Ultimate Guide: Matching a look

Can I match a previous lighting setup or create a set that we can replicate over days, weeks, or even years? Yes, I can. Thank you for asking!

If you ask this question, you know lighting can make or break a photograph. It shapes the mood, highlights key features, and sets the tone for an image or series. Whether you’re commissioning a new project or continuing with a past campaign, ensuring that the lighting stays consistent across your photos is key to creating a cohesive and professional look. 

In this post, we’ll explore why matching lighting setups is essential for your photography investments and how Kaylinn Gilstrap Photography can help you achieve that goal.

Photos from Southern Comfort, a project created over three weekends in a honky tonk.

Why Matching Setups Matters

Consistency creates harmony across your photos and strengthens the narrative you're trying to tell. Whether you’re building a campaign in numerous locations, showing off your team, or creating a standard for your photos, here’s why matching lighting setups is crucial:

1. Brand Cohesion: Consistency in lighting helps establish a clear brand identity for businesses. Whether your photos are used for websites, brochures, social media, or ads, maintaining similar lighting across all platforms creates a unified look that clients can recognize and connect with.

2. Visual Storytelling: Lighting can dramatically change the mood of a photo. If you want your photos to tell a continuous story, consistent lighting ensures your audience feels like they're looking at one cohesive narrative. I’ve included two examples below:  One for a client who already had a look but wanted to elevate it and the other an editorial I created with The Bitter Southerner.

3. Professionalism: A mismatch in lighting can make a gallery or team photos appear disorganized and unrefined. Consistency indicates attention to detail and a high level of professionalism, which helps build trust with your audience, whether they are customers, potential clients, or fans.

   
   

Photos taken on location in the client's office over three years.

How I Can Help

A professional photographer, like myself, knows the importance of matching lighting setups and can guide you through the process. I have the experience and technical knowledge to replicate lighting setups from previous shoots or make subtle adjustments that maintain consistency. 

How do we get started?

• Let’s discuss your goals and preferences ahead of time.

• I’ll review the image/s you’d like to match and ask if any lighting diagrams are available.

• If we create a new look, I’ll take detailed records of shoots for easy reference when we shoot again!

• I can also help you with post production to transition and elevate your new images with those taken before.

I’m happy to be your partner in this process, working alongside you to deliver high-quality images that align with your vision. Building a relationship with a photographer not only helps you maintain consistent imagery but also helps you achieve a high-level outcome time and time again. Let's grow together! 

Contact me

Photos created in three different locations over three weekends with The Bitter Southerner.