Studio Lighting 2

Basic Studio Lighting

Main light - The primary light source, which is generally the brightest. This light is normally the main light that is connected to the camera, which illuminates the subject. If used off camera, the photographer is able to sculpt shadows and highlights.

Fill light - This is normally the second light set up which is optional and if used, it is to soften shadows which are created by the main light.

Back light - This produces a dramatic effect because the subject is in front of the light source. Using a reflector as a light source, it produces a softer light.

We were also taught about other lighting set ups.

These photograph were taken using a kicker light which is used towards one side of the subject:

These photographs were taken using a hair light which is placed above and a little behind the subject and this illuminates the hair:

These photographs were taken using a rim light, which is aimed at the back of the head and sits behind the subject:

I really enjoyed this studio session as it was a lot of fun! It helped me to get some kind of idea of what lighting I would use for my portrait photograph.