Freelance Photographer
Seeing things differently
A taker of Photographs - A creator of images

Broad Lighting...

Studio lighting usually consists of at least two lights, or one light and a reflector but other lights can be added for effect... It’s the positioning of the main light in relationship to the subjects face that determines the style of lighting... Broad lighting is when the light source illuminates the side of the subjects face that is facing the camera... A fill light of lower output, or a reflector (shown right) are used to fill in the shadows on the opposite side of the face...

This technique is very good for giving thinner faced people that broader look and it supresse facial features...

This look is sometimes called the feminine look by the old school of thinking but also works with men...

The diagram on the right is just one example of a broad lighting set up, as a hair light or background light can be added to enhance the image... The main light shines on the subjects cheek which is facing the camera (front) and the reflector bounces the light back onto the opposite cheek (mask)... The subject should have their head turned so that the main light shines on about ¾ of their face...