Start with studio flash lighting! Here we present a number of simple and stylish lighting for portrait images with one to two studio flashes. In this guide you will learn the basics of classic lighting such as Rembrant, Split, Loop, Butterfly, Clamshell and High and Low Key.
Elinchrom D-Lite RX in combination with the following standard accessories has been used in all examples.
Position the light high and to the side to create a triangle on the model’s cheek. The shadow of the nose should point towards the edge of the lips. The studio flash creates a soft directional effect.
Position the light high and to the side as with the ‘Rembrandt with a Elinchrom Softbox’ setup. The light is slightly less contrasty, because the light is less directional and there is always some reflection
Position the light in the same manner as the previous ‘Rembrandt’ techniques; the light through the honeycomb grid is stronger and more dramatic. The grid makes it very easy to direct the light on to the model and away from the background, which becomes dark.
Position the light in the same manner as the previous ‘Rembrandt’ techniques. The light bouncing from the silver umbrella is more direct and wraps around the features of the face yet still creates the shadow from the nose towards the mouth
Use the principles of ‘Rembrandt’ lighting to create the triangle of light on the face. Position the model’s head at an angle and light it from the left side, so the side of the face closer to the camera falls into shade.
Use the principles of ‘Rembrandt’ lighting to create the triangle of light on the face. Position the model’s head at an angle and light it from the right side, so the side of the face closest to the camera is lit.
Position a light to one side of the model in such a way that no light spills onto the other side of the face, with a shadow line running down the centre. We’ve used a softbox here, but any of the light modifiers would work
Position a light to one side of the model in such a way that no light spills onto the far side of the face, with a shadow line running down the centre. Position a reflector on the opposite side to bounce light back into the face and fill some of the shadows.
Use the ‘Split’ technique with no light spilling onto one side of the face and pose the model so that her head is at an angle. Position the light so that the far (short) side is lit and the rest of the face is in shadow.
Use the ‘Split’ technique with no light spilling onto one side of the face and pose the model so that her head is at an angle. Position the light so that the near (broad) side is lit and the rest of the face is in shadow.
Position the softbox above and to one side of the model for a classic ‘Rembrandt’ effect. Place the softbox half a metre away, this will create softer shadows. Look at the soft shadow from the nose. Notice also the darkened background, also due to the Portalite being closer.
Position the softbox above and to one side of the model for a classic ‘Rebrandt’ effect. This time place the softbox two metres or more away; this will create more defined shadows. Look how hard the shadow from the nose is.
This setup is similar to ‘Rembrandt’, but rather than creating a closed triangle of light on the unlit cheek, the shadow from the nose should create a loop pointing towards the corner of the mouth.
Position one light above and directly in line with the centre of the subject’s face. Notice how there’s an even shadow under the nose. It’s best if this shadow doesn’t reach all the way down to the upper lip.
Use a second D-lite Strobe and Portalite softbox for this setup and position both lights (each set to the same power and the same angle) either side of the model at head height. This will give a very even light. Notice the lack of shadows.
This is a great beauty setup. Position one softbox slightly above the model in the centre and angled downwards and one slightly below, also in the centre but angled upwards. A boom arm to support the top light is useful but not essential.
Use a simple ‘Loop’ or ‘Rembrandt’ setup and position a second light behind the model, pointing at the background. Adjust the strength and angle of the flash to vary the intensity and the gradient of the light on the background.
Reflector with Honeycomb Grid Use a simple ‘Loop’ or ‘Rembrandt’ setup, but add a second light with an 21 cm Reflector and Grid attached (or use a snoot) placed behind the model. Angle the flash precisely, using the modelling light so that the light catches the edge of the model’s hair.
Use one Elinchrom studio flash with the Softbox as your key light and a large silver reflector to bounce light back into the face. To make the background completely white, place the second flash behind the model, point it at the backdrop and use a higher power setting.
Set a key light above the subject and at a 45 degree angle to create a basic ‘Loop’ setup. Position a second light in a lower position and to the other side of the model, reduce its power to roughly half that of your key light.