What lighting setup do I need to create a self-portrait like this?
Asked 11/2/2015
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I’m new to photography and have a Canon EOS 100D. I’d like to make a self-portrait similar to the example image, with soft directional light on the face and gentle shadow fill. I already understand I may need a tripod and a way to trigger the camera remotely. What lighting setup and positioning would I need to recreate this look as closely as possible?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
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This is very easily achievable with just natural window light from the left and a big white reflector on the right. The window can be replaced with one softbox of a minimum size of 60cmx40cm. This will give you the larger catch light in the eyes to the left and the smaller to the right.
- Position the chair so that when you sit, you are looking at the far right corner of the window with the window to your left
- Ensure the chair is lower than the window or softbox, so that the light hits the top left side of your forehead first and travels downwards across your face. use cardboards or curtains to control the amount of light coming in from the window when falling behind the chair.
- Position a large white cardboard to the right of your face. enough so that it is not in the camera’s view low enough and tilted back slightly so that it reflects light back up and falls off just at the ear. this will keep the top right of the hair dark.
- An office flipboard will do nicely
- Position an office divider about 4 to 6 feet behind the chair. perpendicular to the window. (90 Degree Angle) creates a great backdrop. As the light falling from a window or softbox will be directionally controlled diagonally, the background will be somewhat darker on top and lighter towards the bottom. However, in the picture attached, it seems that the subject may have been cut and pasted on a grey background which has been created separately for the purpose of the overall effect. Alternatively, it may be a large grey backdrop with controlled lighting but still manipulated in software.
- Place the camera directly opposite side of the back screen, about 8 feet or so from the chair or further depending on the lens you are using.
- Place a dummy subject on the chair and manually focus ( you don't want the camera to autofocus and lose your the subject whilst taking the actual image.
- If you are unfamiliar with Manual exposure, use the AV mode and use an Aperture and focal length to ensure that the hair on the left side of your head to the crease on the your right arm are in focus and thats it. The aim has to be to make the background blur as much as possible whilst these 2 points are sharp.
- When you sit on the chair facing the far right corner of the window, cross your right leg over the left and place your right hand over the left
- Turn your head towards the camera with a very slight twist of your left shoulder
- Tilt your head slightly to the left
- Smile and click!
Originally by user34085. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user34085
10y ago
0
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You likely don’t need a very complex setup. Based on the example, the look can be achieved with soft light from camera left and some fill on the right.
A simple approach:
- Use a large window on your left as the main light, or a softbox if window light isn’t available.
- Place the light slightly higher than your face so it falls from upper left downward.
- Add a large white reflector or white board on the right to bounce light back and soften shadows.
- Keep the chair or subject position so you’re turned slightly toward the light.
- Control spill from the window with curtains or boards if needed.
A more elaborate option is a 3-light setup:
- Main softbox for the face
- Reflector or second light for shadow fill
- Separate background light if you want to shape the background tone independently
The key is a large, soft main light and gentle fill, not lots of gear. Study the catchlights in the eyes: a large one on the left and smaller fill on the right suggest exactly that.
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