Understanding how to control and manipulate light can transform an ordinary photo into something extraordinary. This is especially important when shooting in challenging conditions or trying to achieve a specific look, where ambient light alone might not suffice.
Coming to you from Jiggie Alejandrino, this informative video dives into the nuances of lighting a subject in a way that adds dimension and drama to your photos. Alejandrino walks you through a live shoot, demonstrating how to use light to shape your subject and control the mood of the image. Instead of just relying on natural light, he shows how strategic use of artificial light can enhance the scene, making the subject pop against the background while maintaining a natural look.
One of the key takeaways from this video is the importance of lighting the short side of the subject. By focusing light on this area, Alejandrino creates a sense of depth, making the image more dynamic. He also emphasizes the importance of controlling highlights and shadows, showing how even small adjustments in light placement can significantly impact the final image. The idea is to balance the light so that the subject is illuminated in a flattering way, without washing out details or creating harsh shadows.
Throughout the shoot, Alejandrino makes a series of small, thoughtful adjustments—moving lights, repositioning the subject, and even adjusting props like plants to ensure the perfect composition. These tweaks highlight the importance of being mindful of every element in the frame, not just the lighting but also the background and how it interacts with the subject. The goal is to create an image that feels natural and effortless, even if it requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work to get there.
What stands out in Alejandrino’s approach is his focus on subtlety. He’s not trying to overpower the scene with light; instead, he uses it to complement the existing elements, enhancing them rather than replacing them. This method allows for a more balanced and natural-looking photo, where the subject stands out but still feels like part of the environment. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Alejandrino.
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!"
