36 13 July 2019 I http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk I subscribe 0330 333 1113
1 Positioning the key light
The key light (a Rotolight NEO 2) is positioned
directly in front and high above the face,
providing top-down illumination to the face.
It’s set to full power.
1 Positioning the key light
The key light is a Rotolight AEOS. It’s
positioned to the right of the camera and
slightly above the face. The model is asked
to turn her face towards the key light.
2 Adding kicker lights
Two kicker lights are placed behind and to
either side of the model, creating highlights
along the cheek. These additional lights are
set to 50% power.2 Adding a cross light
A second cross light (another Rotolight AEOS)
is positioned behind the model and to the left
side, providing light over the shoulder that lifts
the hair and the cheek.3 Lifting the shadows
A white reflector is held out of shot under the
chin, bouncing light from the NEO 2 back into
the shadows, lifting the dark area under the
chin and reducing contrast.3 Lighting the background
A Rotolight NEO 2 is placed near the
backdrop, fitted with a blue gel and angled
onto the grey backdrop to create a blue
background for the shot.Technique LIGHTING SET-UPS FOR PORTRAITS
3-LIGHT BUTTERFLY
3-LIGHT CROSS LIGHTING