Lighting For Studio Photography Decoded

Portraiture tends to rely on standardized, established lighting techniques, but most photographers know that subscribing to traditional methods does not always flatter every subject. The techniques collected in this guide will heighten the senses of mystery and drama in a digital photographer's work by enhancing shape and contrast, keeping images fashionable and appealing with less reliance on natural light, and illuminating a subject's eyes without producing catchlights. In this manner, textbook lighting setups can act as a springboard to creating personal and artistic high-quality portraits featuring new, radically-altered lighting effects. Multiple series of before-and-after photos comprehensively illustrate how to utilize these new methods to create emotion-evoking works of art that do more than simply capture the likeness of a subject

This definitive guide to studio lighting explains and demonstrates universal lighting principles that help photographers think on their feet and master lighting theory and technique. Explained are essential concepts such as why light behaves the way it does and how to manipulate it to its best effect. Concrete, practical examples illustrate topics such as shooting light, dark, and reflective surfaces; mastering contrast control; modifying shadow formation to effectively shape mid- and light-colored objects; creating definition in black objects; and using Photoshop to fine-tune subjects. Instruction is also provided on creating simulated sunlight, painting with light, using softening filters, and lighting subjects in motion. Compelling photographs and numerous lighting diagrams are included.

Studio lighting offers portrait photographers unlimited creative control. Mastering its use requires a specific skill set, however. Fortunately, portrait photography legend Tony Corbell is up to the task of showing readers how to harness its full power. He sets a foundation for mastering the use of strobes and continuous lighting sources (LEDs, tungsten lights, and fluorescent sources), creating effective lighting setups (with the aid of detailed, yet simple-to-understand diagrams), metering and adjusting the light, correcting color imbalances, softening harsh shadows, and more. He also introduces readers to the proper use of standard photographic modifiers -- softboxes, umbrellas, octoboxes, beauty dishes, and other tools -- so that they can sculpt their every portrait subject with incredibly flattering light. This book is filled with over 150 inspiring and instructive images from a true master of the craft. In these pages, readers will learn step-by-step instructions for mastering the many critical concepts one must understand to gain mastery over light. Armed with simple strategies for studio lighting, readers can repeatedly re-create Corbell's award-winning portrait lighting looks with their own clients.

This book gives clear, practical advice on how to get creative with and achieve the best from your studio lighting. It explains and demonstrates basic and advanced techniques so you can fully understand how to light a subject and compose a great photograph. Explains lighting and camera techniques and the ideas behind them. Utilizes specific examples and diagrams to illustrate everything from portraits and art-nudes to still life photography. Provides valuable advice on all studio-related equipment and introduces the basics of RAW processing. A clear practical guide to learning about studio photography and working creatively with light to shoot great photographs. Aimed at all photographers - professional and amateur covering the full range - portrait, product advertising, glamour and fashion. Covers lighting and camera techniques and gives advice on all studio-related equipment. Superbly illustrated with 196 colour photographs. Christian Hough is a professional photographer experienced in polished commercial and fine-art nude photographs.

Portrait lighting is part art, part science. There are so many tools at the photographers’ disposal—and myriad settings and setups that can be used. So, how do you master the light for consistent, predictable results, indoors and out? In this guide, award-winning photographer Curley Marshall teaches you the nuts and bolts of portrait lighting. You’ll learn to work with natural light and studio lighting sources, both as they exist and in modified forms. You’ll discover posing and lighting combinations that will help you to ensure that your subject’s face—the focal point of every portrait—appears dimensional and, where need be, slimmer. You’ll learn how to give the eyes sparkle through proper catchlight placement and how to bring out the color of the eyes. You’ll also learn the basic lighting setups heralded by portrait artists throughout time—including loop lighting, Rembrandt lighting, butterfly lighting, and more.

"Tricks of the trade for professional digital photographers"--Cover.

Light, vibrant and malleable, is the greatest tool at the disposal of portrait photographers. In this acclaimed book—with over 50,000 copies in print—Christopher Grey walks you through studio portrait lighting from start to finish. Dozens of image sequences and before/after pairings show you precisely how each change of light position and modifier affects the look of the lighting on the subject. From classic portrait lighting patterns to unexpected but powerful looks, Grey teaches you everything you need to know to control light effectively. Armed with these powerful skills, you’ll be able to create portraits that are more flattering, more marketable, and more creative.