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Portrait Photography Lighting - How To Shoot Like The Pros

Although portrait photography may seem simple to most, it is actually one of the trickiest photographic skills and takes years to master. On the plus side, because of the posed and scheduled nature of portrait photography, it is also one of the easiest ones to practice. If you're considering starting a studio in your garage or living room, here are a few handy tips to keep in mind before you call your subject in for the shoot.

Brighter Isn't Better
Hard, bright lights definitely make shooting a breeze and give you plenty of illumination to properly expose your photos. However, harsh bright lights are rarely flattering and should be avoided especially if you want natural results. The best lighting for portrait lighting is soft light. You can get this quality of light in the shade, on overcast days or by using photo umbrella reflectors in the studio. Using soft, even light will be easier to work with and will help to highlight your subject nicely.

Light Setup
Two lights should be sufficient for portrait lighting. You should use one main light to determine the tone and direction of your light, then place a second light near the camera to help offset it. This will help to soften any harsh shadows and even out the strong contrast. Another great way to achieve this effect is by placing one light above the camera and one fill reflector below the camera. Both of these options will give you good quality results without special equipment.

Use What You Already Have
If you don't have the cash to invest in a professional light setup, you can often get near-professional results by moving a couple of desk or floor lamps around. If you want even more control, try using bed sheets to reflect the light around the room. Look around your house for possible lighting equipment and you may find some unique opportunities to use for your portraits.

Don't Forget the Sun
We often associate portrait photography with studio photography, but the truth is that the two are not codependent. You can get incredible results using natural light if you know how to properly use it. For example, if you have a large window in your house, you can use it as a source of natural light. If you're taking pictures outside, use a big sheet of white posterboard (or foam board) as a reflector and point it at your subject to minimize harsh shadows.

Just like any other type of photography, portrait photography requires lots of practice, patience and a whole lot of love. What it doesn't require is a whole lot of professional equipment or piles of cash. Be creative with your materials and subjects and you'll be surprised at how great the results can be. Portrait lighting is all about subtlety, but that doesn't mean that it's not incredibly fun!

About the Author

Autumn Lockwood is a writer for YourPictureFrames.com and loves picture frames. Your Picture Frames offers a selection of multiple opening frames and single opening frames so you'll always find exactly what you want. Shop online and see our selection of picture frames by clicking here or calling 1-800-780-0699.

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