Hobbies And Interests
Single Light
Subscribing to the "less is more" belief, lighting your subject with a single light can create an interesting image. When shooting a model's face you will want the light to be at a 45 degree angle to the model and raised slightly. When done correctly the model`s nose will create a triangle of light on the models cheek. This is called "Rembrandt lighting" and is standard in photography. You can also use the single light in other locations including behind for a silhouette image that shows a ring of light around the models head. Position the light directly above pointing down, or below and directed up create striking effects as well.
Single Light and Reflector Card
When you add a reflector card to a single light setup it changes the look of the picture dramatically. By adding a reflector card on the opposite of the model from the light position, it reflects a small amount of light back onto the model. This light fills in the shadows and creates a soft natural-looking light. You can increase or decrease the amount of light being reflected by moving the reflector closer or farther away from the model. The trick is to always have the reflector in a position where it can capture light from the single light and that it is directed back to the model.
Four-Light Set Up
Using multiple lights in a studio gives you an increased level of control and lighting options. When setting up the lights you still want to the position one light on a 45 degree angle. A second light is positioned at the same location on the other side and the power for this light is set to half of the first light. Position the light behind and above the model the light directed towards the model's head. Set the power on this light to half or quarter power. A fourth light is located behind the model directed towards the background or backdrop. This light can be set at full, half or quarter power depending on how much light you want on the background.
High Key and Low Key Lighting
High key and Low key lighting uses any of these set ups with the difference being where you meter and set the camera exposure. A "High key" image is very bright with lots of white in it. To achieve this type of image you meter for the shadows. By setting your camera to this setting you achieve a picture where this little shadow detail. "Low key" lighting is the exact opposite. The pictures appear very dark with the highlights nicely exposed. To achieve this image you meter for the brightest spot in the image. Both techniques are very effective and are widely used in studio photography.