Lighting can transform even the most boring locations into compelling, visually engaging scenes. You don’t need an elaborate setup or a perfectly styled space to create interesting photos. The secret lies in how you use light to add depth, atmosphere, and dimension to your shots.
Coming to you from Lindsay Adler Photography, this practical video walks you through how to turn a bland studio space into a vibrant, editorial-style setup. Adler begins with an empty wardrobe room—a flat, uninspiring environment. The space is equipped with a couch flush against a wall, overhead lights that cast flat illumination, and neutral tones that don’t add much character. Adler’s process starts by addressing these issues. She moves the subject away from the wall and positions her near a chair, creating more depth. She uses doorways and windows strategically to suggest a larger environment and introduces props like lamps to break up the monotony of the background. This method ensures the scene has layers and visual interest.
Lighting decisions are where this transformation comes alive. Adler uses a combination of RGB continuous lights to introduce dynamic color and mood. For overall illumination, she uses a Nanlite PavoSlim 120 light panel, adding a wash of blue to the scene to contrast against the warm tones from a lamp. The face of the subject is lit with a Nanlite Forza 60B, featuring a projection attachment to shape the light and create a focused, editorial effect. What makes this approach significant is how Adler manipulates color and texture. Warm tones contrast with cooler hues to create visual separation, while the careful placement of lights sculpts the subject and the space.
As Adler builds the scene, she layers more lighting elements to refine the composition. A Nanlite 60C adds warmth to a glass-paneled doorway, creating a sense of depth and intrigue. A PavoTube 4' tucked behind furniture introduces subtle highlights that further separate the subject from the background. Another tube light adds sparkle to the subject’s dress, enhancing its texture without overwhelming the frame. By focusing on small details, Adler demonstrates how lighting can guide the viewer’s attention while keeping the shot cohesive.
Adler also incorporates creative tools like the Smoke Ninja Pro, a handheld smoke machine. This adds atmosphere and volume to the light, creating dramatic beams and a cinematic haze. A Black Pro-Mist filter further enhances the mood, softening highlights and adding a subtle glow to light sources in the frame. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Adler.
If you would like to continue learning about how to light a portrait, be sure to check out "Illuminating The Face: Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley!"
