How to Use Accent and Ambient Lighting on Family Portraits

Ambient lighting refers to the overall illumination of a room and comes from all directions. Accent lighting is a light that will draw focus to one specific feature in the room. Ambient lighting most often comes from ceiling or wall fixtures, while accent lighting comes from lamps, recessed can lighting or pendants. When it comes to showcasing your family portraits, use both accent and ambient lighting to draw your guests' attention.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Consider the size of the room where your portraits will hang. Take in to consideration the amount of natural light the room gets during the day. If the room does get a lot of natural light, consider lighting sources with a dimmer for your ambient lighting. That allows you to control the brightness of the lights, turning them down when appropriate.

2. Determine where in the room your portrait(s) will hang. Get your portraits in place first and then tackle the accent lighting.

3. Decide whether you want to install a light fixture on your wall or ceiling or if you would rather light your pictures using up-light from a table or floor lamp. Depending on where you want to hang your portraits, it may not be possible to install a fixture where it is necessary to light them.

4. Choose a soft bulb in your accent lighting fixture. You do not want harsh or bright lights, as they will cause a glare on your portraits.

5. Adjust the lighting until you find the perfect angle which illuminates your portrait without casting shadows. Adjust the dimmer on your ambient lighting to compliment the light coming from your accent light. The overall room should be dimmer than the light coming from your accent light.