Advanced External Lighting for Portraits “Beyond Basics “

Ready to make your photos look amazing? Explore the world of “Advanced External Lighting for Portraits” and learn the secrets that can make your pictures stand out!

Ever wondered how photographers make people look like celebrities? We’ve got the answers on how to use light like a pro. Whether you’re new to photography or already taking pictures, this article will help you become a portrait expert. Get ready to discover the power of advanced external lighting and improve your photos!

The Foundation of Advanced External Lighting for Portraits

Portrait photography is one of the most popular and lucrative genres in photography. To be successful in this genre, however, you’ll need to understand the basic techniques of portrait lighting. 

Lighting is what makes or breaks a photograph, and in portrait photography, knowing how to use the light to flatter your subject or create the mood you want is key to capturing stunning images. Even seasoned photographers occasionally need to go back to the drawing board.

Light and Shadows

Light and shadows are the fundamental building blocks of photography. Think of them as the yin and yang, constantly working together to create the magic in your photos.

Light is your creative tool. It’s what you use to illuminate your subject, to draw attention to certain areas, and to set the mood of your photograph. When used skillfully, light can make your subject look vibrant, dramatic, or even ethereal. It’s your paintbrush, and your camera is the canvas.

On the flip side, we have shadows. They’re not something to be feared but embraced. Shadows give depth, texture, and form to your subject. They add that 3D quality to your 2D image, making it more lifelike and interesting. Without shadows, everything would look flat and uninspiring.

The interplay between light and shadows is what creates dimension and drama in your photos

Portrait Lighting Styles

Before we go deeper into the advanced stuff, let’s quickly recap the four primary portrait lighting styles: Rembrandt, Loop, Butterfly, and Split. Each has its own unique charm and purpose. It’s like choosing the right spice for your recipe.

• Rembrandt Lighting: Named after the famous painter, it’s all about creating a small triangular highlight on one cheek while the other remains in shadow.

The Key Components

1. Main Light Source: Rembrandt lighting typically employs a single primary light source, often positioned at a 45-degree angle to one side of the subject. This light source can be natural sunlight, a studio strobe, or a softbox with a continuous light.
2. Shadow Formation: The positioning of the main light casts a shadow on the opposite side of the subject’s face. This shadow should extend from the top of the cheekbone to the side of the nose, forming that characteristic triangular shape.
3. Triangle Highlight: Within the shadow area, a small triangle of light should appear on the shadowed cheek. This triangle is created by the interplay of the light and the shadow. The small triangle of light on the shadowed cheek is what makes Rembrandt lighting special.

• Loop Lighting: A subtle loop-shaped shadow appears on the subject’s cheek, usually in a more relaxed and flattering style. Loop lighting is like a soft, friendly hug from your light source.

The Key Components:

1. Main Light Source: Like many portrait lighting techniques, Loop lighting begins with a primary light source. This source is usually positioned slightly above and to the side of the subject, at about a 30-45 degree angle.
2. Shadow Formation: The way you position the main light creates a gentle shadow on the side of the subject’s face that is not directly lit. This shadow forms a loop-like shape that extends from the nose towards the cheek.

Creating Loop Lighting:

1. Position Your Light: Place your primary light source slightly above and to the side of your subject, aiming it downward at an angle. This positioning ensures that a subtle loop-shaped shadow forms on the opposite cheek.
2. Experiment with Angles: Adjust the height and angle of your light source to control the size and shape of the loop. Tilt it up or down to achieve the desired effect.

• Butterfly Lighting: Also known as paramount lighting, it’s characterized by a small, butterfly-shaped shadow under the nose. It’s often used in fashion and beauty photography, giving subjects a glamorous look.

The Key Components:

1. Main Light Source: Butterfly lighting begins with a single primary light source, positioned directly in front and slightly above the subject’s face. This direct placement creates a central, symmetrical lighting pattern.
2. Shadow Formation: The primary light source casts a shadow under the subject’s nose, which takes on the butterfly-like shape. The shadow is soft and subtle, enhancing facial features without creating harsh contrasts.

Creating Butterfly Lighting:

1. Position Your Light: Place your main light source directly in front of your subject’s face, slightly elevated to cast a shadow under the nose. Ensure that it’s well-centered and symmetrical.
2. Adjust the Height: Experiment with the height of your light source to control the size and shape of the butterfly shadow. Lowering it creates a larger, softer shadow, while raising it makes the shadow smaller and more defined.

• Split Lighting: As the name suggests, the face is literally split into two halves – one bathed in light and the other in shadow. This technique is ideal for adding a touch of mystery or drama to your portraits.

