How many lights do you need for a good portrait?
That is a great question, reminds me of the Tootsie Roll commercial. "How many lights does it take to take a great portrait photograph?". The word Photography means literally to Draw with Light, so technically all you need is "light" and a subject.
With the dawn of digital photography way behind us, it is now easier then ever to produce a high megapixel image from a very un-extraordinary camera. The question is not about MP's but creating beautiful and compelling images.
Below is an example of a soft low light portrait using only a single light source along with a reflector on the opposite side of the light to add some fill in the shadows.
These photos were taken with a very inexpensive off camera flash. It is also possible to achieve such a look from natural light. The difference with flash is you can control the light strength, direction and shape. You can shoot any time and anywhere you like as apposed to natural light, where you are not in control of when and where it shines, or if it shines at all.
I actually love shooting with available light, most of my wedding photo work revolves around natural light but I use flash to fill in unwanted shadows and when indoor light is unflattering.
The photo above was taken without any flash, however the room was flooded with a beautiful natural light. The walls were a light color allowing some very nice reflective light to fill in and creat a soft directional light.
A great example of multiple lights in a studio setting. Something a little different, PENS
This shot actually required quite a lot of time to set up. Shot on a mirror, using 4 lights and a diffuser.
Above, my final example and one of my favorite photos. "The Ballerina" was photographed in studio using two "Alien Bee's B800's 320 watt lights. They are great studio flash units that are dependable and durable. The lights are set low, I only wanted to illuminate the subject, not the background. The little bit of detail on the floor anchors her in the scene but the black background really makes her pop and separates her from the background.
So where does that leave our starting question about how many lights we need for a good photo. As a rule I would have at least 2 light available as a minimum but more is always merrier in terms of having options. With that said, I almost always start with just a single light and work my way up to one light plus one reflector, then two lights, then three and so on, until I have the look and feel that I am looking for.
Remember, natural light is always king, until it isn't, then you need to get creative. The bottom line is to never forget flash should always try to emulate natural light. The blown out look is for amateurs, tune your flash to create the mood and your photos will look amazing!
#NikonUSA
#Alexanders Studios
#Lighting Techniques
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