How to Use Umbrella Lights During Studio Photography
Umbrella lights are necessary to create great portraits when shooting in a studio setting by diffusing light through a strobe. Shooting with an umbrella light softens the harsh tones that create unwanted shadows. Placement of the lighting is the key factor when using umbrella lighting.
- Set your key light at a 45-degree angle approximately four to five feet in front of your subject. You will have to experiment with your space to figure out exactly the right footage. Once you are sure of your light placement, it is helpful to mark the spot for future reference.
- Place your fill light. This will be the light you place closest to your subject. The light has to be set at eye level. It will show the life of your subject by emphasizing their eyes.
- Set the hair light behind and above your subject. Do this by watching how the light shines on the subject's hair. If they have dark hair you will need to bring it close to their head. Then you will adjust it back until you see the hair lighten.
- Meter the light. There are two ways to do this. If you are using the auto focus, you will push your button down half way and allow the focus to set itself. If you prefer to manually set your camera, leave the ISO the way it is and adjust your aperture setting and your shutter priority. The camera will adjust or meter the light accordingly. The common light ratio is 3:1. Choose the lighting you feel works best for your particular settings.
- Turn the lights off.
- To test the meter you will now turn the key light on, Fire the strobe directly in front of the light meter of your key light. Watch fro the reading and take note of it. Then turn the other lights on noting the meters as you do.
- Test your results and adjust if the results are not what you want.
Experience and familiarity with your camera and the lights will produce the results you are expecting.