7 Foot Umbrellas Of Doom (NSFW) (Patreon)

I am about to post a set of fine art nude/figure studies featuring Sylph Sia. This was shot back in 2017, and I was trying out a new lighting set up with a pair of very large reflecting umbrellas, or as I like to call them - the 7 foot umbrellas OF DOOM!

They are called that because the have a tendency to overbalance lighting stands, which can lead to disaster (AKA broken studio flashes).

This lighting set up has two flashes behind Sylph with said 7 foot umbrellas, aimed at two reflector boards in front of her:

The result is light that wraps around the model, but highlighting mainly the edges. The reflectors at the front give a fill light, so as to reduce contrast - so the parts of Sylph closest to the camera are not totally dark.

One more thought on this:

When working on an experimental light set up, give your model the option of not standing naked in the middle of the studio while you get it right - for the sake of warmth, comfort and respect.

Oh, and if you arrange an early shoot (this one started at 8am), provide coffee.