In this exclusive video, I take you behind the scenes as we transition from the initial high-contrast, hard light setup without gels to a vibrant gel-lit setup for our second NAHA photoshoot look featuring Kasan. This session is a collaboration with acclaimed barber Nieves Almaraz and makeup artist Melissa Musseau, both of whom have significant experience and recognition in the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA).
We started this session with a no-gel, high-contrast lighting approach to create an alternate set of images showcasing the fine details and texture of Nieves’ haircut on Kasan. This separate series provides versatility for additional contests and publications. At the start of this video, you’ll see a time-lapse showing the transition from the initial look to the main NAHA setup.
Lighting and Color Choices:
- Main Light: Initially, I used a Parabolix 3D D with a Rosco CalColor Blue gel, but I switched to an Elinchrom 17” silver beauty dish with a Rosco 132 Blue gel to achieve full coverage and deeper color saturation.
- Edge Lighting: I positioned two 8.3” grid reflectors with Rosco CalColor magenta gels over each shoulder to create contrasting edge lights that enhance dimension.
- Hair Light: A third 8.3” grid reflector with a Rosco CalColor magenta gel was used as an overhead hair light for added separation.
- Backdrop Light: A standard reflector with a double CTB gel was aimed at the Gravity backdrops background, transforming it from a cool gray to an intense blue hue.
Color Harmony:
The color scheme for Kasan’s look featured a combination of blue and magenta, an analogous color harmony that creates a seamless and visually appealing transition between shades. This approach provided balance and allowed the focus to remain on Kasan’s features and the intricate hairstyling by Nieves. Throughout this NAHA series, I selected different color harmonies to evoke unique visual experiences. For example, I used complementary blue and yellow for Jack’s look, next, and a split-complementary blue and red setup for our fourth look in this series. I also tested a blue and green combination for a fifth setup, but ultimately chose not to include it as the other looks were stronger. This process showcased how working with the color wheel can guide lighting decisions and bring creative depth to portrait work.
Gear List:
- Main Light Modifier:
Elinchrom 17.3” 55 Degree Softlite Reflector, Silver
Adorama: https://howl.me/ck1d6cEoZM1
B&H: https://bhpho.to/3ul23Xm - Main Light Gel: Rosco 132 Blue Gel
Adorama: https://howl.link/21nlx0jmx4jjz - Edge Light Modifiers:
Elinchrom 8.3” Standard Reflector with 30 Degree Grid
Adorama: https://howl.me/ckXfvvRu20T
B&H: https://bhpho.to/4731i3t - Edge Gels: Rosco CalColor magenta gels
Rosco CalColor #4790 Magenta Filter, 3 Stop, 20×24” Sheet
https://howl.link/cmFXogFjcpY - Backdrop Light: Standard reflector with a double CTB gel
Rosco #3220 Double Blue CTB Color Conversion Gel Filter, 20×24” Sheet
https://howl.link/cmFXogFjcpY - Backdrop:
Gravity Backdrops
Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnJyinMHf
Gravity Backdrops: https://gravitybackdropsus.sjv.io/DK0Nmj
B&H: https://bhpho.to/3NEXi2p
