What to do - two umbrella lights

[maxness]

Hi all,

I have two refelective umbrella lights that I've only used twice before. They are equallly powered and use 300W daylight fluorescent bulbs.

My question is how should I position them when taking portraits? When I had used them previously I put them an equal distance to the side of the camera and at a 45 degree angle to the subjects. I will be taking my 5 year old's pictures this weekend and would like to know the best arrangement.

I've started a photography business to supplement my income and to give me a job I enjoy doing as opposed to the job I have that pays the bills. I really want to learn how to do these things correctly and I know that I will get excellent advice from the people here.

TIA.

[natek313]

Honestly, it's really up to you and what look you want. I attached a couple of diagrams of lighting setups that I have used.

You may want to do a little searching online on the subject as well. There are several sites that give good information and visual aids to show how different lighting setups affect the exposure.

Hope this helps.

[maxness]

Nate,

Thanks for the reply. The first image was the setup I actually used. I'll give the second setup a try. I feel like my lighting is making a flatly lit image so looking for some new ideas.

Thanks.

[LeeR]

I suspect you will like the second set up a lot better. The first one, the one you tried, tends to produce very flat lighting. The second will do a much better job of creating a 3 dimensional effect. You may want to back up the umbrella to the right of the subject to that it works more like a fill light. Truth is, you are going to have to do a lot of experimenting to find a great combination; but once you do, it will serve you well.

[Cam Monroe]

Linked is an article that taught me some great basic lighting when I got my first lights.


Studio Lighting Techniques:
Studio Lighting Techniques