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How do you pick the perfect lighting for portraits?

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Lighting is one of the most important elements of portrait photography. It can create mood, drama, contrast, and depth in your images. But how do you pick the perfect lighting for portraits? In this article, you will learn some tips and techniques to help you achieve stunning results with different lighting sources and setups.

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1 Natural light

Natural light is the easiest and most accessible lighting source for portraits. It can be soft, warm, or harsh, depending on the time of day, the weather, and the location. To use natural light effectively, you need to pay attention to the direction, quality, and intensity of the light. For example, you can use backlighting to create a silhouette or a rim light, or you can use side lighting to create shadows and highlights. You also need to consider the color temperature of the light, which can affect the skin tones and the mood of your portraits. For example, you can use golden hour light to create a warm and romantic atmosphere, or you can use blue hour light to create a cool and mysterious vibe.

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Leon McDonald → Portrait and Brand Photographer

I create headshots & branding images that make professionals more visible & memorable. | Personal Branding Photo Expert | Speaker | ??? Ask about our 40 Over 40 Project
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A lot of photographers love shooting at golden hour for that warm, honey glow, and the ethereal backlighting it provides. It adds a romantic touch that can be replicated but there's just something about natural light in this specific setting. While I love natural light, it can sometimes be a challenge to harness it since the sun and clouds are not on your timetable.

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2 Artificial light

Artificial light is any light source that is not natural, such as flash, strobe, or continuous light. Artificial light gives you more control and flexibility over the lighting conditions, but it also requires more equipment and skill. To use artificial light effectively, you need to understand the basic principles of exposure, color balance, and light modifiers. For example, you can use a flash to fill in the shadows or to freeze the motion, or you can use a strobe to create a powerful and dramatic effect. You also need to consider the shape, size, and distance of the light source, which can affect the softness, direction, and falloff of the light. For example, you can use a softbox to create a soft and flattering light, or you can use a snoot to create a narrow and focused light.

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Leon McDonald → Portrait and Brand Photographer

I create headshots & branding images that make professionals more visible & memorable. | Personal Branding Photo Expert | Speaker | ??? Ask about our 40 Over 40 Project
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This is where I live, especially in the studio environment. What I love most about artificial light is control. You aren't at the mercy of the sun and clouds and you can shoot whenever you want. Learning how to use artificial light can be intimidating to beginners and but once you understand how to manipulate it there is really nothing you can't do in the world of image creation, including simulating a natural light look with studio lights.

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3 Mixed light

Mixed light is when you combine natural and artificial light sources in your portraits. Mixed light can create interesting and creative effects, but it can also pose some challenges. To use mixed light effectively, you need to balance the exposure, color, and contrast of the different light sources. For example, you can use a flash to match the brightness of the ambient light, or you can use a gel to match the color temperature of the ambient light. You also need to consider the harmony, contrast, and direction of the different light sources, which can affect the mood, depth, and composition of your portraits. For example, you can use a flash to create a rim light or a catchlight, or you can use a continuous light to create a fill light or a background light.

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Leon McDonald → Portrait and Brand Photographer

I create headshots & branding images that make professionals more visible & memorable. | Personal Branding Photo Expert | Speaker | ??? Ask about our 40 Over 40 Project
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I love mixing ambient light with studio lights when shooting on location. The balance is a delicate one but when you achieve a cohesive look it can add a pop to your imagery that can't be seen when depending on natural light soley.

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4 Light patterns

Light patterns are the shapes and forms that the light creates on the subject's face. Light patterns can enhance or diminish the facial features and expressions of your portraits. To create different light patterns, you need to adjust the angle and position of the light source relative to the subject. For example, you can use front lighting to create a flat and even light, or you can use back lighting to create a dramatic and contrasty light. You also need to consider the common light patterns that are used in portrait photography, such as loop, Rembrandt, split, and butterfly. Each light pattern has its own characteristics and effects, and you can choose the one that suits your style and purpose.

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5 Light ratios

Light ratios are the differences in brightness between the main light and the fill light in your portraits. Light ratios can affect the contrast, tonality, and mood of your images. To measure and adjust light ratios, you need to use a light meter or a histogram. For example, you can use a 1:1 light ratio to create a low contrast and a balanced light, or you can use a 4:1 light ratio to create a high contrast and a dramatic light. You also need to consider the effect of light ratios on the exposure and the depth of field of your portraits. For example, you can use a high light ratio to create a darker background and a shallower depth of field, or you can use a low light ratio to create a brighter background and a deeper depth of field.

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6 Light quality

Light quality is the degree of softness or hardness of the light in your portraits. Light quality can affect the texture, detail, and edge of the shadows and highlights in your images. To change the light quality, you need to modify the size, shape, and distance of the light source. For example, you can use a large and close light source to create a soft and diffused light, or you can use a small and far light source to create a hard and direct light. You also need to consider the effect of light quality on the mood, emotion, and style of your portraits. For example, you can use a soft light to create a gentle and flattering look, or you can use a hard light to create a harsh and edgy look.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you pick the perfect lighting for portraits?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Natural light

2 Artificial light

3 Mixed light

4 Light patterns

5 Light ratios

6 Light quality

7 Here’s what else to consider

Photography

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更多相关阅读内容

How do you pick the perfect lighting for portraits?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Natural light

2 Artificial light

3 Mixed light

4 Light patterns

5 Light ratios

6 Light quality

7 Here’s what else to consider

Photography

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