Different Types Of Lightening For Portrait Photography
The form of photography that involves capturing the likeness of a person with his or her face and expressions kept predominant is popularly known as portrait photography. This type of photography has been grabbing attention these days. More and more individuals today prefer it. In this style, the likeness, personality as well as the mood of the subject is captured. A portrait in general, is not a snapshot but a collected picture of a person in a motionless position. There are different types of lights used for this photography form.
Let us explain some of the major lighting conditions used for portraiture. These are:
Three point lighting
Three-point lighting is one of the most fundamental lighting plans. The plan makes use of three lights to fully model the features of the subject. This light plan makes use of three types of lights that are described below.
Key light
Key light is also famous under the name of main light. As far as the position of this light is concerned, it is placed to one side of the subject's face. It is located between 30 and 60 degrees off center and a little higher than the level of eye. The brightest light in the lighting plan is key light.
The Fill light
Second kind of light used in the lighting plan is fill light. It is located opposite to the key light. Coming to the brightness of this light, it is between 1/3 and 1/4 that of the key light. The purpose of these two lights is to copy the natural light produced by placing a subject in a room closer to the window.
Back light
Back light is also known as rim light or hair light. It is placed behind the subject and outside the picture frame. Also this type of light is placed higher than the Key light or Fill.
Butterfly lighting
Another common lighting plan is butterfly lighting. In this plan, only two types of lights are common. In the front of the subject, key light is placed. The second light is a rim light. Usually a reflector is located below the face of the subject in order to provide fill light and reduce shadows.
These are some of the major types of lights that are used for portraiture. Portrait photography is not an easy task. It requires a vast knowledge of lighting conditions, styles, types, patterns, etc. Thus, it is good to hire a professional for this purpose.
Let us explain some of the major lighting conditions used for portraiture. These are:
Three point lighting
Three-point lighting is one of the most fundamental lighting plans. The plan makes use of three lights to fully model the features of the subject. This light plan makes use of three types of lights that are described below.
Key light
Key light is also famous under the name of main light. As far as the position of this light is concerned, it is placed to one side of the subject's face. It is located between 30 and 60 degrees off center and a little higher than the level of eye. The brightest light in the lighting plan is key light.
The Fill light
Second kind of light used in the lighting plan is fill light. It is located opposite to the key light. Coming to the brightness of this light, it is between 1/3 and 1/4 that of the key light. The purpose of these two lights is to copy the natural light produced by placing a subject in a room closer to the window.
Back light
Back light is also known as rim light or hair light. It is placed behind the subject and outside the picture frame. Also this type of light is placed higher than the Key light or Fill.
Butterfly lighting
Another common lighting plan is butterfly lighting. In this plan, only two types of lights are common. In the front of the subject, key light is placed. The second light is a rim light. Usually a reflector is located below the face of the subject in order to provide fill light and reduce shadows.
These are some of the major types of lights that are used for portraiture. Portrait photography is not an easy task. It requires a vast knowledge of lighting conditions, styles, types, patterns, etc. Thus, it is good to hire a professional for this purpose.
Source...