If you are setting up an indoor studio, no matter if it is temporary or permanent, you will need good, consistent lighting. Instead of placing the lights at random, read below some useful tips to arrange them in the best possible way in your studio.
Steps
Step 1. The minimum recommended is to have three lights
If you follow this advice you will get a better effect. That said, if you don't have them, you will need to make adjustments in regards to lights and windows, and you can use the walls and ceiling as reflectors for the lights you already have. There are three types of light: main, fill and separation.
Step 2. To start, place the main light behind or partly behind the camera, to the right (left of the subject)
So the main light will be off the camera. If it is separated, use a tripod. the main light adds definition and makes the subject stand out.
Step 3. Add the fill light
It is a less powerful light that serves to fill in some shaded parts without spoiling the photograph. Place it directly in front of the subject making sure that:
- is aimed lower than the main light.
- is positioned lower than the main light.
- Use little of this type of light if you want to get more shadows.
- Make sure it's less powerful than the main light
Step 4. Prepare the parting light
This type of light (also called rim light) separates the subject from the background and outlines its edges. If you have a light background or want your subject to blend into the background, don't use it.
You can put the separation light above or below the subject depending on the effect you want to achieve
Step 5. Once the lights are ready move them around
Put them further or closer to the subject to see what kind of effect you get.
Step 6. Try experimenting with the power of the flash
At full power versus 1/4 etc.
Step 7. In addition to changing the distance of the lights, try to vary the angle of illumination as well
Try putting them higher or lower and so on.
