Studio Lighting Setup for Sin City Effect

This video tutorial shows the progression of how to set up and meter studio lighting to achieve a lighting effect similar to that used in the movie "Sin City".

Lighting effect on Jessica Alba in Sin City
© Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc.



Set up the rear rim or "modeling" lights to create highlights on the model's form and curves. Use a "flag" to block direct light from the modeling lights entering the camera causing lens flares.

Meter the highlights from both sides to ensure they are both at the same f-stop, so one side isn't brighter. Adjust the distance (or power) of the lights as necessary.

Set up a front soft box directly in front of, and above, to provide lighting for the model's face and torso. This light is set at a higher f-stop than the back lights so it's not as bright as the highlights.

Amusing misspellings: lghting studo efect