Lighting Techniques for Photographing Model Portfolios: Strategies for Digital Photographers

location shoot, but the weather forced us into the studio. So, I was seeking a

unique, high-impact look to produce with studio lighting.

I originally set up two background lights and directed the model into po-

sition. In the test shots, however, I saw that one light was out—and it created

an interesting pattern on the wall that was similar to natural sunlight. I de-

cided not to replace the failed light; I wanted to see what the backlighting

would do on the model’s body.

The model posed as if in direct sunlight (facing the light source). Then, I

moved to intentionally show some lens flare. Later, I intensified the yellow

color inPhotoshopandaddedadditionallensflare,since the naturallensflare

wasn’t sufficiently dramatic.

Do Extreme Close-Ups.

The model for image7-30wanted to create an eyecatching photo for her

portfolio—with bursts of color for extra impact. The original plan was to

7-29(facingpage).Lens flare and bold
color combine for great drama in this
studio image.

7-30(right).Creating extreme closeups
helped us make use of a small shooting
area and salvage a rained-out shoot.

camera on tripod

table withsilver reflector

on top

umbella angled down

umbella angled down

refridgeratoras white

background