Lighting Diagrams

Late on Sunday nights, when I should really be focusing on important things like getting ready for all the things in the week ahead, I usually come up with my silly ideas for this blog.  Tonight is no different.  For all of you budding photogs out there, this is my dedication to you.  I’m going to start providing images posted up next to a diagram of the lighting setup used for said image.  This should help you understand how the lights work and how you can achieve similar results.  If you want to know any more details about the diagrams, please leave your question in the comments section, and I’ll make sure to get an answer to you ASAP.

As for tonight, I needed a new self-portrait to use for the blog I’ll have for IUPUI’s website, as well as for Twitter and Facebook.  I wanted something uncluttered, professional, and very business-like.

Self Portrait Lighting Diagram

I tried a couple different approaches, but this is what I ended up with.  I used a large octabox (diffused and gridded, even though it doesn’t show that) as my main light, about 7-8 feet up and to camera right.  Directly to my right (camera left) was a strobe set at low power and low to the ground pointing up for some hightlight work.  Finally, I hand held a large white reflector at chest level to bring to catch light into the scene and highlight my boring, dull, brown eyes.  And believe it or not, the background is actually white.  I still wonder why people use white, gray, and black backdrops when you can get all three with just creative lighting.  Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy these tutorials.  I’ll definitely bring some more if I get a warm response.

Jon