How to Light an Interior for a Photo Shoot

There are several different ways to light an interior space for a photo shoot. Fortunately, a photographer does not always need expensive lighting equipment to create beautiful photographs. In fact, some photographers rely exclusively on the natural surrounding light of an interior space. On the other hand, inexpensive alternative lighting is also available. High-quality equipment can also be purchased from photography and camera stores. The key to creating a successful photograph in an interior space is to work with the natural lighting and supplement with lighting equipment.

Instructions

1

Position the subject or objects in front of a window. This will give the lighting a diffused look, creating a calming appearance, notes All-Things-Photography.com. A reflector can be positioned so that it bounces light from the window directly onto the subject.

2

Diffuse a cameras flash by bouncing the flash from ceilings or walls. This will double the distance from the camera to the subject. Compensate for the extra distance by opening the aperture or slowing down the shutter speed of the camera. In turn, the flash will compensate for extra distance.

3

Use the ambient light in the room cast from fluorescent, halogen or other man-made lighting. Combine ambient lighting with bounced light from a flash for a more even color tone on the subject. If the color is still unpleasant, it can be adjusted in post-production using photo-editing software.

4

Use studio strobe lights to light large interior spaces. Attach translucent white umbrellas to the strobes so that the light is pointing directly at the inside of the umbrella. This will bounce the light from the strobe off the umbrella and onto the subject.

5

Position one large softbox inside the frame of the camera, close to the subject. Softboxes positioned too far from the subject will spread light all over, giving the shot a one-dimensional look. Soft light helps to bring out texture in photographs, says Steves-DigiCams.com.

6

Use two clip lights purchased from a hardware store and 60- to 100-watt bulbs for interior portraits. Position one light directly above and one directly below the camera, pointing both lights directly at the subject. Keep the lights and camera only about 3 to 4 feet from the subject.

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There are several different ways to light an interior space for a photo shoot. Fortunately, a photographer does not always need expensive lighting equipment to create beautiful photographs. In fact, some photographers rely exclusively on the natural surrounding light of an interior space. On the other hand, inexpensive alternative lighting is also available. High-quality equipment can also be purchased from photography and camera stores. The key to creating a successful photograph in an interior space is to work with the natural lighting and supplement with lighting equipment.

Instructions

1

Position the subject or objects in front of a window. This will give the lighting a diffused look, creating a calming appearance, notes All-Things-Photography.com. A reflector can be positioned so that it bounces light from the window directly onto the subject.

2

Diffuse a cameras flash by bouncing the flash from ceilings or walls.

Enhance your photography skill,The Top Secret Photography Techniques

. This will double the distance from the camera to the subject. Compensate for the extra distance by opening the aperture or slowing down the shutter speed of the camera. In turn, the flash will compensate for extra distance.
3

Use the ambient light in the room cast from fluorescent, halogen or other man-made lighting. Combine ambient lighting with bounced light from a flash for a more even color tone on the subject. If the color is still unpleasant, it can be adjusted in post-production using photo-editing software.

4

Use studio strobe lights to light large interior spaces. Attach translucent white umbrellas to the strobes so that the light is pointing directly at the inside of the umbrella. This will bounce the light from the strobe off the umbrella and onto the subject.

5

Position one large softbox inside the frame of the camera, close to the subject. Softboxes positioned too far from the subject will spread light all over, giving the shot a one-dimensional look. Soft light helps to bring out texture in photographs, says Steves-DigiCams.com.

6

Use two clip lights purchased from a hardware store and 60- to 100-watt bulbs for interior portraits. Position one light directly above and one directly below the camera, pointing both lights directly at the subject. Keep the lights and camera only about 3 to 4 feet from the subject.

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