Lighting basics are all about the 'rudimentary' techniques that photographers use to light their photographs. While this often includes basic artificial lighting techniques, it is not in any way *restricted* to questions about artificial lighting.
19
votes
3answers
7k views
What is butterfly lighting, and when do I use it?
I often hear the term 'Butterfly Lighting' used when discussing high-fashion and glamor photography. How do I set up Butterfly Lighting, and when do I use it?
10
votes
1answer
2k views
What lighting effects do the various surfaces of a 5-way reflector produce?
I have a '5 Way Reflector' that I want to use in my photography, which includes the following 5 options:
Gold reflective
Silver reflective
Gold/silver alternating pattern reflective
White
...
47
votes
4answers
28k views
What is Rembrandt lighting, and when do I use It?
I often hear studio photographers talk about 'Rembrandt Lighting' when they're setting up lights and doing studio portrait photography. What is Rembrandt Lighting, and when do I use it?
6
votes
1answer
409 views
What is the difference between active and passive fill light?
What is the difference between an active and a passive fill light? I have an assignment that states to "use active or passive fill light" in a picture, but I need some clarification to understand what ...
104
votes
7answers
11k views
What are the best techniques for photographing overweight people?
I'm not the most lean person on the planet, and many pictures seem to really point this out. While I wish I was simply in better shape, it is simply not the case for me or unfortunately, many ...
14
votes
1answer
5k views
What is split portrait lighting?
Ok, so I got interested enough in the other lighting setups, what is split portrait lighting and when is it appropriate to use?
5
votes
4answers
278 views
What lighting equipment to purchase for under $50?
I'm an enthusiastic beginner with Canon 550D, shooting both stills and videos, indoors and outdoors.
My biggest problem is strong shades and insufficient light when photographing people. I figured ...
2
votes
1answer
467 views
Broad and short lighting: is one more flattering for female portraits? for male?
This question explains broad and short lighting. Could those with portrait experience confirm (or refute) something I've read, which is short lighting tends to be more flattering to females ...
61
votes
1answer
5k views
In portrait photography, what is 'broad' lighting? What is 'short' lighting?
What are 'broad' and 'short' lighting when it comes to studio portraiture, and when should I use each?
7
votes
4answers
271 views
How do I start using a hotshoe flash?
I've just been given a Sigma EF-500 DG ST flash unit. I've not really had much experience using flash. How can I get started? Are there any good learning resources?
37
votes
18answers
3k views
What are common beginner mistakes in photography?
What are common mistakes seen in images taken by beginning photographers?
For example, a friend of mine pointed out that the horizon was not straight in one of my images, and now I see it ...
14
votes
2answers
1k views
What does it mean for light to be soft or hard?
I've heard of "soft lighting" and "hard lighting". What do these mean? How can I control how soft a light is?
6
votes
1answer
2k views
What is a loop lighting pattern?
I've seen several references to a loop lighting pattern, often in the context of portraiture lighting.
What is meant by the term?
12
votes
1answer
5k views
What are standard lighting setups for 2-3 people?
What are some standard lighting setups for two or three people in a group? I just can't think of non-complicated setups that would apply some previously discussed (short, broad, butterfly, split, ...
7
votes
3answers
3k views
What is clamshell lighting, and when should it be used?
I've heard of Clamshell Lighting. What is it, and when should it be used?
14
votes
2answers
4k views
What is a kicker?
In lighting, what is a kicker and when should I use it? (And is it any different from hair light?)
