A lot of portrait photographers are scared of working with artificial lighting, but it is a skill that is well worth learning, as it will make you a more capable and versatile photographer and better enable you to realize all your creative visions (and those of your clients). If you are new to working with flash, check out this fantastic video tutorial that will show you a simple and highly effective one-light portrait photography setup.
Coming to you from Miguel Quiles, this great video tutorial will show you a simple one-light portrait photography setup. If you are new to working with artificial light, it really is important to start with a single source. It is important to build up both the knowledge of and intuition for the way light behaves, including things like fall-off, subject-to-source distance, modifier size, and more before you start working with more complex setups. In fact, you will likely find multi-light designs far less frustrating or intimidating once you are comfortable with working with a single light. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Quiles.
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!"
