The Portrait Lighting Reference Pdf

Each spread consists of a lighting diagram and the same four faces shot against a white background and a dark background.

The portrait lighting reference pdf.

Not even just the main light. Broad lighting is sometimes used for high key portraits. Free 5 portrait lighting cheat sheet download our quick reference guide to the 5 portrait lighting setups for photography and video. Lighting patterns change as the key light is moved from close to and high above the subject to the side of the subject and lower.

The second element in a good portrait is to reflect some of the main light back into the face from the opposite side. Portraits appear as though there was only one light source they will look more natural. Pro digital portrait lighting takes an innovative approach to teaching lighting by showing the look of light set ups on four different skin types. When creating 3d scenes this can help a lot also.

The fundamental difference between them is the placement of the key light. This produces a larger area of light on the face and a shadow side which appears smaller. The key light should not be positioned below eye level as lighting from. But even for painting it s a good practice to imagine all light sources before starting.

Start with one light usually soft in quality and direct it toward the subject from one side and a little to the front. The diagrams below show the five basic portrait lighting setups. This type of lighting makes a person s face look broader or wider hence the name and can be used on someone with a very slim face to widen it.