24FebHigh Key Portrait Lighting With Speedlights
High Key Portraits Minus the Studio
I have to admit I struggled a little with high key portrait lighting in my Garage Portraits business model this year. Part of it was in my own head – thinking I was taking too long getting it set up correctly. But the thing is – once you have the lighting nailed down high key all white is a simple timeless background all your clients will love.
High key portrait lighting can be a struggle for many – even in a studio environment with nailed down lighting. Introduce the variables found in Garage Portraits and it can become a nightmare.
In this video I’ll go over all the settings and show you a lighting diagram as well.
Let me know if you have questions.
4 Responses and Counting...
Michael
February 24th 2012Fabulous Dave! Thanks. One thing I don’t quit follow is how it’s a 2:1 ratio when the main and fill are the same level. Wouldn’t that give 1:1? So, maybe, can you please expand on how key:fill ratios work?
dhmeir
Michael,
Thanks for the comment. If you look in the posing guide you would have downloaded when you joined the site you’ll find some lighting diagrams and my f/8 light ratio guide. The easiest way to think about light ratios is as follows;
If you’re main light is typically positioned – say 45 degrees to camera left – the light from this source is only illuminating the hi-light side of the subject’s face. That’s why you use a fill light – to fill in the shadows on the shadow side of the face. So now let’s say the fill light is typically positioned straight behind you and straight on to the subject. In this scenario only the main light is illuminating the hi-light side of the face while the fill light is illuminating both sides of the face. In other words – there is twice as much light striking the hi-light side of the face (both the main and fill) while the shadow side only receives light from the fill.
If you haven’t watched this video it may help; http://www.the-portrait-expert.com/2011/01/main-light-modifiers-in-action-lighting-video-002/
Michael
Ah. Of Course. I figured it was that simple, but my head was stumbling on the mental gymnastics. Thanks.
Chris Morgan
Great video and cute granddaughter!!
Glad you were able to try the vinyl and the easy-peasy v-flats…and liked it!
Quick question about your main/fill combo. With the larger main umbrella, are you noticing much need for fill? I guess that would depend on the distance of the main light from the subject, and its angle.
Great series you have going on here! Thanks for sharing!
PS: I sent you a marketing question through email.
Chris