Something educational- Studio Portrait lighting (one light)

So I've decided to occasionally write about things that I am learning and develop them into cohesive thoughts so when I go back to teaching I will basically have a whole bunch of lesson plans already made.  Since a blog is such an easy format I can easily go back and change things, add videos, link awesome websites, and whatever else.  They will mainly serve as a rough draft, maybe if you have a good idea, you can add to my lesson.  Or maybe you will just sit there and be enlightened by moi. 

This educational moment is about....

Studio Portrait Lighting


(Warning: Studio lighting is not my forte)

This picture is SOOC (straight out of camera) with no editing, just good lighting.

                                                                                                   photo by Douglass Bolt, NIHCC member


So here we begin, with one light.  Having one light leaves one half of her face in light and the other half in dark.  This is fine if this is the look that you want to go for, but if not there is a way to combat it.

 One way to combat this is by the use of a reflector, hold it on the opposite side of your victim to allow the bouncing light to fill in the shadows.

A hair light is a light from behind that illuminates your victim's head, which creates extra dimension and interest. 

You don't have to go out and purchase a whole bunch of expensive equipment to achieve this look.  Here are some cheap-o alternatives for studio lighting.

1.  Lights: desk lamp, garage/work light, any other bright light, window

2.  Reflectors: car reflector, crumpled tin foil, foam core board

3.  Umbrella/diffuser: sheet or tissue paper over light (don't let it catch on fire!!!!! Lights get hot!!)

Not into the whole artificial light thing?  The same rules apply when doing the same thing but with window light.  Check out this article natural portrait lighting with a reflector *super easy* 

 Here's a cheat sheet from digitalcameraworld.com about simple lighting techniques and the effects it will have on your portraits

Some tips:

-Have the model sit on the edge of the seat.  This promotes good posture.
-Remember: white reflectors are softer than silver
-If your reflector has any creases or folds in it, they may show up on your victims' face

So yeah, that's all for now.