September 19, 2013

Low-Key Portrait Lighting Demo

By terryownby

Today’s lab session was held over in our Photo Services studio. We worked on low-key portrait lighting as a dramatic departure from traditional portraiture lighting. Below are some samples from the demo, along with a lighting diagram.

In this shot, I set the two softboxes in back to create a rimlight effect around the subject. © Terry Ownby.

In this shot, I set the two softboxes in back to create a rimlight effect around the subject. © Terry Ownby.

Next, we brought in a medium softbox from camera right and set the power for a 4:1 ratio (about 2 f-stops lower than back rim lights). © Terry Ownby

Next, we brought in a medium softbox from camera right and set the power for a 4:1 ratio (about 2 f-stops lower than back rim lights). Thanks to Ed Ritterbush for volunteering! © Terry Ownby

With the lights in place, I convinced Miriam Simper Dance to get in the hot seat! © Terry Ownby.

With the lights in place, I convinced Miriam Simper Dance to get in the hot seat! © Terry Ownby.

Without moving light and just having Miriam turn, we created another dramatic view. This lighting setup is versatile for dramatic portraits. © Terry Ownby.

Without moving light and just having Miriam turn, we created another dramatic view. This lighting setup is versatile for dramatic portraits. © Terry Ownby.

PhotoDiagram(5)

 

 

 

About terryownby

I am a visual journalist and have varied interests in visual media. Specifically, I am an Professor of Visual Media and I teach in the Communication, Media, & Persuasion department at Idaho State University. I hold a BS in Media/Photography from Missouri State University and a MA in Media Communications from Webster University-Saint Louis. My PhD is in Visual Media Studies from Colorado State University. View all posts by terryownby
This entry was posted on Thursday, September 19th, 2013 at 4:50 pm and tagged with , , , , , , , , , and posted in ISU, Photo Education, Photo Media, Photography, Studio Photography. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

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