Introduction:

Building on insights from "Revolutionising Ecommerce and Content Creation Workflow: Introducing Virtual Lighting Simulations", we delve into a common challenge: how to efficiently test lighting in studios operating at full capacity? Our virtual studio lighting simulation is the solution, crafted individually for each client while ensuring confidentiality.

Crafting Tailored Lighting Environments: The Studio Test Case

It is not always practical to test everything in-studio, especially with the constant demands of Production and capacity planning. So if you are interested in exploring advanced studio lighting solutions our virtual proposals may be just the answer. In order to guide brands in this journey, we have created a series of more detailed blog posts. 

1. Case Study Test Environment Summary:

For the purposes of this post, we've crafted a generic yet versatile test environment. This is not client-specific as each solution is crafted according to individual brand requirements but this space will be our Test Studio for the next series of blog posts.

Our hypothetical Brand scenario in this post wants to produce Stills imagery only, with deliverables including:

• Full-length shots with Full Face shown

• Detail shots

• Moving Pose shot

• And we want to test a variation on 3 backgrounds

In this controlled environment, all elements - walls, floor, and ceiling - are painted a matte white with a small percent Grey. As this is a strobe set we do not need to account for ambient or artificial lighting.

The model set is framed by a Black Molton Curtain, supplemented by standard studio equipment and an overhead lighting rig made of Black anodized frame.

2. The Shooting Studio

In detail the spec is as follows :

• Studio Dimensions:

  • Width: *pls contact us to discuss specifics

  • Length: *pls contact us to discuss specifics

  • Ceiling Height: *pls contact us to discuss specifics

• Lighting Setup:

  • Two strobe lights, each 1000w max output.

  • 120 Cm Octa modifier front light 135cm Octa overhead light

  • 240cm x 240cm Diffuser panel overhead w/ 2/3 stop

  • negative fill camera left

  • V flats white camera right

• Shooting Variants:

  • Set 1: Uses a Chardonnay Colorama backdrop.

  • Set 2: Uses a White Colorama backdrop.

  • Set 3: No Colorama, only the studio set wall and floor used (matte white paint).

• Model Consistency:

  • The model and pose remained unchanged across all three variants to serve as a control mechanism.

• Camera Specifications:

  • ISO: 400

  • Aperture: f11

  • Shutter Speed: 1/250s

  • Camera Type: Full frame camera.

  • Lens 24-105mm

3. The Art of Choice and Flexibility in Shooting

We need to create our Lighting Style Guide for this ecommerce model photography set so in our setup:

• The photographer isn't bound by a tripod, ensuring dynamic shot selection.

• The frame isn't static; it's fluid. So model and photographer can move/pose at will.

• We are on a 24-105mm but do not use extreme wide angle, staying at max of around 40mm. 

For clarity, we've presented the same shot and pose repeatedly. This enables you to discern subtle differences in the final image, ensuring an understanding of how lighting tests for ecommerce can impact the final image.

4. Varying Backdrops and their Impact

With fashion ecommerce lighting, backdrop variations can radically alter outcomes. Here, we are showing a Chardonnay Colorama, a White Colorama, and an “All White” wall. While lighting remains consistent, a slight output alteration is evident in the “All White” setup with front light reduced in output by .4 to allow for additional bounce. 

The image objective would be a soft, yet directional front lighting against a standard backdrop, minimising post-production efforts. The client does not want to ‘cut-out’ the final image of the model from the background.

The control test consistency allows you to gauge the impact of each small variable change, ensuring clarity in results and final decision making.

5. The Reasoning behind Virtual Lighting Simulations

Why turn to simulations in studio lighting for ecommerce? Here are the benefits:

• Precise equipment predictions.

• Understanding strobe power outputs.

• Optimal equipment placement.

• Quick selection of lighting modifiers.

• Known Perfect model positioning.

• Known Photographer positioning for desired shots.

With this information it is easy to make management decisions such as budget allocation for equipment, set design, or set dimensions for Studio Layout, Architectural Planning. Virtual Simulation also works well to test out more creative aspects such as Lighting Refresh and Seasonal changes.

6. Real World Usage

In a scenario where a client is relocating to a studio but is unsure if the right conditions have been met, perhaps the ceiling seems to low to achieve soft, creative, pleasing lighting for example, then a Lighting Simulation can predict suitability. We can demonstrate any required changes in set-up, lighting rig position, or equipment needed. This approach is invaluable when assessing potential studio spaces and has led clients to give the go ahead on spaces they have found.

Clients will often ask what is the minimum ceiling height for ecommerce on-model studio photography, and whilst there is no definitive answer, if we know the clients ideal image outcomes, we can create virtual simulations and show what can be achieved in any given space.

7. The Way Forward and Innovations In Lighting

In ecommerce fashion photography, the secret to success lies in achieving consistency and predictable outcomes. Virtual lighting simulation studies simplify this for you. Once your ideal setup is built and rendered, we can experiment with variants, allowing you to see the results of lighting or design modifications almost instantly. Enhance the dynamism of your sets further with our bespoke 3D element integration whether it's a specific set design or another seasonal element, seamlessly incorporated into your virtual model.

Navigating the complexities of ecommerce photography requires balancing the perfect lighting setup while maintaining productivity. Our virtual lighting simulations offer an innovative solution: a dynamic environment to refine and perfect your vision. Want to revolutionize your studio's lighting approach? Contact us today to craft your tailored lighting solution.

In subsequent posts, we'll explore set designs for Models and dive deep into Ecommerce Video Lighting techniques. The landscape of ecommerce fashion lighting is vast, and with our virtual simulations, we aim to provide clarity and guidance every step of the way.