Setting up proper lighting is one of the most crucial steps in studio photography. Lighting can drastically change the look and feel of your photos, so understanding the basics is essential.
Whether you’re shooting portraits, products, or anything in between, mastering lighting setups can elevate your work to the next level.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to set up lighting for studio photography in a simple and practical way.
Understanding the Basics of Studio Lighting
Before diving into specific lighting setups, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of lighting in studio photography. Lighting can be split into three primary categories:
1. Key Light
The key light is the main light source in your setup. It’s usually the brightest light and defines the shadows and highlights on your subject. It’s typically positioned at a 45-degree angle to your subject, either above, below, or to the side. This light is essential in shaping the subject’s look, so getting it right is key.
2. Fill Light
The fill light softens the shadows created by the key light. This light is usually softer and less intense. Its job is to balance out the shadows on your subject without completely removing them. The fill light should be placed opposite of the key light to reduce harsh contrasts.
3. Back Light (or Hair Light)
The back light is placed behind your subject and directed toward the background or hair. It helps create depth by separating the subject from the background, adding dimension to the image. This light can also be used for highlighting hair or creating a halo effect in portraits.
By combining these three types of lights—key, fill, and back light—you can achieve well-balanced, professional-looking photos.
4 Types of Lighting Equipment You’ll Need
To get started with studio lighting, you’ll need some basic equipment. Here are the key pieces you’ll want to have in your kit:
1. Strobe Lights
Strobe lights are commonly used in studio photography because they provide powerful, consistent lighting. Unlike continuous lighting, strobes fire a burst of light, which helps prevent overheating. They’re available in different power outputs, and some models even come with built-in modeling lights to give you a preview of how your shot will look.
For those looking for something versatile, the Godox AD200Pro is an excellent option. It’s compact yet powerful, offering a 200-watt output that’s perfect for a range of studio setups. With its adjustable power settings, it can serve as your key or fill light depending on the situation.
2. Softboxes and Umbrellas
Softboxes and umbrellas help soften the harsh light produced by strobes. A softbox provides a controlled, even light, while an umbrella gives a more diffused and broad spread of light. These tools are essential for creating flattering, soft lighting in portrait photography.
The Westcott 43” Optical White Satin Umbrella is a great option. It helps produce soft, even lighting and can be used as a fill light in your setup. It’s large enough to provide ample coverage without being too bulky, making it a solid choice for both beginners and professionals.
3. Light Modifiers
Light modifiers, such as grids, reflectors, and diffusers, allow you to further control how light behaves on your subject. Grids can direct the light more precisely, while reflectors bounce light to fill in shadows or add highlights.
The Profoto Softgrid for Softbox is a useful tool for directing light exactly where you want it. If you’re looking for a more dramatic, controlled effect, a softgrid will help focus the light more tightly, creating a more defined look.
4. Light Stands and Mounting Equipment
You’ll need sturdy light stands to hold your lights and modifiers in place. It’s important to invest in quality stands that can support the weight of your equipment and adjust to the right height and angle.
The Manfrotto 1004BAC Master Light Stand is a reliable choice. It’s durable and has a wide range of height adjustments, making it ideal for various studio setups. The stand is also easy to transport, which is perfect for photographers who need portability.
5 Key Lighting Setups for Different Types of Photography
Once you’ve gathered your equipment, it’s time to learn how to set up the lights. Depending on what you’re shooting, there are different lighting setups you can use. Here are some of the most common ones.
1. The Rembrandt Lighting Setup
Rembrandt lighting is a classic setup that creates dramatic, flattering light on your subject’s face. It’s named after the famous painter who often used this technique in his portraits.
To achieve this look, place your key light at a 45-degree angle from your subject, slightly above their eye level. The goal is to create a small triangle of light on the cheek opposite the light source.
Use a fill light to soften the shadows and a back light to add depth. This setup is ideal for portraiture, especially when you want to highlight the subject’s facial features.
2. The Butterfly Lighting Setup
Butterfly lighting, also known as paramount lighting, creates a soft, glamorous look. To achieve this effect, position the key light directly above and in front of your subject’s face, at a 45-degree angle.
The light should be pointed down to create a butterfly-shaped shadow under the nose. This setup is often used in beauty and fashion photography for its flattering and smooth look.
The fill light should be kept relatively low and soft, just enough to lift the shadows without overpowering the main light. This technique works best for subjects with symmetrical facial features.
3. The Split Lighting Setup
Split lighting is a more dramatic approach that splits the subject’s face into light and shadow. This is achieved by placing the key light at a 90-degree angle to the subject, so only half of the face is illuminated. The other half remains in shadow, creating a high-contrast look.
This setup is ideal for creating mood or when you want a more intense, mysterious feel in the shot. It’s often used in black-and-white portrait photography.
4. The Loop Lighting Setup
Loop lighting is similar to Rembrandt lighting but with a slightly softer shadow. To create loop lighting, place the key light at a 45-degree angle to the subject, but slightly higher.
This will create a small loop-shaped shadow under the nose, making the face appear more three-dimensional. It’s one of the most versatile setups and works well for a variety of subjects.
5. The Flat Lighting Setup
Flat lighting creates an even, shadow-free appearance. To achieve this, place your key light directly in front of the subject and close to the camera.
This results in very soft shadows, with minimal contrast. It’s often used in product photography, as it shows the details of the subject clearly.
Adjusting the Lighting for Different Subjects
Each type of photography has its own unique lighting needs. Here’s how you can adjust your setup for different subjects:
Portrait Photography
For portraits, you’ll want to use a soft, flattering light that highlights the subject’s features without creating harsh shadows. A softbox or umbrella paired with a moderate output strobe will work well for this type of shoot. The key light should be positioned at a 45-degree angle to the subject, and you can experiment with fill and back lights for added dimension.
Product Photography
When shooting products, the goal is to showcase the details clearly and evenly. A flat lighting setup is perfect for this, as it provides an even light without harsh shadows. Softboxes or umbrellas can help diffuse the light, while reflectors can fill in any unwanted dark spots.
Still Life Photography
Still life photography benefits from a more controlled lighting setup. To create depth, use a key light at a 45-degree angle and position your fill light lower to soften the shadows. A back light can also be used to add dimension to the objects in the scene.
Conclusion
Setting up lighting for studio photography doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the basics of lighting—key, fill, and back light—and using the right equipment, you can create professional-quality photos with ease.
With the proper lighting gear, such as the Godox AD200Pro, Westcott 43” Optical White Satin Umbrella, and Manfrotto 1004BAC Master Light Stand, you’ll be ready to take your studio photography to the next level.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different setups until you find what works best for you and your subjects.
With time, you’ll gain a better understanding of how light shapes your images and how to make it work for your vision.