Using colour to create 80s retro photography lighting – Watch on YouTube

80s nostalgia is a popular look in movies and TV shows at the moment, so we wanted to create some 80s retro photography lighting using colour to find the right vibe. We have pulled an old games console out of storage for a subject, and we’re going to use light to add the right aesthetic!

80s Retro Photography
There are two ways to look at “retro photography”. The first is that the art of photography it’s self was very different in the late 70s and 80s. Film cameras, lens technology and no LED lighting meant that the images of the era had a recognisable look. We’re not going to be exploring how to re-create dated photos though, that’s usually just a case of getting an older lens and shooting away like people did back in the day.
We’re trying to create the retrospective aesthetic that is prevalent today. This retro aesthetic is a look in and of its self. Inspired by the 80s era, but not entirely typical of how things were at the time. Tv shows like Stranger Things have captured this vibe perfectly with clever use of colour and authentic props.

Our prop today is the Binnatone Colour TV Game Mk 6. Released in the UK in 1977 it perfectly captures the feel of 70s and 80s home electronics design and still looks great today with it’s physical switches, dials and diagram labels. If you want to photograph something older like this, It’s worth looking around in thrift stores and charity shops for old electronic items and appliances, they are all sure to have tonnes of interesting features to explore.

Retro Photography Lighting
While the 80s in real life was no more colourful than the modern day when we were there, looking back, there is a sense that everything was neon, colourful and futuristic. Because of this association with colour, and the modern use of colour to depict the 80s, it’s easy to create a retro aesthetic with the use of some colour.
Adding some blue and red light to an object designed in the era creates true 80s retro photography vibes.

We’re using the Adaptalux Studio Lighting System to add coloured light onto the interesting design elements of the Binnatone TV game. However we can’t just flood red and blue light everywhere. This kind of lighting requires some precise placement, as each new light source creates new shadows on all the raised switches and buttons.
However this is where the joy of LED light sources comes in to play. As they are always on, the LEDs can be easily placed exactly where they are needed while you look at the result on the back of the camera. Make adjustments to each light as you go and find the perfect placement and balance of light.

Blue and red lights go particularly well together to create a retro vibe on an object like this, but we also need a little white light to stop the colour from becoming too overpowering. We used a diffused white lighting arm to highlight certain features like the brown colour of the plastic and the reflective metal branding elements.

Once you have your lighting in position, it’s a simple case of moving your camera or the subject around to explore the interesting features from other angles. You can tweak the lighting as you go to make sure reflections and shadows are in check.

Many people are reluctant to start using coloured light in their images, but we highly recommend having some coloured lighting options on hand to be able to set the mood and tone of your images. Using red and blue to create 80s retro photography lighting is only one option. The only limit is your imagination!
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