Using a 43-Inch Silver Umbrella

We positioned our model in front of a Photoflex Blue Marble muslin BackDrop (supported with a ProDuty BackDrop Support Kit). We positioned a 43-inch silver umbrella to the left and slightly above the model. For the first shot we had the model turn her body towards the light and her head was turned looking directly at the camera (figure 1).

The result (figure 2) is a classic example of a side lit portrait. Notice that the eye on the shadow side of the face has just a little bit of light on it. The silver umbrella has produced a relatively high contrast light, which has a wide spread reaching across the model and background.

Next, we repositioned the model by turning her body away from the light. Her face was still turned towards the camera (figure 3).

The result (figure 4) is interesting and very different from the first shot. This time the model's head is turned slightly away from the camera. This has caused the right eye to be completely lost in shadow.

Using a Medium LiteDome

For the next shot we repositioned the model to have her facing towards the light. We replaced the umbrella with a Medium LiteDome soft box and took another shot (figure 5).

Judging from this result (figure 6), the LiteDome has helped to reduce the contrast in the photograph. By using the LiteDome we were able to achieve more wrap around light, which has helped to add some detail to the shadow areas.

Keeping the LiteDome in the same position, we asked our model to turn her body facing away from the light (figure 7).

By using the LiteDome, we were able to achieve the same wrap around quality of light with this pose. Notice the eye peeking out of the shadow. Also pay attention to the extra level of detail in both the highlight and shadow areas (figure 8).

Attaching the Accessory Louvers

We definitely liked the results using the LiteDome. However, we felt that there was still too much light reaching the background. This made the image look flat and took away from the dramatic look that we set out to achieve.

For the next shot we attached the Accessory Louvers to our LiteDome. The model was turned towards the light, looking directly into the camera (figure 9).

The result (figure 10) is a clear example of how the louvers act to narrow the path of the light and keep most of the light from reaching the backdrop. Remember that the quality (or softness) of the light does not change. Only the direction of the light is modified.

Next, we repeated the same setup this time with the model's body turned away from the light (figure 11).

Once again we can see how the louvers have kept the light off the background (figure 12). Using the louvers has helped us to separate the model from the background and to add just the right sense of drama to our portrait.

Lets compare our results so far. Below is our sequence with the model turned towards the light (figure 13). First, we used an umbrella. Next, we switched to a Medium LiteDome soft box. Then, we added the louvers to the LiteDome.

Here is a comparison of the same lighting changes, this time with the model turned away from the light (figure 14). The first shot was taken using an umbrella. In the second shot we used a LiteDome. For the third shot we attached the louvers.

In terms of our purpose (to create a dramatic side lit portrait) we liked our last result with the model turned away from the light and the louvers attached. However we felt that the shadows were a bit too deep and that the entire right side of the photograph was getting lost in darkness.


Adding a Slight Fill

To improve on this result, we decided to pull out a 39"x39" LitePanel fitted with white reflective fabric. We positioned the LitePanel to the right of the model in order to add a little bit of fill to the shadows (figures 15 & 16).

(Note: The LitePanel frame is positioned using a LitePanel 39" Crossbar, a Main & T Clamp, and a LiteStand.)

As you can see in the final result (figure 18), the LitePanel added just enough fill to help delineate the right side of the face without revealing too much. It was this subtle change that turned our standard side lit portrait into a truly eye catching image.

In summary, there is no right way to light a portrait. Certain techniques work well and some things just don't work at all. Sometimes a small adjustment is all it takes to achieve a desired result. The best advise we can give to anyone who wants to learn portrait lighting, is to start by exploring the full potential of each light before adding more equipment to the set.