# @adorama on YouTube

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://youtube.com/watch?v=vtGKVyomqW4
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/68597502-adorama-youtube
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/1112017688.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-07-30T14:00:32.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Adorama (@adorama) — https://gondola.cc/adorama

## Caption

What’s best? Keeping your subject close to the backdrop or moving them away? It sounds like a fair and simple question but the answer needs a little more investigating which is where photographer Gavin Hoey steps up to help.

As Gavin says right at the start, the honest, but helpful, answer is… it depends on the look your trying to create because adding distance between a model and the background opens up opportunities for creative portraits.

Gavin Starts with his model, Chloe, leaning directly against the background. Zero gap sounds limiting but as Gavin shows it can also be one of the most flattering choices with options of soft shadows to give depth and shape to your portraits.

Next Gavin move Chloe 1 meter (around 3’) from the background and slides in an option patterned backdrop. The extra gap is small enough to maintain some light on the backdrop but big enough that a shallow depth of field look is achievable.

Finally Gavin increases the distance from the model to the background to 2 meters (around 7’) and with that extra space there’s room to add a 2nd flash just illuminate the background. Gavin adds a gel to the background to complete the final look.

Timestamps and Chapters 
0:00 Intro 
0:31 No flash, no picture 
1:20 Setting and forgetting flash power
2:19 Zero gap photo session  
2:58 3.5 feet gap testing
4:07 Swapping in a textured backdrop
5:00 Shallow DOF portraits with ND filter
6:30 3.5 feet gap photo session
7:08 7 feet gap testing
8:17 Adding a background light
9:39 7 feet gap photo session
10:09 Conclusions and Subscribe

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➥ https://www.youtube.com/user/adoramaTV 

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✘ GEAR USED:

Flashpoint XPLOR 300 Pro II 
https://www.adorama.com/flashpoint-xplor-300-pro-ii-ttl-r2-outdoor-flash-godox-ad300pro-ii/p/fplfx300piit

Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Pro II 
https://www.adorama.com/flashpoint-evolv-200-pro-ii-r2-ttl-pocket-flash-godox-ad200pro-ii/p/fplfev200pii

Glow EZ Lock 24"x36"
https://www.adorama.com/glow-ez-lock-quick-rectangle-softbox-bowens-mount-24-36-inch/p/glsbez2436

OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mark II
https://www.adorama.com/om-system-om-1-mark-ii-mirrorless-camera-body-only/p/iomom1m2

OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro II 
https://www.adorama.com/om-system-m-zuiko-12-40-mm-f-2-8-pro-ii-lens/p/iom1240pb

OM SYSTEM M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.2
https://www.adorama.com/om-system-m-zuiko-digital-ed-45-mm-f-1-2-pro-lens/p/om4512

Flashpoint 10’ C-Stand and Grip Arm
https://www.adorama.com/flashpoint-10-foot-c-stand-turtle-base-kit-grip-arm-chrome/p/fplsc

Glow S2 Round Flash S-type Bowens Mount Bracket
https://www.adorama.com/glow-s2-round-flash-bracket-bowens-mount-godox/p/glbdsm02pro

Tether Tools LeverLock Plate and TetherPro Optima 10G 15' USB-C https://www.adorama.com/tether-tools-leverlock-plate-tetherpro-optima-10g-usb-c-cable-15ft/p/ttllpc15g2o

Sekonic L-308 Flash Meter
https://www.adorama.com/sekonic-l-308x-u-flashmate-digital-light-meter/p/sksk401305

SpiderHolster SpiderPro ARCA Swiss Tripod Plate for Mirrorless Cameras https://www.adorama.com/spiderholster-spiderpro-arca-swiss-tripod-plate-mirrorless/p/sh156

#photographytips #studiophotography #adorama

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Follow Gavin Hoey on
https://www.instagram.com/thegavinhoey

Model: Chloe Kerley
https://www.instagram.com/chloemkerley

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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

## Stats

- **Views:** 43,366
- **Likes:** 1,862
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 76

## Tags

photographytips, adorama, studiophotography

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