As part of this weeks Friday Freebie, I thought I would share 4 different setups for Studio Lighting, with diagrams showing positions of lights, plus examples of resulting portraits.
Studio Lighting setup 1
Lighting setup for first set of shots is largest soft box camera left , coming in to model at approx 45 degrees. 2nd softbox is back right , pointing down on to model to provide that rim / hair light. Back light was + 1-2 stops higher than front. Collapsible black velvet backdrop in place.
Lighting Setup
Lighting Setup - Resulting Portrait
Lighting Setup - Resulting Portrait
Notice how 1 light at the front & the model facing the camera, allows you produce some clear shadow definition on the face, whilst the rim light helps seperate the model from thebackground.
3 more Example Studio setups after the link
Studio Lighting setup 2
In this lighting example , the front light has been pulled back to allow lighting of some full body shots. Note how by asking the model to face the main light & then only use the eyes to look back at you, how you can minimise shadow on the face this time.
Studio Lighting Diagram
Here is a photo showing the height of the rim light in this setup.
Rim Lighting
The resulting end portraits are :-
Studio Lighting Examples
Studio Lighting Examples
TIP : Stand on a chair & ask the model to look up at you by only moving their eyees. Their head should stay level. The results can be seen in 1st shot above. By forcing the eyes to look up, you reveal more white of the eyes, making the eyes look bigger, which as all ladies know makes for a more flattering look 
Studio Lighting setup 3
We are now moving to a 3 light setup. 2 at the front at roughly 45 degrees to model, with larger soft box acting as main light, at 1 stop higher than 2nd light. Now for some serious rim lighting, by placing a bare studio light directly behind the models head , about 1-2 feet back.
Example Studio Lighting Diagram
Example Studio Lighting Results
Example Studio Lighting Results
TIP: Try taking some portraits at an angle. Different is good you know 
Studio Lighting setup 4
OK, last setup for you. This one is know in the trade as the clam shell & is great for beauty shots. Basically you place your largest softbox directly in front of the model, just above head height pointing down at model . The 2nd softbox you place directly beneath the 1st , allowing just enough space for your camera lens to poke though. This light will be pointed upwards slightly.
The top softbox will be 1 stop higher then the bottom one.
Studio Lighting Diagram
Clam Shell Lighting Example
Clam Shell Lighting Example
Let me know how you get on with any of these setups. If you area Facebook user then consider “fanning” my page here, to keep up to date my latests posts FACEBOOK
Here’s saying ciao until the next Friday Freebie
Related posts:
by Dave
26 comments
link to this post email a friend