Saturday, April 20, 2013

Studio Backlighting with Continuous Lights

 
When I posted these black and white studio photos on my Jill Wellington Photography
Facebook page, several people contacted me to ask how I lit them.
I want to share the photography technique with you.
 
I love how her hair just ignites with the backlight,
yet the lighting on her face is soft and beautiful.
 
 
 
I have continuous lights in my little basement studio.
When shooting outdoors, I love backlighting in the sun,
So, I decided to set up the back light as if it
was the sun...nice and high "in the sky" to the right of my subject.
 
Then I used a reflector to bounce the light
back into the subject's face.
 
 
I also used a fan to blow her hair.
 
 
The key to the soft light on the face is using
a reflector rather than a harsh light.
 
  
 I really enjoyed experimenting with the
technique on my lovely daughter
with the long flowing hair.
 

The photos were also beautiful in color.
 
I loved capturing the "sun" haze.
 
 
 
 
Here's without the haze...such beautiful soft light!
No harsh shadows on the face.
 
 
I also tried adding a texture as a "wall" behind her and like this, too.
 
 
Try this technique if you have access to studio lighting!
 

11 comments:

  1. The lighting is awesome...love these shots! Thanks for showing us how you achieved the end result.

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  2. Divine portrait photography ~ love the veil effect and thanks for sharing the lighting process ~ ^_^ Happy Weekend.

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  3. Clever stuff and good results Jill. Me I point, shoot and hope for the best.

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  4. Exquisite backlit portraits with that beautiful, charming!

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  5. Beautiful portraits!
    I remember learning some of those techniques when I took a photography class in college. I was using a 35mm Minolta 101 if that tells you how long ago that was!
    Have a wonderful week-end!
    Lea
    Lea's Menagerie

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  6. Hi! I looked your posts. There are many beautiful photos. I am very impressed them very much. They are stunning beautiful.
    Wishing you a wonderful Sunday.

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  7. Thank you for sharing and paying it forward.
    What beautiful pictures (of both of you) - I can see where your daughter gets her looks.

    I have come to your site by way of the comment area on Leovi's site - which I adore.

    I have added myself as a follower - I look forward to looking around your blog. :)

    Jenny @ PEARSON REPORT

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  8. Lovely photos! I love backlighting.

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  9. Gorgeous lighting, and I love the use of the scarf!

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  10. wow... the lighting is just gorgeous for this beautiful girl! your photos are wonderful!! so happy you joined us 'in the studio'... hope you join again! :)

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