"Hacostadium Lighting Bible" Part 7: Up-Down Space Edition

Hacostadium Lighting Bible

Part 7: Up-Down Space Edition

Nissin Japan visited the cosplay amusement spaces "HACOSTADIUM OSAKA," "HACOSTADIUM cosset Osaka Nipponbashi," and "HACOSTADIUM cosset Ikebukuro Main Store!" We conducted a photoshoot using Nissin strobes at the Hacostadium venues, which allow for photography in a variety of settings! In this series, we will introduce the photos we took and the techniques used to capture them. For the seventh installment, we are featuring photos taken in the Up-Down Space at HACOSTADIUM cosset Osaka Nipponbashi.

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▼ See the photos from this shoot here! ▼ Models: Kokona, Aine　Photography: Ai Ehara
（Click the image to view a larger version）
The "Up-Down Space" we shot in this time is completely stark white from floor to ceiling! Unlike a standard white cyclorama, it is a mysterious space composed of a combination of stairs and windows, so I created images that feel as if one has wandered into an otherworldly realm. By using lighting that wraps the subject in light while making the most of the white surroundings, the resulting photos turned out soft and airy. Since no accessories were used, you can easily replicate this with just a strobe! Let’s take a look at how it was shot.

Photography MethodFirst, let’s look at the structure of the Up-Down Space.

There are stairs and a wall with square, window-like openings, and the structure allows you to move back and forth between the space behind the wall using the stairs.
The space behind
This time, we used the wall and the space behind it to set up our lighting.
Below is an explanation of the lighting setup.
Two strobes are used.
For (2), the Di700 is mounted on a stand, placed in the rear space, and aimed at the back wall. The key is to place it in a position where it is hidden by the foreground wall. The reason the background is blown out in the example photos is that the strobe is aimed directly at that back wall. Since the set’s walls, ceiling, and floor are all pure white, the light reflects throughout the space, creating a soft and bright image. For reference, here is a photo taken without using any strobes.
Shot using only ambient room light（Click image to view larger version）
Because the light is flat, all the walls appear to be the same shade of white, and it’s hard to grasp the actual structure of the set. Since it is such an interestingly structured space, using strobes to add accents helps emphasize the characteristics of the space and makes for a more visually compelling image.

▼ Other cuts ▼
In this cut, the model in the back is standing on a small stepladder. You can create a variety of compositions just by changing the placement of the models! Also, by keeping the front model in the same position and having the photographer move, we were able to take this solo shot.
▼ Other cut ▼
We were able to capture a shot that looks as if she is sitting by a window where light is streaming in. The light from the on-camera ceiling bounce is clearly visible as a catchlight in her eyes. Since you can capture different patterns of photos just by changing your shooting position while maintaining the same setup, I think it would be interesting to try various applications.

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For this shoot, we visited the HACOSTADIUM cosset Osaka Nipponbashi store's Up-Down Space. This set makes it very easy to bounce light, so it’s a great place to capture soft, airy photos that look like they are enveloped in light. You can create sufficiently soft light using just one strobe for a ceiling or wall bounce. By adjusting the placement and direction of the strobe, you can easily arrange for backlight, side light, and more. Please do try experimenting with various lighting setups using your strobe!☆
（2015/04/24 Photography/Text: Ai Ehara）


Photography Data[Camera Settings]
ISO 640
Aperture F 5
Shutter Speed 1/160
[Lighting Data]
(1) i40, On-camera ceiling bounce, Power 1/16
(2) Di700, Aimed at back wall, Wide panel engaged, Power 1/16


[Photography Equipment List]

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Photography & Production
Nissin DigitalHACOSTADIUM OSAKA
HACOSTADIUM cosset Osaka Nipponbashi
HACOSTADIUM cosset Ikebukuro Main Store