Photography Studio Lighting Techniques

There are two types of lighting used for photography lighting techniques. Continuous lighting is when lights are placed around the subject. Flash is a light that comes on as the picture is taken. Here are some lighting techniques that are done with each type of lighting.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Continuous lighting Flash Bounce card Black background

Flash

1. Put a bounce card in front of your subject, to the side. A bounce card is basically a large, white, seamless piece of cardboard.

2. Aim your flash at the bounce card.

3. Take the picture. This is called bouncing a flash. It gives the subject a soft look without any distracting shadows.

4. Position the bounce card above your subject or to the side to create dramatic shadows. If the card is above the subject, the chin and eyes will have shadows. If the card is beside the subject, one side of the face will be in shadow.

Continuous Lighting

5. Have the subject sit with his or her profile facing the camera.

6. Position the continuous lighting so that it is facing the subject.

7. Make the rest of the area around the subject dark, and place a black background behind the subject.

8. Take the photo. This is called a silhouette photo.

Tips & Warnings

• Continuous lighting can be hot. Give your subject plenty of breaks so that he or she looks fresh.

Resources

• Beginner's Guide to Lighting