articles/Lighting/filllight-page3

What, No Fill Light? - part 3 of 1 2 3 4 5 6

Published 01/04/2010

filllight-05.jpg

With a view to profile lighting, Image No. 5, has the model (her name is Laura), sitting facing to camera-left and the light number 1 in the diagram has been slightly feathered inward to better model her features. Feathering in with a narrow light source will reduce the illumination on the side of the face that is open to the camera. Again, the all around lighting illuminates her entire figure

Using two identical light sources in combination creates the 'form light', each positioned 35-45 degrees off each other and 35-45 degrees off the subject and variably 45 degrees off camera. The two light sources (1 and 2), may be placed close together or further apart, so long as they create the desired lighting pattern. These two lights provide the main light which creates the primary lighting pattern.

Adding two additional units completes the lighting set. One of these (3), is on a boom behind and almost above the subject for lighting the hair and, when desired, the shoulders. I prefer this light to be a strip bank so that it can be rotated either vertically or horizontally to the plane of the camera.


filllight-06.jpg

The fourth light (4) is positioned almost opposite, or 90 degrees off the light that is nearest to the camera, so it is at 45 degrees off the subject and behind the subject. There is a slight similarity to that demonstrated by Maz Mashru, but the second element of the form light is much closer to that nearest to the camera.

Personally, I prefer to use what are described as strip banks (described as Stripbanks by FJ Westcott, my preferred provider). These light boxes are slim and long and so they provide better control than large boxes or umbrellas.


Please Note:
There is more than one page for this Article.
You are currently on page 3
1st Published 01/04/2010
last update 09/12/2022 14:54:13

More Lighting Articles



There are 21 days to get ready for The Society of Photographers Convention and Trade Show at The Novotel London West, Hammersmith ...
which starts on Wednesday 15th January 2025

Apr 1091Professional Image Maker

Fast and intuitive, PortraitPro intelligently enhances every aspect of a portrait for beautiful results.

Update cookies preferences