ISU Photo students in the Photo Communication class learning how to reflect light using the versatile 5-in-1 reflector kit. Perfect autumn afternoon to be out on campus photographing!
Tag Archives: portrait
Low-Key Portrait Lighting Demo
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.

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

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