Here’s another portrait that I made with my photography students.
We used one electronic flash with a grid and the sun streaming through a window.
This is the technique where we meter for the ambient light, the shadow behind her head, and then dial the main light about 1 to 1 1/2 stops over that ambient light.
The result is super dramatic images, without overexposed ambient light in the background.
Here the exposure allows for us to not overexpose the light that is also hitting her blouse which is white and normally would have blown out.
The electronic flash is hitting the subject’s face from above a bit behind her and the again the effect is very nice.
Don’t be afraid of your flash, make it do your bidding!
Be inspired!

After yesterdays post on the rules of composition, I thought a few posts on various tips would be a good idea.
Just a quick refresher course!
Today is photography lighting tips and especially the ability to see the direction of light.
Identifying the direction of light in any situation will enable you to take your photography to the next level.
In the first photograph, the light is coming from camera left. It casts a shadow onto the subject’s left side of her face, nearest her hand.
“Seeing” that lets the photographer craft his image better.
Want to emphasize the wrinkles in a person’s face? Utilize this type of lighting in an older person and all the wrinkles will be highlighted.
Do you need to silhouette your subject? make sure that you see the light is behind your subject.
Seeing helps you turn every situation into an optimal lighting scenario for your images.

Here’s another example:
The light is coming from camera right, flowing across the frame and falling on the girl on the left’s face.
The shadows are distinct and mold and shape the subjects.
Practice seeing your light in each of your photos to make you a stronger photographer and ultimately to make your photos stronger, too.
Be inspired!

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!!!