Behind red velvet tells the story of young Maya, who joins her friend Lara for a shopping trip. While Lara changes clothes an old and strange man, Karl, addresses Maya. He claims to be a professional photographer and invites her for a shooting in his studio. She is skeptic at the beginning but is finally persuaded by her friend. As both coincidentally get to know Max, Karl's charming assistant, Maya jumps over her shadow and enters. Inside the studio previously grumpy Karl suddenly seems much more self confident and friendly, Maya finally relaxes. While Karls working on the lighting setup, Maya flips through some of his old photo books and has a look at negatives on a light table. There she accidentally stumbles upon evidence of an atrocious crime.