Creating your own sun: Jay P. Morgan lights a Mad Max-inspired portrait session at a scrapyard

 

 

Commercial and portrait photographer Jay P. Morgan has made a really cool behind the scenes video of a Mad Max-inspired outdoor portrait session. This isn't the first time Morgan has given us an inside look at the techniques he uses on a shoot, and just as last time, this new clip is packed with tips and commentary on the decisions he makes as the hours-long shoot unfolds. 

By utilizing various strobe lights, reflectors and modifiers, you can create some neat lighting effects. Fortunately, Morgan not only shows you how he positions his lights, but he also goes over camera setup as well. For example, for this shoot he started his shutter speed at 1/125 second with an f/5.6 aperture at ISO 100. As conditions change, his settings follow suit as you can see in the video below. In case you're wondering, Morgan is using a Tamron 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD SP lens. 

When you want the sun flaring into the lens like Morgan does, you either have to be constantly recomposing the image to keep the sun where you want it in the frame or you need to create the sun yourself. He opts for the latter as it is consistent and controllable.

Be sure to watch the video above to see Morgan utilize tools like a 12-foot silk sheet, a burner bar, and a wide variety of lighting equipment. If you liked this video, you can see more at his YouTube channel. You can see more of his work at his website too.

(Seen via ISO 1200)