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How do you mix ambient light, flash, and smoke to create a dark, cinematic horror image without killing the atmosphere?
In this episode of How Did I Shoot This One?, Frank Doorhof creates a dramatic horror-inspired portrait using a real Click Backdrops backdrop, a chandelier as the practical light source, and a carefully controlled flash strip light.
The challenge? The chandelier doesn’t produce enough light to properly illuminate both the model and the backdrop. Raising the exposure makes the chandelier blow out, while lowering it leaves the model too dark. The solution is to let the ambient light create the atmosphere and use flash to subtly support it.
Frank explains how he:
* Uses a chandelier as the main ambient light source
* Mixes continuous/ambient light with flash
* Uses the edge of a strip light for a softer, more natural effect
* Balances different color temperatures without correction gels
* Uses tethering to judge the lighting balance instantly
* Deliberately underexposes the model for a more cinematic look
* Solves a difficult composition by changing the distance between the camera, model, and props
* Uses lens choice to control perspective and compression
* Controls ambient light with shutter speed while keeping the strobe exposure consistent
The result is a dark, atmospheric horror scene where the practical light, flash, and smoke all work together instead of fighting each other.
And yes… the chandelier is actually positioned much lower than it looks. 😉
Want to learn more about controlling light instead of simply copying lighting setups? Subscribe to Frank Doorhof Photography Tutorials for photography tutorials, lighting techniques, behind-the-scenes shoots, model photography, and creative photography inspiration.
👍 If you enjoyed this video, give it a like and leave a comment: would you have used the chandelier as the main light source, or would you have approached this setup differently?
#FrankDoorhof #PhotographyLighting #FlashPhotography #AmbientLight #ModelPhotography #HorrorPhotography #CinematicPhotography #PhotographyTutorial
00:00 Intro: creating a horror scene
1:09 The chandelier as ambient light
01:17 Why the chandelier alone doesn’t work
02:57 Adding flash without killing the atmosphere
03:57 Mixing color temperatures
06:00 Behind the scenes and final results
07:08 Tethering & color correction gel
08:07 Solving the composition
08:56 Final tip when using continuous lighting
The Digital Classroom is proudly supported by BenQ Creative Pro Monitors, helping photographers achieve accurate color and professional image evaluation throughout their creative workflow. Powered by Rogue Flash. Rogue Flash creates innovative light modifiers for speedlights and round flashes, including the Rogue Round Flash Magnetic Modifier System and the renowned FlashBender modifiers. This video is also supported by the brands we love and work with: Geekoto, IQwire, Click Backdrops, and Platypod.
Rent our beautiful Photo Studio, including accessories AND backdrops: https://frankdoorhof.com/web/rent-our-studio-space/
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Use this link to buy Geekoto in the US: https://shop.geekoto.com/?aff=26
Add vibrant color to your photos with Rogue’s round color gels! Easily attach them magnetically—even to rectangular flashes with an adapter. Each durable gel is labeled with its color name and f-stop loss, and the set includes 20 different gels in a convenient pouch. Explore more on the official Rogue Flash Gels website (https://www.rogueflash.com/) or visit Frank Doorhof’s Dutch webshop for local options (www.frankdoorhof.com/shop).
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