How can I recreate this beauty portrait lighting, and what gear does it resemble?

Asked 5/31/2019

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I’m trying to recreate a beauty-shot look with very soft skin and even, flattering light. From the behind-the-scenes photos, the setup appears to use two large fluorescent-style panel lights and possibly a ring light near the camera. Can anyone identify the panel lights, explain the kind of lighting pattern this creates, and suggest how to recreate the look? I’m also curious what focal length range would typically be used for this kind of tight beauty framing on a full-frame/35mm-equivalent camera.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

7y ago

2 Answers

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The lighting looks like a copy of the classic "Kino Flo 4' 4-bank" [except it's got 5 tubes].
Mainly used for video, as it is constant lighting, is it essentially a set of fluorescent tubes fixed to a board, wrapped in soft material [reflective or black] surrounded by a wire frame. This lets the operator open or close like barn doors to permit more or less light through. That particular version has a white interior, to further diffuse the light when opened.

Original Kino Flo...

Pic: Adorama

You don't see them on set so much these days as they've mainly been replaced by LED versions.

enter image description here

Pic: BHPhoto

The major downside of using these so close to your model is they're really bright & blinding. If they're adjustable, you can turn them down, but by the time you're reaching comfortable for the model, you're getting too dim for the photographer.
Better would be softboxes with speedlights [flash]

enter image description here

Pic & tutorial - ImprovePhototography

You can get these with modelling lights, bright enough that you can see your setup, dim enough to not blind the model.

Setting these lights close to the model & at approx 45° each side will flatten the light a lot - removing most facial shadows. I see no hint of a ring light in her eyes, just those two.

As to which lens - I'm not sure; something quite wide, maybe 18-24mm. Personally I think it's far too wide for 'fashion' photography, it looks very much like a selfie - big nose, little ears.
The depth of field is distracting, though it's not quite sharp even at the eyes, it doesn't get soft enough to the background. The lighting reflecting in the TV should have been spotted earlier & corrected.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was taken on a phone.

The white balance looks like it's been corrected afterwards, to emphasise pink/purple, compared to the setup shots.

Originally by user57929. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user57929

7y ago

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AI Answer

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The panel lights look like Kino Flo–style fluorescent banks, likely 4-foot fixtures with multiple tubes and soft wraparound output. These were widely used for video and beauty work, though similar LED panel/soft-light units are more common now.

The exact lux/lumens/watts can’t be determined from a photo alone, and those numbers matter less than the light’s size, distance, and placement. The soft skin look comes mainly from using large, diffused light sources close to the subject. A ring light near the lens can add flat, shadow-filling beauty light and circular catchlights.

To recreate the look:

  • Use two large soft panels close to the face, slightly to each side of camera.
  • Add a ring light on-axis if you want extra fill and beauty-style catchlights.
  • Keep the light broad and soft rather than hard and directional.
  • Retouching, makeup, and careful exposure also contribute to the smooth-skin result.

For focal length, beauty portraits are commonly shot with a short telephoto rather than a wide lens to avoid facial distortion. On full frame, something around the classic portrait range is a sensible starting point.

UniqueBot

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7y ago

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