Perfecting a professional studio lighting setup can be a little daunting, so learning how to master a simple single-light setup is invaluable. A wide range of looks and effects can be created, and there’s not always a disadvantage in using fewer individual lights; extra lights can sometimes complicate things needlessly.
When only using one light you’ll have less to think about and control than if you were using multiple lights – you’ll be able to spend less time fiddling with light settings, and more time interacting with your model and perfecting poses. Not only that, but it will make you more mobile for on-location shooting, and help you truly understand how light can affect and manipulate a subject’s face.
Over the next few pages you’ll discover a number of different one-light techniques, including understanding hard and soft light, Rembrandt lighting, split lighting, as well as low-key and high-key effects, and a traditional beauty style of lighting. You’ll learn how easy it is to create professional-looking images with just one light, and how you can add in a few different modifiers to enhance and manipulate the light further.
WORK WITH SOFT AND HARD LIGHT
Embrace the simplicity of one light, and learn to make use of its qualities
Because a one-light setup is relatively simple, it’s particularly important that you perfect your exposure and consider the power and quality of the light you’re using, as well as learning how to control it to create different effects.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CALIBRATE YOUR COLOURS
James Paterson reveals how he captures stunningly colourful sunsets by using this secret weapon
ABSTRACT PORTRAITS
Mike Harris shows you how to use slow shutter speeds and multiple exposures to capture a series of motion-blur portraits
BREATHTAKNG IMAGES FROM ABOVE AND BELOW THE WAVES
A final hit of inspiraton: Ocean Photographer of the Year reveals stunning winning photos
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AUTUMN
James Abbott reveals the secrets to capturing amazing images during the most eye-catching season of the year
CANON UNVEILS NEW PORTABLE, FULLY-WIRELESS PHOTO PRINTER
The Selphy QX20 is ideal for quickly printing your smartphone snaps on the go
FUJINON GF120MM F4 MACRO R LM OIS WR
This powerful medium-format lens is ideally suited to extreme close-ups
HOW TO...CLEAN UP A SCENE WITH AI
James Paterson shows you how the AI-powered Remove Tool can revolutionise your retouching
SHOOT AN '80S PORTRAIT
Jason Parnell-Brookes recreates the neon look of the 1980s using torches and hollow acrylic rods
THE BEST MONOCHROME IMAGE OF 2024 IS A REAL CRACKER
Black and White Photo Awards announces stunning selection of winning images
88 TIPS FOR GREAT BABY PHOTOS
From lighting to posing and pacifying, here's how you get the perfect shot