Seven Random Portrait Lighting Tips For Photographers

Seven Random Portrait Lighting Tips For Photographers: "

Copyright Scott Bourne 2010 - All Rights Reserved

If you want to make great images you need great light. And great light is always available if you know what you are doing and you have access to some gear.

Here are seven lighting tips that may benefit photographers:

1. You can make great images with one light source. Just make sure the light source is big. The bigger the better. I try to find light sources that are roughly twice the size of my subject.

2. Remember that light has a depth of field too. This is one of the most overlooked pieces of the lighting puzzle. The closer you are to the subject, the faster the light falls off.

3. Umbrellas are typically the most available and the least expensive light modifiers. But they are also veritable “light grenades…” scattering light everywhere. It’s easier to control light with a softbox.

4. If you are working with reflectors, pay attention to where you place them. If you have a silver reflector, placing it too close to the subject will not be flattering. White reflectors are however designed to be placed about half the distance to the subject as the main light.

5. If you want natural catch lights in the eyes, aim for 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock.

6. If you use a hair light, make sure it doesn’t hit the shoulders.

7. Experiment with “hot” lights or constant lighting. It allows the use of wider apertures and faster shutter speeds than does strobe.

These are just some random starter tips. Go from here. Experiment. Move the light. Shape the light. Study the light and you’ll get great images.

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This post sponsored by WHCC – White House Custom Colour – Get Five Free 8×10 Prints From WHCC

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