Memoirs of Steph

Drama (Continued)

Added 2023-02-09 19:26:18 +0000 UTC

Yesterday I posted about dramatic lighting using natural light, here is a shot using strobe. Strobe used to intimidate me. Not only the technical aspect of connecting it to your camera and adusting the settings, and buying all the hardware, but then the artistic and fundamental ways of using the light.

I'll say this to anyone starting out, yes there is right and wrong ways to light your subject, knowing the rules will help you break the rules. There are thousands of ways to light someone. On top of that there are many ways to diffuse light, gel light, bounce light. In the end I always say just keep it simple. Start with one light and build from there, and position the light to keep the shadow side of the subject closest to the camera.

If you look at any movie, the cinematic standard is to make your subject pop by having the far side of the subject illuminated. Of course that technique wont work for say corporate headshots, but its one many techniques to keep handy. I have noticed some newer Netflix documentaries embracing this technique in interviews.

Any way what's your take on it. Do you like high key looks more than dramatic.

Self critique on this photo woulda been to have a little more light hit her eyes, but then again I was not looking at her eyes.