Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Connect the adjustable photography lamp to a power outlet. Use an extension cord if necessary.
Position the lamp so it is level with your subject, with the lamp head facing forward. This is called front lighting, and it is a very popular studio photography technique because it hides facial blemishes and adds a flattering shadow around the edges of the face.
Raise the lamp over your subject to create top lighting. This position adds shape and dimension to the face by creating shadows above the eyes and beneath the nose.
Move the lamp to one side of your subject to experiment with side lighting, which darkens one side of the face while highlighting the other. Plug in additional lamps to combine these lighting techniques for interesting results.
Diffuse a lamp's light by pointing the head toward an open umbrella. If a lamp's light is too strong, an umbrella helps scatter it around the subject for much softer results.
Brighten shadows by facing reflector panels toward the shadowed area of your subject. Light the panels with an additional lamp. Panels can be purchased at any photographic retailer, or made from a piece of cardboard covered with a sheet of aluminum foil.