- John's Pro-Photo Tips -
Studio Portrait Lighting
The basics of frontal studio portrait lighting
The key to pleasing studio portrait lighting is to achieve a soft balance between highlights and shadow detail. In a word, this is known as “modelling”.
Modelling is achieved through a balance of two frontal light sources. The key light, often referred to as the “modelling” light, is the primary source of illumination and can be placed on either side of the camera. Of course, having only one primary light source will create a deep shadow and loss of detail on the other side.
In order to counter this, the second light is a softer or lower powered unit to the key light, often referred to as the secondary or “fill” light. By balancing the light strength of these two lights, you will control how the subject’s face is modelled. With this in mind, adjust the power settings or change the distance of the light from your subject to achieve the balance you want.
Add additional lighting
Now you will add one or two more lights behind the subject. Firstly, a hair light for highlighting dark hair and preventing light hair from merging into the background.
TIP: Do not shine a back light onto a bald-headed subject, as it causes a shiny reflection – not a good look!
Equally important is a fourth light that is directed on to the background. Even if you are using reflected light (umbrellas) or diffused light (soft boxes), there will still be some shadow on the backdrop. Coupled with a background light, you will eliminate this.
Img 1 illustrates a typical 4-light studio portrait lighting set-up: –
Varying your lighting set-up
Let’s look at some examples of how a few minor changes to this studio portrait lighting setup can create some striking images:
Even lighting for group portraits
We see in Img 2 how moving the fill light forward, to balance the power of the key light, creates a more even light across the faces.
– Ideal for a group to minimise shadows.
Add facial modelling and a gradient backdrop
Compared to the previous image, the original lighting to the face is maintained in Img 3.
The key light provides a stronger light to the right of the image. However, the fill light is pulled back to create a shadow on the neck and shoulders.
In this shot, the background light is switched off, hence a “gradient” backdrop is created – lighter to the right and darker shadowed to the left.
"Low-key" lighting
Img 4 retains the key light, this time on the other side (left) of the camera.
The hair-light is angled downwards, producing a highlight on the subject’s left arm. The background-light is turned off, blending the subject’s hair and lower body with the background. This effect is known as “low-key” lighting
"Intensity" close-ups
This last image features a powerful close-up, adding intensity resulting in a more dramatic image.
The key-light has been moved further to the side, creating a shadow from the subject’s hair to the left eye and cheek.
This is balanced against the other side of her face by pulling the fill-light back. Alternatively, if your light has multi-power settings, you could instead reduce the power.
Important tip:
Tip: I’ve sometimes heard of “professional” photographers asking their subject to hold a light or reflector. Avoid doing it! It detracts from their concentration, so it’s harder to get the facial expression you want and limits your ability to control the light and crop the frame. Asking your subject to act as a light-stand is also unprofessional.
These comments were originally posted to the same page on my old website, now offline: –
2 thoughts on “Studio Portrait Lighting”
CHEAP GENERIC CIALIS31/07/2022 AT 12:10 PM
You can certainly see your enthusiasm in the
article you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe.
At all times go after your heart.
SYLVESTER09/05/2023 AT 10:45 AM
This post is very informative and well-organized. Thanks for sharing your expertise with us.