Foolproof setup for models - how'd you do it?

You will be shooting some models, but will have minimal time to work with each, since they'll be running off to the runway in seconds.

You do not have any control of the clothes, colors, makeup... anything.


You have 2 strobes and a couple of reflectors.

What light setup do you use?

Thanks

key light at 45 degrees with big diffuser, second light to graduate the background (maybe add a coloured gel)

Dont use flat lighting as its very unflattering.

If I at least have control of the placement of the lighting.
- Main strobe at 45-60 degrees, both vertical and horizontal axis from photographer. Meaning high and right for me.
- Fill strobe at just below average head level at 2.5:1 ratio (presuming both dark and light skinned models)
- small X on the floor where to stand.
- Lastly maybe use reflector to backlight the model or the backdrop from the main. maybe.

Just what I would do if I get to place the lights. also Given choice both lights would have giant softboxes on them.

Failing that just bounce the on-camera flash off the ceiling (more typical experience)

This is somewhat atypical, since I will have a mini studio setup. So interesting stuff is possible.

Let me list what I'll have exactly:
I'll have two elinchromes with stands
Three century stands
three white flags and two black ones

I hope to shoot through the white flag to make the light source large.

Have someone available to help you with backdrop straightens, as high traffic ends up meaning things get messed up.

Don't worry as much about creativity with lighting throughout the day, and let the model create the uniqueness in your images. Messing with lighting throughout the day ends up being either too time consuming or not consistant enough and you risk losing an image.

Once you get your flags/cutters/etc in place, and your lighting all set, maybe play with a reflector at most.

I suppose it depends on your traffic. I've run a studio for fashion on location and run about 60ish people, 180ish looks, and about 1400 shots over about 10 session hours. I didn't have a lot of time to get creative with my lighting. Then again, I was dealing with doing paperwork and recording shot numbers for later matching to paperwork, and mostly i was doing this on my own.

Perhaps you will either have more help, or more time and will be able to distribute your time differently.

Thanks for the advice staereo.

Anybody else?