Buy it now

21.08.12

Photography Monthly's tip week: Perfect portraits, tip 2

Photography Monthly portrait 2

Today’s second tip in the portrait themed week is all about lighting.

Naturally lit portraits look great, as do studio lit portraits but why not be a little more adventurous this time round and have a go at experimenting with unusual lighting?

An unusual lighting concept can really draw attention to your portrait images, especially if the effect is cleverly done so that it says something about the subject and composition as a whole, for example, the shadows of bars falling across someone's face to show they are in prison.

Side lighting:
This can be a very powerful and effective form of lighting as it hides parts of the subject’s face in shadow, creating new and unusual contours and shapes. It adds an element of mystery to the composition, creating a rich mood for your image.

Unusual lighting:
Using a slow synch flash can create an interesting lighting effect for your image; the slow synch flash creates some level of blur to the lighting, while keeping the subject focused in the middle. It would be great for capturing a model in a busy city at night, with the, lights of the cars and shops rushing around them in a blur.

Silhouetting:
Another dramatic form of portrait lighting comes in the form of silhouetting your subject. Again this adds a level of mystery to the image, as the subject’s face cannot be seen but the stark outline can be very effective.

Have a go at experimenting with lighting your portrait subjects and upload your images to our online gallery.
 



Post a comment (you must be a registered user to comment) Login | Sign Up



Average Article Rating 0 Stars
Your Rating Login Required!
Sorry - You must be a registered user & logged in to rate this. Login | Register
Back to Categories

Participate in the forum

Photography courses

Which Digital Camera - Camera Finder

DSLR

DSLR

You want to take the best photos you can and possibly explore photography as a hobby

Enter this section if you are looking for a more advanced camera with the ability to change lenses to suit your needs. You will find entry-level cameras through to high-end models favoured by professional photographers.
Bridge

Bridge

You want the convenience of a compact with the versatility of a DSLR

Enter this section if you are looking for the convenience of a compact camera but the photographic power of a DSLR. You will find both point-and-shoot cameras as well models offering more advanced functionality.
Compact

Compact

You want to take family snaps, events and holidays

Enter this section if you are looking for a small easy-to-use camera. You will find a wide range of models to suit every budget all of which offer a wide range of features for everyday shooting.
Become a member of Photography Monthly today!

Tips & Techniques

How to be a top dog photographer

How to be a top dog photographer

Pet portraiture is on the rise with more and more of us keen to get snaps of our pets and even turn

How to get really meaty meteor photos

How to get really meaty meteor photos

This week astronomers and photographers are in for a real treat as the Quadrantid meteor shower will

Photography Monthly Digital Subscription

Locations RSS More Locations

Turf Fen windmill

Turf Fen windmill

Norfolk OS Map ref: TG 369 188