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Amanda’s top tips
for creative lighting
1
Shoot tethered if you can.
This will enable you to see
everything in greater detail
on a screen. Test and
measure and shoot again.2
Allow plenty of time.
Experimenting with new
ways of lighting takes time
and patience; make sure
everyone you are working
with is on board.3
Ensure you have plenty
of space. Clear out the
furniture or use an empty
room, and remember to
keep in mind that you will
need vertical space too.
Softboxes and stands take
up a lot of room.4
You don’t need lots of kit
to experiment. I suggest
you work with what you have
and see how you can use it
differently. Move the lights
around and see how the light
falls on the subject.5
One light can be used
and altered with
accessories like black foil
or fl ags. These can create a
darker mood with black or
a brighter one with white.6
The distance from the
light to the subject affects
the shadows, making them
harder or softer while also
changing the contrast. Badshadows can often break the
shot, so keep them fl attering.7
Refl ectors are often
overlooked and are an
excellent way to bounce
and control light. Try
experimenting with colours
other than white to fi nd out
what works. An obvious
choice would be gold, but try
going for yellow, blue or pink
for subtle fi ll light.8
Mirrors are brilliant at
refl ecting light and can
be used to bounce light if
you don’t have anything else.
They will be harder to use,
and the light will be harsh
and have more contrast, yet
this could be a good light
source for the right shot.9
Have an assistant help
you. This sounds obvious,
but if you are covering new
ground and experimenting,
then two heads will be better
than one. Also, you will need
help with refl ectors and
moving the lights.10
Find inspiration but
don’t be beholden to
it or imitate the work exactly.
This time is about you fi nding
your direction and creating
your work, unique to you.
Go experiment and have
fun exploring!Lighting
set-up
number 1
The strip light is
an excellent softbox
and is typically used
in a vertical position.
However, to create a
different feel I used
it horizontally right
above the camera,
giving the light a
broader coverage
while limiting the
spread over the
model’s head and
below her chin, with
the soft grid.▲
1
3
Amanda
knows how to
use creative
lighting for a
stylised result