Basic Three Light Portrait

Main Light
We started by using a single ShoeMount setup. This illuminated our subject well enough, but created harsh shadows and unwanted highlights, which ultimately looks unprofessional. [figures 1 & 2]

Our solution to this was to add an Extra Small LiteDome^® SoftBox to the flash, which softens and broadens the light, and provides a much more natural quality of lighting. Once we had configured the first of our Extra Small LiteDome^®/ShoeMount flash setups, we secured it to a small LiteStand. To trigger the flash unit remotely, we used a wireless radio transmitter and receiver. Using a wireless system like this gave us the ability to maneuver our lights to any position and eliminated the need for sync cords, which can cause misfires and studio hazards. [figure 3]

With our main light ready, it was time to invite our model onto the set. We had her sit on the stool and spent a few moments explaining what we were doing and her part in the photo shoot. It’s always a good idea to have a rapport with your subject, no matter whom you are shooting, as it sets the subject at ease and makes for a much smoother shoot. Once she was comfortable, we continued with our setup and placed the main light 45 degrees to the right of the camera, about three feet away and just above the subject's head level. [figures 4 & 5]

With our light and subject in position, we set the exposure, framed up the image, and took a shot. Our result image showed that we were headed in the right direction. We had a good start for our portfolio image. [figure 6]

Reflective Fill:
Our next step was to add some fill to the shadow side of our model's face. To accomplish this we used a 39x39 inch FirstStudio^® LitePanel Kit. Once we had the LitePanel assembled, we set it to the left of the subject, about three feet away, and centered the LitePanel with our model's shoulders. [figures 7 & 8]

With our fill in place you can now easily see the detail in the shadows that were not visibly apparent before the LitePanel was set in place. To experiment, we tried changing our LitePanel fill fabric from a white to a soft gold and silver. Here are the results of that change for comparison. [figure 9]

While both fabrics provided good fill results, we decided to stay with the soft gold for the remainder of the shots.

The Hair Light
Our next step was to assemble another Extra Small LiteDome^®/ShoeMount flash setup. Once this was done, we attached a LiteDisc^® Holder to a large LiteStand^®. We then attached the second Extra Small LiteDome/ShoeMount flash setup to the LiteDisc Holder, which essentially serves as a boom. We then positioned it to the left just behind the model, and raised it up to about eight and a half feet from the floor. [figures 10 & 11]

With the hair light now in place, we shut off the main light and made an exposure with only the hair light. We then powered up the main light and took another shot. These result shots show the effect of the hair light on the subject and how the two lights and the LitePanel work together to render the subject in a very clean, natural look. [figures 12 & 13]

How Far Have We Come?

Check out the comparison photos from the start of the session [figure 14]

Color Balance
As with any studio shot, it’s important to make sure your color balance is optimal. The best and easiest way to do this is to place a QuikDisc^® into the set, record a shot, and then use that image later in post production to calibrate the color of the images. [figures 15 & 16]

Adding a Background Light for Depth and Dramatic Effect
For our last step, we added a third Extra Small LiteDome^®/ShoeMount flash setup. To properly light the background of our portrait, we set this assembly on a LS-B2200 LiteStand with a 5/8-brass stud installed. With this setup, we could get the light right on the floor and tilt it up to light the background. Once we had the background light setup put together, we placed it just behind the subject’s stool and angled it toward the background. (figures 17 & 18)

The background light has added the final touch to our simple three-light portrait. We have better separation of the subject and the background and the final shot has taken on more dimension.

For fun we decided to see how things might look if we turned our backlight around and pointed it at the subject.

The results with the background light pointed towards the background gave us more depth, but the results with the background light pointed towards the subject gave us a more dramatic effect. [figures 19 & 20]

Our Final

As you can see from the examples in this lesson, we were able to create a professional look for this portrait for a fraction of the cost that a typical studio strobe setup would have run. And because batteries power these types of flashes, we have a very portable and easy-to-use portrait kit we can use in the studio or out on location.

By using the Extra Small LiteDome^®, you can create several types of lighting sets and create different moods and settings, so remember to keep experimenting and expanding your tool bag!