STUDIO PORTRAIT LIGHTING

There are many advantages to using studio lights over constant lighting:

  • The ability to freeze a moving subject is one of the biggest advantages.

  • Constant lighting can also generate an uncomfortable amount of heat during a shoot.

  • Adequate constant lighting can cause the subject to squint and contract their pupils.

  • There is a wide range of light modifiers, allowing for many creative affects.

  • Newer battery powered lights allow for portability.

  • Newer battery powered lights eliminate the hassle of mains leads underfoot.

A simple single light lighting setup, creates hard light and deep shadows

The addition of one large reflector reduces the depth of the shadows.

Replacing the small light source a very large one creates a much softer light, even without a reflector

A large light source with a reflector, creates a soft lighting effect with gentle modelling across the subject.

Medium sized soft lights to the left and right of the subject. A good way to avoid reflections in glasses.

Split lighting with a fill light from front, off centre. A complex but soft lighting effect.

Adding in hair lighting creates separation from the black background and subtle complexity to the subject.