Studio Lighting for Beginners
You don’t need to be a tech genius to capture amazing photos! If you’ve ever searched for studio lighting tips, you’ve probably found yourself buried in super technical guides that, while packed with useful info, don’t always make things easier. Well, if you're looking for a studio lighting guide that feels more like a chat with a fellow photographer, you're in the right place!
Now, if you're completely new to photography (like, "What's an aperture?" level new), this might be a little tricky. But if you've played around with your camera before, whether you're just starting or have a bit more experience, this quick guide will be a great place to begin.
The Basics of Studio Lighting
There are a couple of simple rules about studio lighting. Nail these, and you'll be on your way to taking photos you'll love. Ready?
1. Size Matters:
The size of your light source in relation to your model makes a big difference. The smaller the light relative to your model, the harsher the light. The larger the light source compared to your model, the softer the light.
2. Distance Matters:
The closer the light is to your model, the softer the light will be. The farther away it is, the harsher the light becomes.
Master these basic concepts, and you're already on the right track to mastering studio lighting like a pro.
Recreate Those Stunning Shots
Ever see a photo and think, "How did they get that look?" We've all been there! But here’s the good news: you can totally recreate it. The secret? Learn how to break down the shots and analyze the lighting. It’s a skill that takes time, but the more you practice, the easier it gets!
Pro Tip: It’s a simple one, but start small. Pick simple, clean examples to work with as you learn.
So, what should you focus on? Here are a few tips to help you break down the lighting:
1. Shadows:
Are there any shadows? How dark or soft are they? Sharp shadows mean the light is harsh, while soft shadows indicate softer light.
2. Light Direction:
Where’s the light coming from? Pay attention to the shadows again—are they from one light or multiple? Is there any backlighting?
3. Eyes Are the Window:
If you can, take a peek into the model's eyes. Sometimes the reflection of the light source will give you a huge clue about where the front light is positioned and what kind of modifier is being used.
Now let’s put this into action! I’ll walk you through how to recreate a couple of my shots. I've included some lighting diagrams to help. The next time you're in the studio, try them out!
P.S. Just copying a setup might not give you the exact same results. Lighting behaves differently in every space. For example, the same setup will look totally different in a small, white studio versus a big, dark one. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust as you go!
Bounced Light Portrait Setup
Check out these photos! Let’s break them down. Notice how there are barely any shadows? The background is almost pure white, giving the photos a light, airy vibe. The few shadows, like the one on the right arm (first photo), are super soft and faint. You can also see subtle backlighting on both sides of the model’s face.
To get that bright white background, you’ll need one or two flashes aimed at the backdrop behind your model. For that gentle backlight effect on the model, you'll want some of that background light spilling over—not just from behind but from the sides, too. The easiest way to do this is by using two white boards (or V-flats) on either side of your model to reflect the background light onto them. This helps softly illuminate the model while keeping that clean, soft look.
Bounced light setup diagram
To make sure the model's face stays well-lit and isn’t hidden in shadow, you've got two options. You can either place two white boards in front of the model or use a big softbox, like I did in the examples above. Since the photos show soft shadows, a large light source is crucial. Just keep the power low to avoid overexposing the face.