The Key Components:

1. Main Light Source: To achieve Split Lighting, position your primary light source to one side of the subject. It should be at a 90-degree angle relative to the subject’s face. This positioning ensures that half of the face is well-lit, while the other half is plunged into shadow.
2. Shadow Formation: The direct illumination from one side casts a stark and defined shadow on the opposite side of the face. This creates a clear, noticeable division between light and shadow.

Creating Split Lighting:

1. Position Your Light: Place your main light source to the side of your subject, either to the right or left, at a 90-degree angle. Experiment with the distance to control the intensity of the shadow.
2. Control Shadow Softness: You can influence the hardness or softness of the shadow by adjusting the distance between the light source and the subject. Closer light sources create harsher shadows, while farther ones produce softer shadows.

Broad Lighting

Broad lighting is not as much of a light pattern as it is a style. It can be used with most of the lighting patterns already discussed. Broad lighting is created when the subject’s face is turned slightly away from the center. This creates an area of broad light on one side of the face, making that side appear larger. The other side is in shadow and appears smaller. 

Key Elements of Broad Lighting:

1. Key Light Position: Broad lighting typically involves placing the key light (the main light source) at an angle that illuminates the side of the face that is facing the camera. This positioning ensures that the camera sees the lit side more prominently.
2. Shadow Formation: The positioning of the key light casts a shadow on the side of the face that is turned away from the camera. This shadow creates a visual contrast between the well-lit side and the shadowed side.

When to Use Broad Lighting:

• Broad lighting is an effective choice when you want to minimize the appearance of facial asymmetry or when the subject has a feature on one side that they may want to downplay.
• It can be a suitable option for portraits where you want the subject to appear open and engaging, as the well-lit side of the face is more visible and inviting

Exposure with External Lighting

Exposure in Advanced External Lighting for Portraits involves balancing aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Think of them as the three musketeers of exposure.

• Aperture: Your aperture (f-stop) determines how much light enters your camera. It also controls your depth of field. For portraits, I usually opt for a wide aperture (low f-number) like f/2.8 to create a dreamy, blurred background.
• Shutter Speed: Adjusting your shutter speed affects how long your camera’s sensor is exposed to light. With external flashes, you’ll often use a relatively fast shutter speed to eliminate ambient light influence.
• ISO Settings: ISO controls your camera’s sensitivity to light. Lower ISO values result in cleaner, less grainy images. However, in low light situations, you might need to increase it. Just be mindful of noise.

Balancing Fill Flash and Ambient Light

Balancing fill flash with ambient light means using a bit of extra artificial light to complement the natural light in your photos, helping to reduce harsh shadows and add a touch of magic to your pictures without making them look fake, resulting in more vibrant and balanced photographs.

When you’re taking pictures outdoors on a sunny day, you might notice that the sunlight creates strong shadows on people’s faces, often making them look tired or less appealing. Here’s where fill flash comes to the rescue. Instead of using the flash to light up the entire scene, you use it sparingly, like a gentle touch-up.

By adjusting the flash’s power and direction, you can soften those unflattering shadows without erasing the natural feel of the scene. It’s like adding just the right amount of seasoning to a dish to make it perfect.

Studio Lighting for Portraits

If you’re serious about your portrait game, consider setting up your own studio. It’s like having your own playground for light experiments. This setup offers several advantages:

1. Consistency and Control:

• In a studio, you have complete control over the lighting conditions. You can replicate the same lighting setup for different sessions, ensuring consistent results.

2. Creativity Unleashed:

• Studio lighting allows for creative experimentation. Photographers can create various moods and styles by adjusting the placement, intensity, and quality of light sources.

3. Soft, Diffused Light:

• Soft, even lighting is often achieved in the studio using tools like softboxes, umbrellas, or diffusers. This soft light minimizes harsh shadows and produces flattering portraits.

4. Three-Point Lighting:

• A classic studio lighting setup involves three key lights:
  • The key light is the primary light source, illuminating the subject.
  • The fill light softens shadows created by the key light.
  • The hair light or rim light adds highlights and separation between the subject and the background.

5. Backdrops and Props:

• Studios offer a variety of backdrops and props to enhance the creative possibilities. Photographers can choose backgrounds that complement their subject or convey a particular theme.

6. Controlled Environment:

• The studio environment shields the shoot from external factors like weather and unwanted ambient light. This control is essential for consistent results.

7 Creative Techniques For Advanced External Lighting for Portraits

1. Silhouettes:

• Silhouettes involve placing your subject in front of a bright light source (like the sun or a backlight) and exposing for the background. This technique obscures the subject’s features, leaving only their outline. Silhouettes can be dramatic and mysterious, offering a unique way to convey mood and narrative.

