Play around with light sources for that perfect picture.
The word photography means "drawing with light" in Greek. Therefore, each picture taken represents a certain manipulation of light and light sources. Proper light sources will help illuminate the subject being photographed, manipulating aesthetic features and colors to the photographer's liking. As such, there is no concrete way of setting up studio lights, as it depends on the desired photo effect.
Instructions
1. Set up the background by using a backdrop. Use a heavy blanket that is draft resistant as a backdrop. You may also use a neutral-colored wall. No matter what kind of backdrop you end up using, the backdrop should be either black or very light colored and also large enough to cover the background and foreground.
2. Place a placeholder on the area where the subject will be photographed. The placeholder can be a chair or any other distinct object. This will allow you to set up lights before the subject comes to have their picture taken. This will streamline the whole picture-taking process.
3. Place a background light on either side of the place holder. The background lights are important as they will minimize shadows made by the subject or key lights. Each light should be leveled directly adjacent to the placeholder, angled slightly inward and down towards the background.
4. Set the key light(s). The key light is the main light source that will light up the subject. The key light should be slightly taller than the subject and angled downwards. Place the key light in front of the subject, either on their left or right side.
5. Place a light umbrella over the key light. The light umbrella will diffuse the key light over the subject, avoiding harsh lights that can cause shadows or white-outs.
Tags: light light, light sources, background light, light should, light umbrella, picture taken
