Lighting for Photographers: Portraiture

Explore the techniques behind lighting for portraiture.

In this course, photographer and teacher Natalie Fobes introduces the techniques behind lighting for portraiture. Its begins with a look at the role of light in setting the mood of a portrait, and then looks at the essential gear photographers need for continuous-light portraiture. The techniques shown are also applicable to strobe lighting. Next, Natalie details a variety of common one-light and two-light lighting techniques, explaining exposure, metering considerations, and light modifiers along the way. The course concludes with several lighting tips, including minimizing physical challenges and do-it-yourself lighting gear instructions.

Introduction

• Welcome

1. Looking at the Light

• Understanding lighting positions
• Deconstruct photos to study lighting

2. Portrait Lighting Setups

• Using butterfly lighting for portraits
• Lighting a portrait with the Rembrandt pattern
• Working with the split lighting pattern
• Backlighting in portraits
• Lighting a portrait with clamshell lighting

3. Advanced Portrait Lighting

• Exploring a four-light portrait scenario
• Portrait scenario: Athlete
• Using wraparound lighting for a portrait
• Lighting for different skin tones

4. Common Adjustments in Post

• White balance for skin
• Global lighting adjustments
• Work with the details
• Direct attention to the subject

Conclusion

• Goodbye