Dubai · Case study for filmmakers, photographers and fashion brands
“Two lights, one lens, no tricks. The clothes are the production value.”
A short fashion film for Celine Winter '22, "Dans Paris", made in Dubai for Savoir Flair, with photographer Esrasam and make-up by Diana Tin. The whole lighting setup was two Aputure 300D lights with double diffusion, and the camera was a Sony FX3 with an 85mm lens, handheld. This case study breaks down that setup, why it works for fashion, and how to get a big-looking result from a small kit.
Celine Winter '22 · Dubai
01 · The brief
A Paris collection, filmed in Dubai
Celine Winter '22 was Hedi Slimane's "Dans Paris" collection, shown digitally and filmed in Paris landmarks, including the Hôtel de la Marine. The look mixes Parisian polish with casual pieces: bouclé cardigans, varsity tees, denim, knee boots, gold chains and the brand's bags.
The film for Savoir Flair had to show those clothes clearly, piece by piece, in a short vertical edit. The project notes sum up the approach in one line: "Clean + minimal setup, big production result." Esrasam is credited as photographer and editor, and SwainUK filmed it.
| Element | What was used |
|---|---|
| Camera | Sony FX3 |
| Lens | 85mm, handheld |
| Lights | Two Aputure 300D, each with double diffusion |
| Set | Clean, minimal: pale walls, a few pieces of furniture |
| Delivery | A short vertical film, under 20 seconds |
Sources: Mojeh, Hedi Slimane takes over Paris for Celine Winter 22 · Hero, Celine Dans Paris.
02 · The lighting setup
Two lights with double diffusion
Soft, even light: texture in the bouclé, no hard shadows on the wall.
Double diffusion means the light passes through two layers before it reaches the model, usually the diffusion inside a softbox and then a second panel or frame in front of it. Each layer makes the source bigger and softer. With two lights treated like that, the result is the look in the film: wraparound light, gentle shadows and colours that stay true.
Fabric reads better
Soft light shows the texture of bouclé, denim and knit without harsh contrast. Hard light turns texture into noise.
Freedom to move
Big, soft sources light a whole area, not a mark. The model can walk, sit and turn, and the operator can follow handheld.
Skin looks real
Diffused light is kind to skin, so the make-up can stay light and natural, which suits the Celine look.
Quick to rig
Two stands, two lights, two layers of diffusion. Moving between set-ups takes minutes, not an hour.
A common way to place two lights like this is one as a large key to one side of the camera and the second as fill or to lift the background, so the pale wall stays clean. Keep the fill weaker than the key so the face keeps some shape.
03 · The camera
Why an 85mm, handheld
Details and attitude: the same lens for the gold tag and the full pose.
The Sony FX3 is small enough to hold for a whole session, and an 85mm on it gives the compressed, flattering perspective that fashion likes. Handheld adds a little life to every shot, which is what makes a short fashion film feel like it was made in the moment rather than on a tripod.
1. One lens keeps it consistent. Every shot has the same perspective, so cuts between details and full looks feel like one film.
2. Move with the model. Small steps in and out, a slow drift past a bag or a chain. Let the model lead and follow her.
3. Details sell the collection. Tags, buckles, chains and trainers are the shots a fashion brand reposts. Get each one cleanly.
4. Shoot for vertical. On a vertical delivery, full-length looks fill the frame naturally. Keep the head and feet in.
For more on composing for 9:16 and 16:9 from one shoot, see shooting vertical and horizontal video.
04 · Minimal, not cheap
How a small setup looks like a big production
Logos and details framed tight, so the brand is in every second of a short film.
A small kit only looks expensive when the decisions around it are good. On a shoot like this, the production value comes from four places:
A clean set
Pale walls and very few props. Nothing competes with the clothes.
Styling and make-up
The collection, styled well, is the spectacle. Diana Tin's make-up keeps the face fresh and in the Celine mood.
Stills and film together
Photographer and videographer share the light. The setup that works for Esrasam's stills works for the film.
A tight edit
Under 20 seconds, cut to music, one look after another. Short films reward pace.
When the season is too hot for outdoor locations, a minimal indoor set like this is the safest plan in Dubai. See where to shoot fashion and beauty in Dubai for the alternatives.
Watch
Celine Winter '22
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FAQ
Common questions
What lighting do you need for a fashion film?
Less than you think. Two LED lights with double diffusion can light a clean set evenly enough for the model to move freely, while keeping fabric texture and skin looking natural.
What is double diffusion in lighting?
Passing a light through two layers of diffusion, such as a softbox and a separate panel in front of it. Each layer makes the source larger and softer, so shadows are gentler.
Is the Sony FX3 good for fashion films?
Its small size makes it easy to shoot handheld for a whole session, which suits fashion work where the camera follows the model. Paired with an 85mm, it gives a flattering, consistent look.
Why use an 85mm lens for fashion video?
An 85mm compresses the background, flatters faces and works for both details and full looks, so one lens can carry a whole short film.
Written by Joshua Swain, who films fashion, beauty and jewellery in Dubai and London. See the Celine project.