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This lesson shows a simple studio lighting solution for portraits.

(Click on any thumbnail image below for an enlarged view.)

Figure 1

We used one OctoDome nxt Kit, with a Starlite head and a 1000 watt lamp, as the main light in this portrait.

Figure 2

The result shows a good start, but we want to brighten up the shadow side.

Figure 3

We added a LitePanel Kit, white side out, to reflect the main light into the shadow side. This is our fill light.

Figure 4

This is better. Now we want to create more definition by adding an overhead light, normally called a hair light.

Figure 5

We set up a small HalfDome2 with a Starlite, on a Boom and Boomstand.

Figure 6

Our final image is well lit with good separation from the background.

Related Lessons
Following are Web Photo School lessons related to this topic.

	Portrait Lighting with the OctoDome3 See how we used an octogonal soft box with strobe light and a reflector in this portrait session.
	Shoot Full Length Portraits with Portable Flashes This lesson shows how we used radio-controlled portable flash and double diffusion to shoot this full length portrait.
	A Three Light Portrait with Portable Flashes This lesson shows how to light a portrait using portable strobes and three small soft boxes. See the effects of each individual light on our model.
	Creating the Custom Living Room Portrait See how we modified our lights to photograph this room and our subjects for an environmental portrait.
	The Perfect Light for the Perfect Portrait See how we lit Cosmo to bring out the detail in her dark coat.