In the world of portrait photography, lighting plays a crucial role in creating captivating and visually appealing images. While the key light takes the spotlight as the primary light source, the second light in a portrait lighting setup has its own important roles to play. In this video lecture, I discuss how a two-light flash portrait setup works.
The Roles of a Second Light
Although the key light is responsible for the primary illumination of the subject, the second light can serve multiple purposes. One of its key roles is that of a fill light. As the key light casts shadows on the opposite side of the subject, the fill light helps fill in those shadows, reducing contrast and creating a more balanced look.
The second light can also be used as an accent light, such as a hair light or rim light, to separate the subject from the background. By strategically placing the second light, you can highlight the contours of the subject, add dimension, and create interest in the image.
Background lights also offer an exciting opportunity to enhance the overall composition of the image. By illuminating the backdrop, photographers can achieve different effects, from clean white backgrounds to gradations or even adding color effects using gels or patterns.
Learn more about lighting with the Flash Photography for Portraits Course.
Looking forward to reading your book.
I have several of your books on flash photography, starting with “100 % Reliable Flash Photography”. I have been pleased with all your books and videos.
Thanks so much, Don!