All images captured in the video are shown below for your reference. All camera settings (EXIF Data) are also listed with each photo.

EQUIPMENT

Shooting multiple images, whether base plates or lit images, and then layering them together requires your camera to be very secure. This means a quality and very steady tripod. When you bring in multiple images to blend them together in Photoshop, having to line them up because your camera is moving around is not only frustrating, but if not done perfectly can lead to a blurry end result.

Here’s the exact equipment I used for this, most importantly being the tripod and ballhead system:

  • Manfrotto 190 Go! M-Series Carbon Fiber 4-Section Tripod — This is the one I use, the carbon fiber version has a significant weight reduction than it’s cheaper counterpart, the aluminum version. If you’re constantly traveling or on the go, you will definitely be thankful for the weight reduction! Also, the twist-lock leg extensions handle abuse better than the “quick-release” leg extensions found on the aluminum version.
  • Manfrotto 190XPRO Aluminum 4-Section Tripod — This is mostly the same as above, but the more affordable aluminum version. If you’re not concerned about the extra weight, it’s a super solid choice, and still small enough to easily travel.
  • BH-30 LR Ball Head with Full-Size Lever-Release Clamp — This is a Really Right Stuff ballhead. Although pricey, you will be forever thankful in the long run. You have to also get a camera specific “L-Plate” based on which camera body you’re using. They precisely machine a single piece of aluminum to perfectly mate with your camera body, ensuring there’s absolutely no room for movement while shooting.
  • Sony a7R III — I’m using the Sony A7R3 camera platform. This is definitely on the high-end professional spectrum. If you’re not taking photography as a full-time job, there’s probably not a reason for you to invest in this body.
  • Sony – FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS — I use the Sony 24-105 F/4 lens for 90% of my work. I like to shoot at F9 most of the time as I enjoy having a sharp background in my images, so having a lower aperture lens is not crucial for me.
  • There will be a full lesson on camera equipment coming up in the near future, so don’t fret if this list is currently overwhelming!

EDITING

As seen in the video and the raw images above, I did not get the exact amount of sun rays in one shot. This required me to take the two base plate images and blend them together to get the desired effect. I then lit the car with my Profoto B1 500 in 2 different shots. You will need basic Photoshop layer and masking knowledge to achieve the final result such as I did.

If you’re not comfortable with these techniques, the suggested 3 hour long course on LiveClass Commune is “The One Light Method” — I dive deep into how to blend together different lighting layers, equipment needed, and many extra tips and tricks you can use within your photography career! Check out the promo video for this editing class right below.

THE ONE LIGHT METHOD