How to Use Lighting Inside a Photography Studio

Lighting and perspective partner to create eye-catching photographs.

Photography studio lighting is used to produce an image that looks three-dimensional. Specifically placed lights manipulate shadows to give the subject roundness. Studio lights may be set up using a floor method or a ceiling method. A floor method mounts lights on stands and places them strategically around the subject. A ceiling method creates a rail system on the ceiling, allowing the lights to be moved around and manipulated to properly light the subject. Backgrounds are mounted on the wall or hanged from background rollers. A floor method using three lights makes a very effective lighting set-up.

Things You'll Need

• 3 umbrella lights on stands
• 1 background
• 1 camera
• Tripod

Instructions

1. 

   Analog clocks are based upon a 12-hour time-keeping system.

   Imagine a clock with the 12 o'clock position as the studio background. Lights, camera and subject are placed in positions corresponding to numbers on an analog clock, a clock with numbers on the dial face and hands.

2. 

   Hair lighting separates subject from background.

   Place the subject approximately 5 to 6 feet in front of the background, located midway of the background. The subject is now in the position of the center of the clock from which the clock hands pivot.

3. Locate the camera at the 6 o'clock position. Distance from the subject is usually approximately 5 feet. However, move the camera closer or farther away to obtain the desired results for depth of field or perspective.

4. Place the main light, the strongest light, between the 7 o'clock and 8 o'clock positions. This light is closer to the subject than the camera.

5. Locate the second light, called the fill light, at 5 o'clock. This light is generally at half the power of the main light. The purpose of the fill light is to prevent harsh shadows. Adjust the power of the light to accomplish the desired effect. A reflector may be used instead of a fill light.

6. Put the third light, called a hair light, at 1 o'clock. Keep the light out of view of the camera, but as close as desirable to the subject. The strength of the light depends upon the desired effect and characteristics of the model. This light may face the subject or the background. Experiment to achieve the desired results.

References

• Photo; Studio Photography; Philip Greenspun
• Studio Lighting: Setting Up a Home Studio for Portraiture
• Pixiq; Lighting Techniques: The Three Light Set-up; Damien Franco; April 3, 2008