Lighting Techniques for Photographing Model Portfolios: Strategies for Digital Photographers

The answers depend on the look you’re trying to create. Placing the main

light directly in front of the model creates a smooth, almost shadowless look

that is often seen in beauty photography. However, it can also flatten the fea-

tures—anditisn’tidealfor showing the texture of the model’s clothing. Plac-

ing the main light at an angle is better for revealing the contours of the

model’s face and can create a look with more dramatic impact. However,

while it brings out the texture of the model’s garment (which may be a plus,

depending on the image), it also brings out any imperfections in the skin

(whichmaybeanegative,dependingonthemodelandtheimage).Themore

the main light moves to the side of the subject, the greater the contouring it

willprovide,andthe moreitwilltendtoemphasizethe textures inthe image.

LIGHT PLACEMENT 45

3-2.Placing the mainlightinfrontof the
subjectcreatesalmostshadowlesslight-
ing—a style often seen in beauty pho-
tography.

The answers depend on

the look you’re trying

to create.