Home >> Hobbies >> Photography

How to Photograph Dark Portraits

There are a number of techniques used in portrait photography to accomplish various results. One technique that is particularly effective in portrait photography is using "low key" light. The process is used when you want to capture a portrait picture where the majority of the picture is dark. The only light in the picture is used to accent a certain feature or to create a mood for the image. The effect is accomplished by setting up at least a two "stop" differential between the main light the rest of image. A "stop" is a measurement of exposure used in photography.

Things You'll Need

Studio light
Reflector card
Tripod
Flash meter
Sync cord

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the studio for the photo session. Place a stool, chair or bench in the center of the studio where your client sits. Hang a black backdrop behind the sitting position. Place one studio light at a 45-degree angle to the position. You can use a fill light on the other side or a white reflector card that can be position when your client arrives.
- 2
  Position your client on the stool, bench or chair and position the client in the pose you want. Turn on the studio light and move the light to create the light effect you want.
- 3
  Attach a flash meter to the studio light's sync cord, press the button on the flash meter to get the reading for the light being generated from the studio strobe.
- 4
  Position the reflector card on the opposite side of your client from the main light. Hold the flash meter on the same side of your client as the reflector and press the button on the flash meter. In order to obtain a darker side the light being reflected needs to be two stops less than the main light. For example, if the main light reads "f11" then the light reflected needs to be "f5.6" this will give a slight shadow on the other side of the face. If the difference between the main and reflected light is three or more stops then that side of the model will be totally dark.
- 5
  Attach the camera to a tripod and connect the sync cord to the camera.

Photography