Thor vs. Captain Marvel Setup

Posted to Flickr on 10 October 2010. Part of the Setup series.

This is the setup photo for Thor vs. Captain Marvel.

The backdrop is made of two sheets of scrapbooking paper. Both figures stand on their own single sheet of scrapbooking paper as well.

One of the goals of this photo was to show a contrast between typical Marvel icons and Captain Marvel. Marvel has always had a realistic edge to their heroes, while Captain Marvel has always been portrayed as idealized. Thus, Thor’s backdrop and lighting is more realistic than Captain Marvel’s.

The figures are lit with push-lights mounted on clear plastic cups on either side of the camera. A "sun" appears behind Thor by using two small flashlights. Captain Marvel is back-lit with a push-LED mounted in a clear plastic cup. A small sticky note on the blue backdrop helps determine where to aim the push-LED behind Captain Marvel.

Above the scene a large circular diffuser (not shown) softens the ambient light in the room. A dark strip of fabric (not shown) is positioned just above the backdrop to darken it a bit.

To get a closer look at the equipment I use, check out my Gear series.

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