Inspired by photographer Miles Aldrige’s latest exhibition in New York, fashion photographer Lindsay Adler wanted to create an image that touched on several of his unique qualities: the bright and usual color combinations, vintage style, and 'off' model expressions (vacant, lost, surprised). These are the steps Lindsay took to create her own retro-styled image.
![](https://cdn.profoto.com/cdn/052e324/contentassets/a53d3e37297d4be58ff476748dfdb686/retro-image-lindsay-adler-profoto-d2.jpg?width=1280&quality=75&format=jpg)
Step 1. Set up a Savage Universal Tulip background to create an upbeat and saturated background for your subject. Position a Profoto D2 and a Profoto Umbrella Shallow White S on both sides for even illumination, equally distant from the background and with the same power settings.
Step 2. Add another Profoto D2 as your main light source on the left-hand side of the frame. Use it without any modifiers to create hard light that casts crisp shadows on the subject’s face.
Step 3. Finally, place a Profoto D2 as fill light at the center-right of the frame and add a Profoto Umbrella Deep White L, Umbrella Diffuser, and cyan gel. This soft light source acts as a subtle fill, creating a blue/cyan color cast in the shadows of the subject. Choosing this color for the shadows helps to build upon the usual color combinations often used by Miles Aldridge.
![](https://cdn.profoto.com/cdn/052e8ef/contentassets/a53d3e37297d4be58ff476748dfdb686/lighting-diagram-retro-image-lindsay-adler-profoto-d2-2.jpg?width=1280&quality=75&format=jpg)
Tip
To create a retro vibe, Lindsay complemented the lighting with typical vintage styling in the hair, makeup and wardrobe. She also played around with a variety of different poses and expressions and settled on this doll-like and slightly surprised look to reflect Miles Aldridge’s 'off' model expressions.
![](https://cdn.profoto.com/cdn/052e238/contentassets/a53d3e37297d4be58ff476748dfdb686/retro-image-lindsay-adler-profoto-d2-full-body.jpg?width=1280&quality=75&format=jpg)
Camera settings
- Camera: Canon R5
- Lens: Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM
- Shutter Speed: 1/200
- Aperture: F11
- ISO: 400
About
You can find the full making of this image and many more in Lindsay's "Editorial Fashion" episode of her monthly subscription platform Learn+.