Workshop

on
Studio Photography

Principles of artificial lighting

Why use artificial light?
Lack of adequate natural light
Take control of the light
Make a photograph; dont just take it.

Shooting with artificial light is like:

Sculpting with LIGHT

Basic goal of artificial lighting

Bring out the 3D quality of the subject(s)
By
enhancing
the
highlights
and
shadows
as
produced
under
natural
light
By
revealing
surface

Steps in preparing lighting setup

1. Decide on general effect
visualize; determine type/direction/angle of light

2. Add the key light(s)

- create dominant set of highlight & shadows

3. Place the fill lights

- Adjust light ratio to obtain desired effect

4. Separate subject from background

- Add background light
- Subject should not be close to background (min 3 feet)
- Lights should not interfere with the model

5. Make final adjustments

- take sample shot, analyze and readjust
- look out for unwanted highlights/shadows, catch lights, reflections

Studio equipments
Light Source
Studio lights
Flashes
Torches

Light Modifiers
Diffusers
Umbrella
Soft Box
Deflectors
Reflectors
Snoot
Barn door
Color gels

Light meter
Download it as an app!

Accessories

Backdrop
Props
Tripod
Table surfaces
Triggers

BACKLIGHT adding a light source behind your

subject creates a halo effect, defining the
subjects shape.
Position a light
behind your
model and
point it at the
backdrop

Have a strong
light directed
at your
models back

Exposure in studio lighting

The best ways to control exposure in the studio
set-up:
1. The power of the light
2. Aperture of the lens
3. ISO setting

You want to keep your shutter speed as fast as

possible so that your focus is sharp. There is
no background to take focus away, so any
mistakes and your audience will notice!