Jeff Smith's Guide to Head and Shoulders Portrait Photography

Hair Light.The second light that I would consider a necessity in a low-key

area would be a hair light. This light is mounted above the center of the back-

ground and angled toward the subject’s head. I typically put the center hair

light about ten feet high for a typical head and shoulders area in which the sub-

jects will be seated or leaning. I place it twelve feet high in areas where the sub-

jects will be standing. Since the light is angled back toward the camera, it should

be fitted with a snoot, barn doors, or grid—or even painted cardboard bent

around and duct taped to the silver reflector (my method years ago!)—to make

sure that no light from this unit reaches the camera lens. This light should be

set to read one stop less than the main light. It is possible to get away with not

using a hair light, but you will have to use more light on your background to

ensure separation at the level of the hair.

LIGHTING 39

Hair lights are used to improve separation
and enhance the luminance of long hair.

This light should be set

to read one stop less

than the main light.