Lighting Tips

I photographed this portrait of model, Roxanna Redfoot, at a recent shoot in Hollywood. I thought it would make a great entry to talk about a few lighting tips.

Roxanna wasn’t even the model who I was photographing, but I noticed this awesome light streaming through the windows and Roxanna was conveniently standing nearby. Great lighting can occur anytime. You need to train your mind to look for it, to see it.

Here’s another version:
Notice how I have placed her head in the upper left convergence area to lead the viewer’s eye into the image. Also, the shadow serves as negative space to balance the model being placed on the left of the frame.

Here’s one last image.
Don’t forget when you have a great set-up, try another perspective like vertical vs. horizontal. Remember that digital doesn’t cost anything to make another frame. So, shoot, shoot and shoot.

Finally, this lighting situation was created by afternoon sunlight filtering through a window at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood. The light is almost horizontal and is relatively soft, so Roxanna can look towards the light without it blinding her.
Morning and afternoon light are so much more complimentary than the harsh light that is created by the sun during mid-day.

So, today’s lighting tips revolve around:
1) Be watchful and look around for potential great light
2) Be really aware in the late afternoon and the early morning
3) Anyone can be a potential subject, even world-class models watching their friends work!

Enjoy!!!