspaΓ±a)
Gavin and the 'team' do such a good job of 'illuminating' a session concept
Thatβs an awesome video, thank you! What about same concept, but commercial still life next??
best teacher from adorama
Iβve watched dozens and dozens of your videos and I love the all. Your expertise as well as your personality make great entertainment and learning for many. Having said that Iβd love to see a video where there are no cameras, just your and Cloey sitting down being interviewed about who you both are as people. Maybe talk about your life and the interviewee can be your wife Sam.
I follow Adorama bcoz of Chloe and Gavin
The B&W images of Chloe were stunning! Brilliant setup, beautiful model!
I always learn so much from you Gavin! Thank you for your down to earth explanation and for using such amazing models.
That last shot is a banger! Wonderful work!
Great session.
In case that I don't have a projector can I accomplish something similas with a fresnel lens located far from the model and a cookie? Maybe the cookie can be blinds, with all but one covered?
kudos to you, Gavin! always such a great teacher and you make things look so simple. appreciate you!
Simple and flawless as always. Love every video from Gavin. π
Wow! Those are amazing images. Always love your tutorials. Thank you and all the best to you on the new year!
Great video Gavin
The first part is having the vision, then trying to accomplish it. When I've photographed people, I feel very rushed and can't think what to do when it's not working.
Thank you, Gavin, Chloe, and Sam. Always something to learn… π
aaaaaannnnnnndddd ANOTHER great video.
can in come to your studio and shoot with Chloe? i need a stunning model like her
Love it
Gavin and Chloe best together
Gavin how can I keep my Ad400 from turning on the boom arm of the c stand. I try to set it over the models head like butterfly but it rotates no matter how tight I think I'm doing it
Actually, one of the photographers on YouTube, I enjoy the most watching since entertaining and also very informative. Please keep continuing of giving us great videos. ππππ