Do It Yourself Photography Lighting

Purchase a few yards of muslin fabric to act as a backdrop. Use white or ecru to add subtle light that can be reflected back onto your subject.

Set up a shop light as your main light source. They come on a stand and offer the same output as a professional studio light. This light needs to be diffused or spread evenly so hang a white sheet in front of it. Be sure the sheet doesn't touch the light directly as these continuous lights are hot.

Find a hooded clip-on light for a fill light. The hood allows for more directional lighting and helps eliminate shadows. These lights can be found at your local home improvement or auto parts supply store.

Create separation between your subject and backdrop with a small clip-on desk lamp. This is known as a hairlight and you can direct the light more accurately with what is called a snope. Simply fashion a cone shape with aluminum foil and attach the wide end to the light source.

Add light to your subject's eyes using reflectors. Simple poster board or a car shade work nicely. Place the reflector opposite the light source to bump light back onto your subject.