Simple Lighting Technique Part 1 | Raleigh Portrait Photography

 I realize more and more everyday how much a simple portrait makes me happy, deep down happy.

The portrait that captivates the viewer.  Eyes open to the soul.

 A few weekends ago my husband and son left to camp for the weekend.

Three girls in the house with new lipstick & excitement to have what we called our magazine glamour portrait party.   Lots of laughter, music & chocolate chip cookies!

Front  porch & a cloudy day.

Cloudy days ( in my opinion) produce flat lighting.  I like to try to liven things up by tunneling the light, meaning be in an open yet covered area. The light is coming more directly into the subject, instead of  overhead.

Three pieces of white foam core board, one large & two poster size.  Total cost approx. $10.00.

A. The background

B. Reflector held by subject underneath face

C. Reflector held by me to the LEFT of the face, to brighten her right face side and block any blue color casts from the door.

D. Comfy pajama pants 🙂

The resulting image :

f 3.2   1/320th  ISO800

(slightly different hair-do & collar from behind the scenes photo, but same simple lighting set up)

Notice the catch lights in the bottom of her eye, created by the white foam core she is holding at her waist.

.

Coming up in part two we will remove one reflector, yet get even brighter catch lights!

And a favorite out take from the weekend, as I was attempting a glorious sisterhood portrait …

I think Cyndi Lauper had it right many years ago … “Girls just wanna have fun”

If you have any questions, leave ’em in the comments & I’ll be sure to answer!

~Kathy

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