A correctly lit portrait can make all the difference. The lighting you choose can highlight your subject’s best features and complement their skin tone. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right lighting setup for your next portrait session. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right light sources to positioning them for the best effect.

 

You first need to decide what kind of mood you want to create with your lighting. Do you want a warm and inviting feel or a more dramatic look? Once you’ve decided on the overall tone, you can start building your lighting setup. Here are a few different ways to do that:

If you want a warm and inviting feel, we recommend using natural light whenever possible. Position your subject near a window so that they’re bathed in soft, diffused light. You can also use a reflector to bounce light back onto your subject and fill in any shadows.

For a more dramatic look, try using off-camera flashlights or strobes. You can position these lights to create interesting shadows on your subject’s face, or use them to highlight certain features. Be careful not to overdo it – too much light can be just as bad as too little.

 

Light Types and how they work.

If you’re shooting indoors or in a controlled environment, artificial light is your best bet to get the flexibility and control you need. Our range of LED RGBW Ring lights, Tube lights and Camera lights allow you to have complete control over the light’s direction, quality, and intensity, allowing you to create any look you want. There are three main types of artificial light commonly used for portraits:

Incandescent Light Bulbs: Incandescent light bulbs produce a warm, yellowish light that is flattering for most skin tones. However, they also create a lot of heat, so if you’re using them for an extended period of time, your subject may get uncomfortable.

Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Fluorescent light bulbs emit a cool, bluish light that can wash out some skin tones. They’re also not as intense as incandescent bulbs, so you may need multiple lights or reflectors to get the desired effect.

LED Lights: LED lights are becoming increasingly popular because they offer all the benefits of fluorescent lights without any of the drawbacks. Our range of LED Lights feature dedicated RGB and White LED Lights to produce the exact colour you’re chasing. They can emit a cool, white light that is flattering for most skin tones and doesn’t produce any heat, making them comfortable for your subject to sit under for extended periods. They also can produce bright colours for backlighting to give extra character to your scene.

We have a range of RGB LEDs that'll help you light up your studio. From RGB Ring Lights to portable RGB Video Camera lights. Learn more about our range here.

 

Natural Light

Natural light is your best bet if you’re shooting outdoors or in an uncontrolled environment. This type of light is more challenging to work with because you can’t control its direction or quality, but if used correctly, it can result in some stunning portraits. Here are a few things to keep in mind when working with natural light:

Position your subject so they are facing the sun; this will ensure that their face is evenly lit and that there are no harsh shadows. Use reflectors to bounce sunlight back onto your subject’s face; this will help fill in any shadows and create more even lighting. Avoid shooting midday; the harsh sunlight will create unflattering shadows on your subject’s face. Shoot during golden hour; this is the hour before sunset when the sun is low in the sky and emits a soft, golden light.

 

Positioning your light sources

Once you’ve chosen the right light source for your needs, it’s time to position them for the best effect. When positioning your lights, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll want to ensure that your subject is evenly lit. Second, you’ll want to avoid creating hot spots or glare on your subject’s face. And finally, you’ll want to create a pleasing balance between highlight and shadow areas in your image.

To achieve even lighting, position your light sources so that they’re at equal distances from your subject. To avoid hot spots or glare, place your primary light source so that it’s off to one side of your subject’s face. And to create a pleasing balance of highlight and shadow areas, use multiple light sources positioned at different angles relative to your subject.

 

What is Three Point Lighting?

Three point lighting is a standard lighting setup used in photography and videography. It consists of three lights placed around the subject: one to illuminate the subject from the front, one to provide Side lighting, and one to backlight the subject.

The main reason to use three-point lighting is that it can help create an even image of your subject. Good lighting can make all the difference in how your photos and video come across—poor lighting can make you look tired, washed out, and even older than you are. Three point lighting can also help to create a more professional look for your videoconferences.

How to Set Up Three Point Lighting

There are a few different ways to set up three point lighting, but the most important thing is to ensure that you have enough light. You don’t want any hot spots or glare—just nice, even light. Start by placing your light sources at equal distances from each other and from where you’ll be sitting or standing. Then, adjust the height of each light until you get the desired effect.

For your key light (the one in front of you), aim it slightly above eye level so that it casts shadows under your eyes and nose. This will help to create a more flattering look. For your side light, aim it at roughly a 45-degree angle from the subject. And for your backlight, place it behind you and aim it towards the back of your head.

With these tips, you’re ready to take your portrait game to the next level! Just remember to choose the right light sources and position them carefully for the best effect. With a little bit of planning, you can create stunning portraits that will impress everyone who sees them.