An Inside Look : Studio Portrait Lighting Techniques

Proper lighting is a necessity of taking professional looking photographs, including portraits. The knowledge and experience a portrait photographer can offer a client is the main reason they seek out professional services for family portraits, wedding photos and business headshots. Proper lighting used in portrait photography will enhance and flatter the subject’s appearance.

To create proper portrait lighting you need various studio lighting,  photographic backdrops, a soft box, reflectors and studio umbrellas.

Photo : Robert Mitchell

Bounce the main light into a photographic umbrella, this will soften any shadows on the subjects face. The main light should be placed to one side at a 45-degree angle from the camera. Avoid the use of strong, harsh lighting which will create an undesired stark look and angular facial features.

Use a soft box on the man light to diffuse it. This is a common practice when shooting portraits for advertising purposes. Place the soft box at a 25-degree angle in front of your subject. To add fill light when using a soft box you can use a reflector board to bounce the light onto the subject.

You can use three lights in your studio when shooting portraits. Place two of the lights on each side of the camera at 20-degree angles. The third light should be placed opposite the main light and slightly behind the subject. Studio lights should be placed in a progressive pattern as they go away from the subject. For example, if the main light is located six feet in front of the subject, your front fill light should be approximately eight feet away.