2. Light Painting:

• Light painting involves using handheld light sources (such as flashlights or LED wands) to “paint” light onto your subject during a long exposure. This technique allows you to create intricate patterns, textures, and even words of light around your subject. It’s a playful and artistic way to add a touch of magic to your portraits.

3. Gels and Color Filters:

• Experiment with color gels and filters on your flash or continuous light sources. These gels can bathe your subject in vibrant or subtle hues, transforming the mood and atmosphere of your portraits. Different colors can evoke various emotions and convey unique stories.

4. Projected Patterns:

• Use projectors to cast intricate patterns or shapes onto your subject and the background. Projected patterns can add an element of visual intrigue and sophistication to your portraits. This technique is often seen in fashion and editorial photography.

5. Prism Photography:

• Prism photography involves placing a transparent prism in front of your camera lens to create captivating light flares, reflections, and distortions. By moving the prism and experimenting with angles, you can produce ethereal and dreamlike effects.

6. Multiple Light Sources:

• Incorporate multiple light sources with varying colors and intensities to create dynamic and layered portraits. Mixing warm and cool tones, or using contrasting lighting angles, can produce visually striking results.

7. Bokeh:

• Create mesmerizing bokeh by placing small, defocused light sources (like fairy lights or distant city lights) in the background. Bokeh adds a magical and enchanting quality to portraits, drawing attention to your subject.

Posing Techniques for Advanced External Lighting for Portraits

After mastering the technical aspects of advanced external lighting, such as understanding your equipment and adjusting settings for optimal exposure, it’s time to shift your focus to the subject. Posing is a skill that can make or break your portraits, and it’s often the subtle look of a pose that take an image from ordinary to extraordinary.

1. Direction of the Light: It’s crucial to assess the direction of your external light source. Take note of how the light falls on your subject’s face, whether it’s from the front, side, or above. The direction of light plays a significant role in determining the mood and shape of your portrait.
2. The Role of Shadows: Shadows are valuable allies when working with advanced external lighting. They can be used to sculpt your subject’s face and body, adding depth and dimension to the image. Pay close attention to how shadows interact with your subject’s features and use them purposefully to achieve your desired effect.
3. Face Shape Considerations: Different face shapes require specific posing techniques. For instance, individuals with round faces may benefit from subtle adjustments like elongating the neck to create the illusion of a more defined jawline. Experiment with various angles and head tilts to discover the most flattering pose for your subject.
4. Use Props and Accessories: Props and accessories can inject personality and interest into your portraits. Whether it’s a hat, a musical instrument, or a simple flower, incorporating meaningful objects can make your poses more authentic and engaging.
5. The Role of Hands: Pay careful attention to the positioning of your subject’s hands. Awkward hand placement can detract from the overall composition. Encourage your subject to relax their hands or guide them into poses that feel natural and align with the portrait’s mood.
6. Experiment with Expressions: The eyes and facial expressions are powerful tools in portraiture. Encourage your subject to convey emotions through their eyes and subtle expressions. Experiment with a range of emotions, from joy and laughter to introspection and contemplation.
7. Full-Body Posing: When capturing full-body portraits, consider factors such as posture, stance, and body language. These elements can convey confidence, vulnerability, or even tell a specific narrative. Encourage your subject to interact with their surroundings or strike poses that convey a story.
8. Candid Moments: While posing plays a significant role, don’t underestimate the power of capturing candid moments. Authentic and captivating portraits often emerge when your subject is simply themselves. Capture those in-between moments that reveal their true essence.
9. Posing Flow: Create a smooth flow in your posing. Transition seamlessly from one pose to another, allowing your subject to relax and adjust gradually. This fluidity can result in more natural and less forced expressions.
10. Communication and Collaboration: Successful posing is a collaborative effort. Maintain open communication with your subject throughout the session. Encourage them to share their ideas and preferences, and be receptive to their feedback. Collaboration enhances the overall quality of your portraits, ensuring that they reflect your subject’s personality and vision.

In Advanced External Lighting for Portrait photography, the secret in achieving awesome images is how you use light to show off the beauty of the people you’re photographing.. Whether you’re working with advanced external lighting, studio setups, or trying creative techniques, one thing always holds true: light is your tool to tell their story.

From the gentle touch of light on a well-posed subject to the exciting possibilities of creative lighting, every method we’ve explored offers a unique way to express your creativity. Remember, it’s not just about faces; it’s about showing who people truly are.

Always feel free to reach out to me on my Instagram for any questions or reviews. Bye for now and go hit that shutter button.