| While its not possible for everyone to have a studio, | | | | so that his/her body is facing the main light source. |
| an understanding of studio lighting will help you get | | | | Then get the subject to turn their head towards the |
| better portraits outdoors or when you are shooting | | | | camera. Always make sure that the camera is at eye |
| on location. | | | | level to the subject. |
| A basic studio lighting set up should consist of one | | | | Now it's time to explore all the different types of |
| strobe unit (a strobe unit is a flash unit releasing the | | | | portrait shots. |
| same strength of light as daylight), placed at 45 | | | | The first and the most popular is the head and |
| degrees to the subject. A reflector should be placed | | | | shoulder shot. This pose can be shot in a few |
| at the other side of the subject. This will help soften | | | | different ways. The first pose is to get the subject |
| the final image by bouncing light into the harsh | | | | to face the camera - this may be a boring option and |
| shadows created by the strobe unit. | | | | in my opinion it should be left for passport |
| The background that you choose is very important. | | | | photographs. |
| If the subject has dark hair use a light background | | | | Get the subject to face the main source of light, |
| and if the subjects' hair is light use a dark | | | | which should be placed at a 45-degree angle to the |
| background. If you do not want to go to the | | | | subject. Then get the subject to rotate his head until |
| expense of getting two different backgrounds use a | | | | his eyes are looking directly into your lens. |
| maroon colour instead. | | | | The next pose that you should consider is the three |
| If you are looking for variety of portrait backgrounds | | | | quarter length stance. Be very careful with the hands |
| choose a blue colour for portraits of children and a | | | | as they can become very distracting in the final print |
| white background for babies. | | | | if placed in a poor position. The best way to |
| The last thing you need is a stool to be placed in | | | | overcome this is to get the subject to use a prop |
| front of the background. Make sure that the stool is | | | | that is appropriate to the subjects character. |
| placed at least one meter in front of the background. | | | | There are many other different types of poses that |
| If it is placed too near you'll get harsh shadows from | | | | can be used for successful portraits. Don't be afraid |
| the subjects appearing on the background. | | | | to experiment on family or friends. Trial and error will |
| Once you place the subject on the stool and have all | | | | help you become a great portrait photographer. |
| your lights and reflectors in position, have the subject | | | | |