LIGHTING GUIDE Master professional portrait lighting with these 20 essential studio setups

REMBRANDT WITH A PORTALITE SOFTBOX REMBRANDT THROUGH AN UMBRELLA REMBRANDT WITH A HONEYCOMB GRID REMBRANDT WITH A SILVER UMBRELLA

KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, Stand, one Portalite Softbox one Clip-lock Stand, one 16cm Reflector, one Clip-lock Stand, one 18cm Reflector one Clip-lock Stand, one 16cm Reflector, Position the light high and to the side to one Shoot-through Umbrella with Honeycomb one Silver Umbrella create a triangle on the model’s cheek. The Position the light high and to the side as with Position the light in the same manner as the Position the light in the same manner as the shadow of the nose should point towards the the ‘Rembrandt with a Portalite Softbox’ previous ‘Rembrandt’ techniques; the light previous ‘Rembrandt’ techniques. The light edge of the lips. The Portalite creates a soft setup. The light is slightly less contrasty, through the honeycomb grid is stronger and bouncing from the silver umbrella is more directional effect. because the light is less directional more dramatic. The grid makes it very easy direct and wraps around the features of the and there is always some reflection to direct the light on to the model and away face yet still creates the shadow from the from the studio surroundings. from the background, which becomes dark. nose towards the mouth.

REMBRANDT SHORT REMBRANDT BROAD SPLIT SPLIT WITH FILL

KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stand, one Portalite Softbox, one Use the principles of ‘Rembrandt’ lighting Use the principles of ‘Rembrandt’ lighting Position a light to one side of the model in small reflector to create the triangle of light on the face. to create the triangle of light on the face. such a way that no light spills onto the other Position a light to one side of the model in Position the model’s head at an angle and Position the model’s head at an angle and side of the face, with a shadow line running such a way that no light spills onto the far light it from the left side, so the side of the light it from the right side, so the side of the down the centre. We’ve used a softbox here, side of the face, with a shadow line running face closer to the camera falls into shade. face closest to the camera is lit. but any of the light modifiers would work. down the centre. Position a reflector on the opposite side to bounce light back into the face and fill some of the shadows.

SPLIT/SHORT SPLIT/BROAD KEY WITH A CLOSE PORTALITE SOFTBOX KEY WITH A FAR AWAY PORTALITE SOFTBOX

KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stand, one Portalite Softbox Use the ‘Split’ technique with no light spilling Use the ‘Split’ technique with no light spilling Position the softbox above and to one side of Position the softbox above and to one side onto one side of the face and pose the model onto one side of the face and pose the model the model for a classic ‘Rembrandt’ effect. of the model for a classic ‘Rebrandt’ effect. so that her head is at an angle. Position the so that her head is at an angle. Position the Place the softbox half a metre away, this This time place the softbox two metres or light so that the far (short) side is lit and the light so that the near (broad) side is lit and will create softer shadows. Look at the soft more away; this will create more defined rest of the face is in shadow. the rest of the face is in shadow. shadow from the nose. Notice also shadows. Look how hard the shadow from the darkened background, also due to the nose is. the Portalite being closer.

LOOP BUTTERFLY FLAT LIGHT CLAMSHELL

KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: Two D-lite RX4 heads, two Clip-lock KIT: Two D-lite RX4 heads, two Clip-lock Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stands, two Portalite Softboxes Stands, two Portalite Softboxes This setup is similar to ‘Rembrandt’, but Position one light above and directly in line Use a second D-lite Strobe and Portalite This is a great beauty setup. Position one rather than creating a closed triangle of light with the centre of the subject’s face. Notice softbox for this setup and position both softbox slightly above the model in the on the unlit cheek, the shadow from the nose how there’s an even shadow under the nose. lights (each set to the same power and the centre and angled downwards and one should create a loop pointing towards the It’s best if this shadow doesn’t reach all the same angle) either side of the model at head slightly below, also in the centre but angled corner of the mouth. way down to the upper lip. height. This will give a very even light. Notice upwards. A boom arm to support the top the lack of shadows. light is useful but not essential.

Studio lighting simplified LOOP WITH A BACKGROUND LIGHT LOOP WITH A RIM LIGHT For your success… THE ELINCHROM D-LITE RX 4/4 PORTALITE KIT FREE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS INCLUDED For a limited time purchase any Elinchrom D-lite RX or BRX Kit and receive a voucher for free annual membership to The Photographer Academy worth £49. Plus, a voucher 8 worth £100 off a £200 Lighting Workshop with Mark Cleghorn Photography Training! www.thephotographeracademy.com 1 FREE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT INCLUDED Join the award-winning Aspire Photography Training team with a KIT: Two D-lite RX4 heads, two Clip-lock KIT: Two D-lite RX4 heads, two Clip-lock 12-month complimentary subscription to their online business Stands, one Portalite Softbox Stands, one Portalite Softbox, one 18cm Use a simple ‘Loop’ or ‘Rembrandt’ setup Reflector with Honeycomb Grid development programmes. Plus, a voucher worth £100 towards and position a second light behind the Use a simple ‘Loop’ or ‘Rembrandt’ setup, any seminar of your choice! model, pointing at the background. Adjust but add a second light with an 18cm Reflector www.aspirephotographytraining.co.uk the strength and angle of the flash to vary and Grid attached (or use a snoot) placed the intensity and the gradient of the light behind the model. Angle the D-lite precisely, 2 on the background. using the modelling light so that the light catches the edge of the model’s hair. BROCHURES AND DOWNLOADS

5 3 HIGH KEY KEY AND FILL

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www.theflashcentre.com/downloads KIT: Two D-lite RX4 heads, KIT: Two D-lite RX4 heads, two Clip-lock two Clip-lock Stands, one Portalite Stands, two Portalite Softboxes Softbox, one Pop-up Reflector Set a key light above the subject and at a 45 Use one D-lite with the Softbox as your key degree angle to create a basic ‘Loop’ setup. THE FLASH CENTRE, LIGHTING YOUR WAY… light and a large silver reflector to bounce Position a second light in a lower position 2x D-LITE 4 HEADS 1x TUBE BAG light back into the face. To make the and to the other side of the model, reduce its 1 400 Ws strobes with modelling lamps and 5 Carry and store your heads etc background completely white, place the power to roughly half that of your key light. built-in radio receivers second D-lite behind the model, point it at 2x HEAD CAPS the backdrop and use a higher power setting. 2x CLIP LOCK STANDS 6 Protect your strobes when not in use 2 Three sections extending to 2.3m, quick and easy to use 1x 16cm REFLECTOR 7 Very useful when using umbrellas or SKYPORT TRANSMITTER as an accessory on its own 3 Fits to the hotshoe of your camera giving wireless synchronisation and remote control 2x PORTALITE SOFTBOXES 8 Made with the same quality material 1x STAND BAG as the Elinchrom Rotalux range, giving 4 Carry and store your stands and accessories great light performance

GREY D-LITE D-LITE STROBE D-LITE STROBE D-LITE STROBE SILVER EL SHOOT EL SILVER BACKGROUND STROBE WITH 18CM WITH SNOOT WITH PORTALITE POP-UP THROUGH UMBRELLA Follow us on Twitter Join us on Facebook The Flash Centre Blog WITH 16CM REFLECTOR SOFTBOX REFLECTOR UMBRELLA REFLECTOR AND GRID @TheFlashCentre www.facebook.com/ www.theflashcentre. FlashCentre com/blog