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Step 1
Place a backdrop behind and perpendicular to your window. Decide where your model will sit or stand and place the backdrop a few feet behind. Not only will it camouflage walls, lamps and furniture, it will provide a finished look for your portrait. Try hanging solid sheets or blankets to create an inexpensive backdrop.
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Step 2
Create Rembrandt-style lighting by shooting the model with half her face illuminated by the window light. Using only the window, you can recreate this effect by turning off your flash and using a tripod to stabilize camera shake. Have your model turn her face slightly toward the window and turn her eyes back toward the camera.
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Step 3
Take profile shots by turning your model to face the window. This is a striking method for creating a portrait, especially if you use a dark backdrop and shoot in black and white. Experiment by moving your model closer and further from the window to vary the light intensity.
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Step 4
Place a reflector on the opposite side of your model to bounce some of the window light back on her. You can reduce the depth of the shadows on her face by using a photographic reflector or making one from a sheet of foam-core board and painting it with silver or gold metallic spray paint.
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Step 5
Open your aperture and use a fast shutter speed to capture flattering portraits. The wide aperture will allow you to focus on your subject while blurring the background.
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Step 6
Add another reflector on the floor in front of your subject. Tilt it slightly upwards to soften shadows under eyes and reduce the impact of sharp facial features.
