Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Set the studio up in a location that features the most natural light such as outdoors or in a room with multiple windows.
Hang a white flat bed sheet on the wall to create an impromptu backdrop. Select a clean, wrinkle-free sheet. Hang the sheet on a flat wall lengthwise so the sheet runs from the ceiling downwards to the floor to optimize backdrop space.
Lay a sheet of white poster board or a silver metallic colored windshield sun reflector on a flat surface in front of your subject to reflect light onto her face. Move a table or chair in front of her if possible to raise the reflector closer to her face for maximum reflection.
Place a 500 watt halogen work light in front of your subject to use as your key light. If possible, raise the light above the subjects head and tilt the light down onto the subject. Hang a sheet of tissue paper in front of the work light to diffuse and soften the light, but make sure it is not so close as to burst into flames. If heat is, or becomes, an issue, switch to far cooler (and cheaper) compact fluorescent lightbulbs. You will need several to equal the output of a halogen work light.
Place table lamps on both sides of your subject for fill lights. Set them slightly farther back from where your subject is standing to minimize shadows.
Gather personal affects to use in the portraits for props. Find musical instruments, furniture, or other items that reflect the subject's personality and can easily be incorporated into a portrait.