Easy repeatable light set up for portraits.
I got an ebook about portraits and one main message that struck me was this...find a simple, repeatable light set up that will work in many situations. Don't keep reinventing the wheel each time you shoot.
His advice in the book was this:
One shoot through umbrella at 45 deg to subject; that is 45 deg up and 45 deg to the side.
One umbrella opposite of that umbrella behind subject.
Both flashes on same power (or I should say putting out the same power at the same distance.)
Front umbrella at 3 foot distance
Rear umbrella at 6 foot distance (which effectively cuts the power in half.)
Simple, easy to understand, and repeatable.
Here is my "before work bath robe portrait" sample.
I agree 1000% with what you're saying, rpavich. Once someone gets a basic lighting arrangement, it's easier to make small changes to accommodate a particular subject without "getting lost". What you've arrived at here is a classic "Rembrandt" lighting, my favorite.
On this particular subject (you), I would like to see a comparison of the light coming first from camera-left (as it is in the photo) and coming from camera-right, which I suspect would make a slightly better photo. Probably the easiest way to express it would be: I think your left side is your better side. I may be right or wrong, but it might be interesting to see the comparison!
Great post!
Danilo wrote:
Probably the easiest way to express it would be: I think your left side is your better side. I may be right or wrong, but it might be interesting to see the comparison!
Great post!
Well...that gives me something to do this weekend!
I set it up this way because this is where I had the most room in my living room :)
rlaugh
Loc: Michigan & Florida
Very good information and demonstration!!...wish we had more of these!!
rlaugh wrote:
Very good information and demonstration!!...wish we had more of these!!
No problem...here is a diagram.
rlaugh
Loc: Michigan & Florida
rpavich wrote:
rlaugh wrote:
Very good information and demonstration!!...wish we had more of these!!
No problem...here is a diagram.
That is fantastic...keep this kind of stuff comming..I'm sure it helps many!! :thumbup: :thumbup:
Now that's a nice self-portrait!
Thank you for this information. It will help me tremendously!
Perilin wrote:
Thank you for this information. It will help me tremendously!
No problem....glad to do it. :)
better than one the other day, like this one
thanks for the info! Can't wait to try it.
Emm5 wrote:
thanks for the info! Can't wait to try it.
Great! Post it when you do.
Erv
Loc: Medina Ohio
Nice info. I use this setup a lot in my little studio in the basement. I put one more smaller light on the the other side for my Harrison pictures.
Erv
If you want to reply, then
register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.