Photography Studio Set Up
These are very basic shots but they should help you understand where lighting is placed and why.The first 3 images show you where I have my lighting positioned. This is used for normal everyday shoots such as babies, kids, family portraits and other such set ups.
When it comes to more seductive shoots or portfolio shots I move the lighting around to my taste for that particular shot. This is as much your preference as anything!
As you can see on the bottom image, on the right hand side, I have a silver reflective umbrella. This is my MAIN portrait light, not because the books say to use these but because I prefer it myself. I"m not sure who else uses one but I love it so thats what i use!
I use this light at 3/4 power directly at the subject as I usually have them pointing this way. It feels better on the eye, especially for the shots where the kids are old enough to sit still!
On the left front I have a white umbrella. It is lovely for cutting the shadows, but you do loose a lot of light power, so I use this on almost full power, but it is quite a way from the subject so it is really just a shadow filler.
The two at the back do the same job, even though they look different. They are both used on full power and were set at night to give the most coverage to the whole of the backdrop.
Ok now for three images which shows the effect of each light set on the image.
1) Just backlights on...............2)Just front lights on.............3) Both sets on
If you get the right balance of front and backlighting you can almost get a floor less and backless seamless background which I especially like personally for my full length portraits.
All 4 lights are 150W Pattersons Interfit.
http://www.fmphoto.co.uk