What are V-Flats? Why You Should Use Them in your Boudoir Sessions

What are V-flats?

V-flats are commonly used in photography as tools to control light and are typically portable boards that can be folded into a "V" shape for standing support. They can be used to reflect, absorb, or direct light depending on their color and positioning. But THAT’S NOT ALL. Read more to see the power of V-flats for boudoir and nude photography.

1.     The Split technique

In this technique, we use the white and black side of the v-flats side by side. To do so, we open two v-flats in a shape of “L” and put them together in a way that on side is white, and another side is black (See reference images 1.1). The subject must be right in the middle to block the visible gab. This will save you tones of times in the editing room.  

Lighting is the key here. We need two lights to achieve this technique. One light is facing the white side and does two things: 1. Blows out the highlights for a clean white background. 2. Bounces the light to the subject and creates a soft highlighted edge (See the reference image 1.2)

2.     The Stacking Technique

In this technique, we open two v-flats in a shape of “L” and stack them in front of each other with enough gab to fit the subject in-between. Just like the split technique, one v-flat must face the camera with the white side, and other with the black side. Which side to choose depends on the subject’s outfit or skin tone. The goal is to create contrast. Then we place a stool, apple box, or posing tube in-between the v-flats, so the subject can use it to support the pose (See reference images 2.1) 

Lighting is important here. We need two lights to do two things. First light facing the white surface and blowing out the whites, and second is facing the subject to great nice highlights on the subject. The trick here is avoid the spill of light on the black surface of the V-flat. I use grids to narrow and control the light (See reference images 2.2).

1.     The Dividing Technique

With this technique, we use only one V-flat that is folded with the black side facing the camera (See reference images 3.1). We also use one large modifier to divide the light (See reference images 3.2). We then place the subject in front of the V-flat. The distance between the subject and the V-flat depends on the power of your light and your creative decision. The idea here is to split the light and get two narrow highlights on the curves of each side of the subject.

Where to buy V-flats?

You can find V-flats from V-flats World, Adorama, or Amazon. V-flats are not cheap, but they are a useful investment, they will last forever, and an important tool for every photographer. I recommend every photographer to have at least one in their studio or home.

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Model: Wrené Nova

Photographer: Yuliya Panchenko

V-Flats: V-flat World