1. Three Main Parts of Studio Lighting Studio lighting includes light sources (the actual lights), modifiers (tools that change how the light looks), and supports (stands that hold the equipment).
2. Types of Lights There are continuous lights, which stay on all the time, and strobe lights, which flash quickly when taking a photo. Strobes are more powerful and give better control.
3. Light Modifiers Tools like soft boxes, umbrellas, and reflectors help shape the light. They can make the light softer, reduce harsh shadows, or direct it to a specific spot.
4. Light Stands and Supports Lights need to be placed at the right height and angle. Stands and clamps hold the lights in place and keep them steady.
5. Three-Point Lighting Setup A common way to light a subject uses three lights: a main light, a second light to soften shadows, and a backlight to separate the subject from the background.
6. Key Light The main light is the brightest and most important. It shines on the subject and sets the overall brightness and mood.
7. Fill Light The fill light is placed on the opposite side of the key light. It softens shadows so they’re not too dark. 8. Backlight (Hair Light) This light is placed behind the subject to create a glow around them. It makes them stand out from the background.
9. Bright vs. Dark Lighting Styles, High key lighting is bright and even, used for happy or clean looks. Low key lighting is darker with strong shadows, used for dramatic or moody photos.
10. Butterfly Lighting, this setup places the light right above and in front of the subject, creating a small shadow under the nose that looks like a butterfly.