Fashion photo shoot lighting requires a knowledge of traditional lighting systems, such as three-point lighting, as well as an experienced and dedicated eye specifically tailored to the subject, or model. Additionally, fashion lighting also often makes use of high ceilings and varying amounts of natural lighting, as well as high-key light.
Three-Point Lighting System
The basic setup for most fashion shoots--including most photo shoots of any kind--has historically been the tried-and-true three-point lighting system. This lighting system is critical to the shoot and, as the name suggests, features at its core three lights that are utilized to bring out the best in the subject. The three lights are the key light, fill light and back light.
Identification
Irrespective of how many lights you have on hand, the key light is always the main light and usually packs the most punch. The key light lights up one side of a subject's face. This light is thus placed directly to one side of the subject. As a result, the other half of the subject's face will lie in shadow. The second light is the fill light. This light is located on the other side of the key light. It is also placed a longer distance away than the key light is, as it does not have the primary job of providing a strong flood of light like the key does. The back light is the final one. As the name suggests, it provides light from behind the subject. This back light in fashion shoots enables the model to stand out from the background. It helps give the model a more three-dimensional look. In combination with a more stark or simply white background, the back light helps highlight the model's clothing.
Benefits
The fill light diminishes some of the shadows of the side of the subject that is not directly affected by the key light. Additionally, the back light serves as a soft light that helps the subject stand out from the background area, creating that necessary "pop" for the model in a fashion shoot. For the sake of the model, the key light should be on the model's perceived "good side." Many models and actors believe they have a side of their face that is more pleasing or "even" than the opposite side. If relying more heavily on a key light than natural lighting, the key light should ideally illuminate this good side of the model's face.
Considerations
The inclusion of one or two skylights provides a suitable amount of natural light that will help add a warmer feel to the fashion lighting setup. Thanks to these skylights, the fashion shoot will look less cold and sterile. However, an indoor shoot can't always be adequately rigged for natural light due to a lack of sufficient window or sunlight openings. Consider the available influx of natural light in a shooting location ahead of time. Additionally, outside shoots can be a tricky endeavor. While natural light and a natural setting can be ideal in many model shoots, unpredictable weather has been known to shut down a shoot for days, at high expense to the companies involved. Fashion photographers always make a conscious decision regarding the virtues and pitfalls of shooting in a natural environment.
Expert Insight
A 13- or 14-foot ceiling is also an ideal feature in a fashion photo shoot, as it opens up the feel of the room and creates a roomier environment for the people that will be walking about. Also, as simple as it may sound, always map out a photo shoot area ahead of time, ensuring there are a large number of available electrical outlets. There is no greater pain than arriving to a shoot with a bevy of lights but not enough power to supply them with.
Fashion photo shoot lighting requires a knowledge of traditional lighting systems, such as three-point lighting, as well as an experienced and dedicated eye specifically tailored to the subject, or model. Additionally, fashion lighting also often makes use of high ceilings and varying amounts of natural lighting, as well as high-key light.
Three-Point Lighting System
The basic setup for most fashion shoots--including most photo shoots of any kind--has historically been the tried-and-true three-point lighting system. This lighting system is critical to the shoot and, as the name suggests, features at its core three lights that are utilized to bring out the best in the subject. The three lights are the key light, fill light and back light.
Identification
Irrespective of how many lights you have on hand, the key light is always the main light and usually packs the most punch. The key light lights up one side of a subject's face. This light is thus placed directly to one side of the subject. As a result, the other half of the subject's face will lie in shadow.
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. The second light is the fill light. This light is located on the other side of the key light. It is also placed a longer distance away than the key light is, as it does not have the primary job of providing a strong flood of light like the key does. The back light is the final one. As the name suggests, it provides light from behind the subject. This back light in fashion shoots enables the model to stand out from the background. It helps give the model a more three-dimensional look. In combination with a more stark or simply white background, the back light helps highlight the model's clothing.Benefits
The fill light diminishes some of the shadows of the side of the subject that is not directly affected by the key light. Additionally, the back light serves as a soft light that helps the subject stand out from the background area, creating that necessary "pop" for the model in a fashion shoot. For the sake of the model, the key light should be on the model's perceived "good side." Many models and actors believe they have a side of their face that is more pleasing or "even" than the opposite side. If relying more heavily on a key light than natural lighting, the key light should ideally illuminate this good side of the model's face.
Considerations
The inclusion of one or two skylights provides a suitable amount of natural light that will help add a warmer feel to the fashion lighting setup. Thanks to these skylights, the fashion shoot will look less cold and sterile. However, an indoor shoot can't always be adequately rigged for natural light due to a lack of sufficient window or sunlight openings. Consider the available influx of natural light in a shooting location ahead of time. Additionally, outside shoots can be a tricky endeavor. While natural light and a natural setting can be ideal in many model shoots, unpredictable weather has been known to shut down a shoot for days, at high expense to the companies involved. Fashion photographers always make a conscious decision regarding the virtues and pitfalls of shooting in a natural environment.
Expert Insight
A 13- or 14-foot ceiling is also an ideal feature in a fashion photo shoot, as it opens up the feel of the room and creates a roomier environment for the people that will be walking about. Also, as simple as it may sound, always map out a photo shoot area ahead of time, ensuring there are a large number of available electrical outlets. There is no greater pain than arriving to a shoot with a bevy of lights but not enough power to supply them with.
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ReplyDeleteAwesome blog, especially for photographers. All these expressed ideas about studio lighting equipment is doubtlessly super. Thanks for giving good ideas.......
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