Effective portrait lighting isn't about sticking to strict rules or imitating standard setups. Knowing when and why to adjust your lighting approach directly influences your results, making your portraits feel genuine and expressive.
Coming to you from Tim Kelly's Master Photo Techniques and Susan Torregrosa, this practical video explores how to handle lighting setups naturally, breaking from the habit of always positioning your main lights on the left. Torregrosa explains clearly why varying the placement of lights can better highlight your subject's natural features. By adapting your setup based on your model's pose and facial structure rather than following preset standards, you can achieve portraits that look both intentional and relaxed. The tutorial emphasizes broad lighting to enhance facial features naturally, without overwhelming shadows or overly dramatic effects.
The video also stresses the value of subtle adjustments in posing, such as minor head tilts or chin positioning, which significantly enhance your subject's appearance. Torregrosa demonstrates this effectively by guiding the model through simple directional prompts that lead to more flattering results. The balance between spontaneity and careful direction in Torregrosa's approach helps portraits look authentic rather than overly posed. She highlights the importance of noticing small details, like the position of hands or the tilt of the head, to create a cohesive, visually pleasing composition.
Throughout the session, Torregrosa shifts seamlessly between different lighting tools, explaining briefly why certain modifiers or angles suit particular looks. Her casual yet deliberate approach reinforces the concept that good portrait lighting is flexible, responsive, and tailored specifically to each scenario. You’ll appreciate how she keeps the interaction engaging, directing Kelly naturally to maintain comfort and expression, which is often overlooked in rigid studio setups. Observing how Torregrosa addresses real-time adjustments, such as repositioning lighting slightly for a more flattering angle, offers valuable insights into refining your own portrait workflow.
Torregrosa also provides practical advice on composition, demonstrating how subtle elements like background textures or props can significantly enhance the overall visual impact of your images. Without complicating his process, he shows that effective lighting and composition often rely on simple, mindful choices rather than elaborate setups. Watching this technique in action encourages a more thoughtful approach to your own portrait sessions, particularly emphasizing the effectiveness of a restrained, focused setup. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
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!"
