Clamshell lighting is one of the most classic and commonly used setups for portrait photography, and when done right, it can produce eye-catching and flattering results. If you have not used it before, check out this great video tutorial that will show you how to create a proper clamshell setup for portraiture.
Coming to you from John Gress, this excellent video tutorial will show you how to create a clamshell lighting setup for portrait photography. The setup is so named because it places two lights at 45-degree angles, one facing up and one facing down, mimicking the shape of a clamshell (it can also be done with a light above and a reflector below). The overhead light is the key and is typically something like a beauty dish. The bottom light serves as fill to soften the shadows of the overhead light. This creates flattering light with soft features and a noticeable double catchlight. Clamshell lighting is a very versatile setup and one every portrait photographer should know. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Gress.
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!"
6 Comments
"noticeable double catchlight" One of my least favorite things to see in a portrait or beauty shot.
Hey, Alex, I think that lead image was supposed to be an embed video:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhIhDzwB77A)
Oh heck. Thank you!
I always found it easier and less "overlit" to use a fill card. ¯\_ (ツ)_/¯
But I am not a huge fan of the Hurley tri light surround either.
Traditionally I've always use a reflector, but I think I'll give the 2-light method a try.
And advantage to the reflector is that any change to the key light power is automatically balanced by the reflector - so it might suit a session when I'm shooting lots of peoples' headshots.
But often the reflector doesn't give me enough power when used a distance away, and also this method allows me to place the light source more under the key light, (which mya not ordinarily receive enough light to bounce.
Always nice to try new tricks. An excellent, concise video. (And just got to love the light from that Demi - although the model's face helps a lot for those soft contours :) )
I prefer a reflector down below the subject.