Portrait Lighting Tips - How to Shoot Like the Pros
Although portrait photography may seem simple to most, it is actually one of the trickiest photographic skills and takes years to master. One of the flip side, because portrait photography is so posed and planned it also make it one of the easiest to practice.
If you're considering starting a studio in your garage or living room, here are a few handy tips to keep in mind before you call your subject in for the shoot.
Brighter Isn't Always Better
Harsh, bright lights will definitely give you lots of illumination and make photographing your subject super simple. However, harsh bright lights are rarely flattering and should be avoided especially if you want natural results. The best lighting for portrait lighting is soft light. You can get this quality of light in the shade, on overcast days or by using photo umbrella reflectors in the studio. Using soft, even light will be easier to work with and will help to highlight your subject nicely.
Light Setup
Two lights should be enough for portrait lighting. You should use one main light to determine the tone and direction of your light, then place a second light near the camera to help offset it. This will soften any harsh shadows and help even out the contrast. Another way you can get this effect is by placing a light above the camera and one fill reflector below the camera. Both of these solutions will give you great results with very little equipment.
Use What You Have
If you don't have money to spend on a professional light setup, you can often get near-professional results by using a few desk or floor lights. For even more control, try using sheets to reflect the light around the room. Treat everything in your house like lighting equipment and you may begin to find unique opportunities to really play with your portrait lighting, all without the need to buy gear.
Don't Forget the Sun
We often associate portrait photography with studio photography, but the truth is that the two are not codependent. You can get amazing results using natural light if you're careful about how and when you use it. For instance, if you have a large window in your house, use it as a natural source of soft light. If you're taking pictures outside, use a big sheet of white posterboard (or foam board) as a reflector and point it at your subject to minimize harsh shadows.
Just like any other type of photography, portrait photography requires lots of practice, patience and a whole lot of love. What it doesn't require is a whole lot of professional equipment or piles of cash. Be creative with your materials and subjects and you'll be surprised at how great the results can be. Portrait lighting is all about subtlety but that doesn't mean that it's not a lot of fun!
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