Types of Portrait Lighting

Rembrandt Lighting

Loop Lighting

Glamour Lighting

Monster Lighting

Split or Side Lighting

Silhouette Lighting

What type of lighting?

What type of lighting?

Lighting Ratio The difference between the key light (main light) to the fill light (second light) is called the lighting ratio. The higher the ratio, the higher the contrast of the image, the lower the ratio, the lower the contrast. It is controlled by the distance the lights are from the subject and the output of the flash. A typical lighting ratio is 1:2 (one stop difference).

Low-key lighting This is a style of lighting requiring only one key light, optionally controlled with a fill light or a simple reflector. Lighting ratios are high in this form of lighting such as 1:8 creating bold contrasts between light and dark. Often used to create drama or set mood using strong shadows.

High-key lighting The differs from low-key lighting in that it is low in contrast between light and dark . Lighting rations are low (1:1, 1:2). It is free from dark shadows and uniform. Multiple lights and/or reflectors are used to create even lighting. This low contrast, bright lighting results in an upbeat happy mood.

Portrait Tips Good portraits show emotion and personality of an individual. Equipment Use a short telephoto lens (85mm to 135mm) to get close to your subject (remember with longer focal lengths the emphasis moves to background often resulting in “big” ears). Use a 2:1 lighting ratio when using two light sources. This is a one ƒ/stop difference. Use a reflector to fill in unwanted shadows. Backgrounds Choose background that is neutral. opposite tone of clothing, hair, etc. blurry. Watch background for distractions (do not have things coming out of subjects head). Krista Blythe Photo

Portrait Tips Good portraits show emotion and personality of an individual. Lighting Soft light hides wrinkles and blemishes. Use soft light like the light reflected off an umbrella or through a soft box. Use glamour lighting or place lights so little or no shadows are produced. Rembrandt and loop lighting are the most common types. Do not be afraid to try dramatic lighting. Look for light reflection in subject’s eyes. Watch for location of shadows around cheeks, nose and eyes. Krista Blythe Photo

Portrait Tips Good portraits show emotion and personality of an individual. Develop rapport with subject. Casually talk to subject. Tell jokes (make sure they are appropriate). Get subject to talk about themselves. Male photographers do not touch subject (get “assistant” fix lint, etc.) Have food & drink available. Have music subject likes playing. Help subject to relax. Have fun. Krista Blythe Photo

Portrait Tips Good portraits show emotion and personality of an individual. Posing subject Watch the way subject naturally moves and poses. Ask subject to recreate move or pose they naturally do. Do not force a pose. Never have subject’s feet pointed at photographer, have them twist at waist. Have subject shift weight from one leg to other depending on angle. Watch subject’s posture, have their back straight. Take a variety of poses; use props such as chairs, stools, tables, etc. Look for lint, string, and/or hair out of place fix and/or remove. Check the angle of the head making sure it is a natural pose. Check the position of the hands making sure… They will not be cut off in the final print. The fingers are slightly curved. They appear smaller than face. Don’t cover facial features without a reason. Krista Blythe Photo

Portrait Tips Good portraits show emotion and personality of an individual. Taking Focus on the eyes; they are the most important facial feature. Take vertical shots that fill the frame with shoulders and head. Shoot a variety of angles; do not just stand in front of the subject holding the camera at eye level. Give space for subject to look into, if looking left place subject to right. Take lots of images. Krista Blythe Photo