Soft adjustment light distribution method in portrait photography

Soft-tone portrait lighting is a uniform lighting method with the overall tone of middle color. This kind of light distribution basically uses several lamps and several reflector plates to make the light direct, diffuse and reflect to the subject to the maximum extent.

In order to achieve a uniform, comprehensive and soft tone and beautify the lighting effect of the subject, three indoor photographic lights and some reflectors are generally used.

Use two 300-watt large flexible spotlights side by side in front of the subject, which should be at an angle with the subject and the aluminum-plated reflector installed on the bracket in front of him. So this light distribution can achieve a uniform lighting effect, which is to maximize the intensity of reflected light. Therefore, reflector is a key part of light distribution. The lantern should be held high and placed to the left of the subject, just behind his head. Some mirrors can be placed at the back and sides of the object to increase the reflection.

When shooting, first turn on the two soft light spotlights in front of the shooting object, adjust the angle to make them evenly illuminate the shooting object, and at the same time make the aluminum-plated reflector in front of the shooting object reflect the maximum amount of light upwards. Put a reflector behind the subject, and the example on the left also puts a long white cylindrical reflector. Then, the lighting lamp is set and raised to produce strong and uniform illumination on the left shoulder of the subject. This light should also be high enough to directly hit the reflector installed on the bracket in front of the subject. Move your hands back and forth on each reflective surface to check the reflective effect: after the exposure is finally determined, you can start shooting.