Archive for the ‘Photography’ Category

Portrait Photography Lighting – How To Shoot Like The Pros

Friday, July 1st, 2011

Although portrait photography may seem simple to most, it is actually one of the trickiest photographic skills and takes years to master. On the plus side, because of the posed and scheduled nature of portrait photography, it is also one of the easiest ones 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 BetterHard, bright lights definitely make shooting a breeze and give you plenty of illumination to properly expose your photos. 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. Usi photography basics ng soft, even light will be easier to work with and will help to highlight your subject nicely.Light SetupTwo lights should be sufficient 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 help to soften any harsh shadows and even out the strong contrast. Another great way to achieve this effect is by placing one light above the camera and one fill reflector below the camera. Both of these options will give you good quality results without special equipment.Use What You Already HaveIf you don’t have the cash to invest in a professional light setup, you can often get near-professional results by moving a couple of desk or floor lamps around. If you want even more control, try using bed sheets to reflect the light around the room.