Darth Vader Portrait — Smoke

This is my first attempt at photographing my 1/6 scale Darth Vader figures. I’ve done several images with my 1/12 scale toys but this 1/6 scale version gave me a little more to work with.

The problem with every portrait of Darth Vader is that it’s probably been done before. It’s hard to shut all the pictures you’ve seen of Darth out of your mind.

I tried and whether or not this looks “original” to you — I can say for my own satisfaction at least, I started from scratch. I am sure I’ve been subconsciously influenced by other photos I’ve seen of Vader. So it’s unlikely this is truly original. But I tried.

It’s actually harder than I thought.

First, you have to deal with lots of reflections because the black chrome is highly reflective. Second — you have to decide what will make the photo stand out.

Here I decided simple is best. I used a Lume Cube 2.0 LED light with a snoot on it to create the background highlight. I positioned the light using a Platypod Ultra — https://bhpho.to/3oZfBlb and Platypod Stackable Gooseneck — https://bhpho.to/3AiIBLL.

The only other light in the scene is another Lume Cube 2.0 Mini LED Light — https://bhpho.to/3L32iL7 mounted to an overhead swing arm. It also has a snoot on it and it’s pointed straight down on Vader’s head — slightly feathered in front of him.

I used some Atmosphere Aerosol — https://amzn.to/3PeBpom to create the illusion of smoke but as always, I enhanced that practical effect in post using BorisFX Optics 2022.5. I learned this trick from movie director Eric Howell. His first short “The Interview” had a fire effect that was real. But it was a small ball of fire enhanced in post to look big. I’ve been using that same strategy when I employ Atmosphere Aerosol. Some people expect Atmosphere Aerosol to create actual smoke. It does not. You need a smoke machine for that. Atmosphere Aerosol does what it says it will do in the name — it creates “atmosphere.” So keep that in mind if you try this at home.

I added a couple more lighting effects in BorisFX and then added a blue steel color grade.

I struggled with whether or not I should make the catchlight in Vader’s “eyes” more uniform and decided against it because that would make the image start to seem like it was a graphic — not a photograph. It’s a judgement call, either way.

I am pretty happy with the result. I hope you enjoy it.

For a list of my toy photo gear and props go to:
bit.ly/toyphotogear

Remember, toys are joy.

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vero.co/scottbourne