PHOTOGRAPHY--PORTRAIT LIGHTING

THIS is a little bit difficult of all lightings. here u have to manage, whereas in other subjects, u have the 'ready' lighting. ur subject/client/model are more important and u have to take out the 'real' out of their personality. so u need a master's eye. this may be the difference between an average photographer and a professional photographer. here u are in full control of the 'situation', whether u shoot head, head & shoulder, bust, upto waist, knee or full length. therefore, before the client arrives, u have to keep everything 'ready' i.e. cameras, backdrops, lights and props, if possible, with an assistant, who may help in setting lights, changing backdrops, while u study the mood of the person(s), may be single, couple, child, old man/woman, or a model for portfolio. in this case, u have to allot a different time to shoot the model without any disturbance, because his/her portfolio is the first step in the world to follow.
YOU shd make the client to be at ease, all smiles, all emotions 'required'. this will help u getting to know from child to adults, and making notes in ur mind, which side of the face will be more photogenic. next ur lighting setup will be on this base. place ur main or key light in such a way that the angular half of the face is lighted, while the other half is partly in shadow. such type of lighting and shading will give a fuller and slimmer look. while shooting this ur full attention is on the person/s, rather than fiddling more with lighting equipments. read the shadow portion with photo meter to understand the ratio in comparison to the lighted portion e.g. 1/2, 1/4,and arrange lighting distance according to that, using fill-in by thermocol board. this part u can leave to ur assistant, only give hints and be ready to press the shutter release, as u composed this also in camera LCD. however, u have a second light and a light for hairs. use them if necessary. but i wud recommend to keep the hair light also ready so there is no mix up of the subject with the BG. or u can use light, in a circular tone on the BG so the subject look more independent (pose-waist-level and above)......(continue...how to use this and other lighting for ur advantage.....(gshroti@in.com)...