What are the lighting methods for indoor portrait photography? What is the effect of each?

Indoor portrait photography generally needs a three-light area, and five lights is better if conditions permit.

First of all, to determine the light level of the main light, generally, auxiliary light should be used in the opposite direction and side direction of the main light, and the intensity and irradiation area should not exceed the main light, so it needs to be softer. Generally, the background light should be placed on the back of the subject, mainly to prevent the subject and the background from mixing together. This kind of light does not need to be too bright, and it can distinguish the background from the subject.

More specifically, headlights and eye lights. Headlights can also be called sidelights, which are more conducive to showing details and highlighting the main body. Looking at the front or side of the subject's eyes is mainly to make the eyes more spiritual and to make the subject have a better mental outlook.

Of course, it is not necessary to add a reflector in some places where light is needed, which depends on the specific situation.

As for the effect, the side is completely determined by the main light, and how the main light hits is what the effect is, and the auxiliary light can be slightly adjusted. Such as front light, back light, side light, top light, etc.