Photographers use umbrellas to create a softer light source.
Used to create expensive-looking photographs without costly equipment, photographic umbrellas are made of translucent material designed to soften, or diffuse, an artificial light source. Using an umbrella for lighting a photograph involves attaching a light to a tripod stand designed to supports both light fixture and the umbrella. The light is then directed at the subject through the inside of the umbrella, illuminating the subject in a more flattering way than possible with an undiffused light source. (See Reference 1 for all steps.)
Instructions
1. Set up the lights and attach the umbrellas to the light stands according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Arrange the main, or 'key" light at a 45 degree angle on either side of your subject. If your subject, either a person or object, has an exceptionally strong feature on one side, place the key light to the side of the subject strong feature. Conversely, if the subject has a weaker feature on one side, such as a person's face with a scar, place the main light to the opposite side of the weak feature.
3. Place the main light approximately four feet away from the subject. Optimal distance can vary slightly, up to 12 inches, based on the strength of the light, so follow the light manufacturer's recommendations based on the wattage of the light bulbs. Adjust the pole of the light stand so the main light is approximately 35 degrees above your subject.
4. Set up the fill light so it is directly in front of the subject and level with the top of the object, such as a vase of flowers. If shooting portraits, the fill light should be placed level with the subject eyes.
5. Place the backlight so it is directly behind the subject, and raise the backlight to a 45 degree angle, above the subject. If shooting portraits, you will need to adjust the angle of the backlight according to the color of the subject's hair, from 360 degrees, directly above, to 90 degrees, directly behind the subject. As a general rule, the darker the subject's hair, the higher the light should be. For example, a subject with black hair would have the light placed almost directly overhead, whereas the light would set behind a subject with light blond hair.
6. Adjust the distance of the fill and backlights. The standard light settings for portrait work is a 3:1 ratio, meaning the main light is three times the intensity of the fill light and backlight. Since not all cameras are equipped with light meters, the simplest method is to set the distance of the secondary lighting with a tape measure.
7. Determine the distance for the fill and backlights by multiplying the distance of the key light to the subject by three. For example, if using the standard four-foot distance for the key light, set the fill and backlights 12 feet from the subject. Alternately, if there is not enough room to move the secondary lights 12 feet from the subject, reduce the wattage of the bulb in the fill and backlights. For example, if you are using a 150-watt bulb in the main light, use a 50-watt bulb in the secondary lights, and place the light stands at the same distance from the subjects.
8. Place your subject in position and turn on the three lights. Set the electronic sending units for the flash on the cameras hot shoe according to the manufacturer's instructions, if using strobes and if so equipped. If using constant lighting fixtures, set the exposure for the shot by placing the subject in the center of your lens. For best results, place the camera on a tripod when shooting indoors.
Tags: main light, fill backlights, your subject, behind subject, fill light, from subject, light source
