Basics of studio photography

Perfect lighting in the photo studio - a guide for beginners

The right lighting is at the heart of any successful studio photography. Without knowledge of the basics of lighting design, even the best photographic equipment cannot deliver the desired results. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about optimal lighting in the photo studio, from choosing the right light source to using different light shapers.

What do you need to know about the basic lighting situation in a photo studio?

The lighting in a photo studio depends heavily on the available light situation. Some studios have large windows through which daylight can enter. This can be very useful if you want to take natural portraits, for example, as daylight provides soft and natural lighting. However, daylight is not constant and varies depending on the time of day and weather conditions. In such cases, it is important to keep a constant eye on the lighting conditions. Dark shadows caused by harsh midday light can either be used for creative lighting design or brightened up with the help of reflectors and artificial light. If you prefer to work exclusively with artificial light, even with existing windows, in order to achieve constant lighting throughout the day, it can be useful to close the windows with curtains or blinds to avoid a mixed light situation of daylight and artificial light.

If your studio has no windows, you are completely dependent on artificial light. The advantage of artificial light is that you can precisely control the lighting conditions. Whether using flash or continuous light, artificial light gives you the opportunity to set the light in the way that best suits your subject. It is therefore important to know the different types of artificial light sources and how to use them optimally.

Which artificial light is suitable for studio photography?

The choice of the ideal light source depends on several factors. A distinction is made between flash light and continuous light.

Flash light is very powerful and enables very short exposure times, which is particularly advantageous when photographing moving subjects. This includes, for example, studio shots of athletes in motion or high-speed series in product photography. Another advantage is the high light output of flash units, which ensures sufficient exposure even with smaller apertures for a large depth of field.

Continuous light, on the other hand, has the advantage that you can assess the lighting conditions precisely before taking the picture. It is therefore particularly suitable for beginners and for situations in which constant lighting is required, such as when shooting video. In addition, continuous light is often less intense than flash light, which can be helpful in smaller studios or for close-ups. Continuous light is also suitable for shots with a wide-open aperture for selective focus, as it can be set weaker and is not dependent on flash sync times like flash.

When you use flash and when you use continuous light depends on the respective shooting situation. Flash is the better choice for dynamic scenes or when you need a high light output. Continuous light is ideal for quieter, constant lighting situations and video recordings.

How many light sources do you need for good lighting in the studio?

If you are working with window light, sunlight is often sufficient as the only light source. The situation is similar for simple portrait shots with artificial light. Here too, a single flash unit or a continuous light source can be completely sufficient. To achieve a natural effect, it is best to point the light source at the person in front of the camera from a slightly elevated position. This simulates the angle that we are normally used to from the sun. Very beautiful effects can be achieved with a targeted light source, such as the classic Rembrandt light in portraits, known for the striking triangle of light on the cheek.

As soon as the lighting becomes more complex, for example for group shots, when lighting larger sets or for product and advertising shots, the use of multiple light sources is essential. Multiple light sources make it possible to set a main light, a fill light, a background light and, if required, an accent light, thus achieving three-dimensional and harmonious lighting. Shadows can be specifically modeled and light edges can be set to highlight different areas of the subject.

What light shapers are available for artificial light and how are they used?

The choice of light shaper in studio photography has a major influence on the final image. Each light shaper has its own specific properties and is suitable for different applications.

Standard reflector

The standard reflector, often also called a normal reflector, is a simple, usually metallic light shaper that focuses the light forwards and directs it directly onto the subject. It produces a hard, directional light with strong shadows and clearly defined edges. These properties make the standard reflector ideal for situations where dramatic and high-contrast lighting is required.

Softbox with and without grid

A softbox is a cube-shaped or octagonal light shaper that distributes the light softly and evenly through one or two diffuser layers. Softboxes create soft shadows and reduce hard edges of light, which results in flattering lighting for portrait shots, for example. Softboxes are also often used in food photography to avoid harsh shadows.

A softbox is a cube-shaped or octagonal light shaper that distributes the light softly and evenly through one or two diffuser layers. Softboxes create soft shadows and reduce hard edges of light, which results in flattering lighting for portrait shots, for example. Softboxes are also often used in food photography to avoid harsh shadows.

Beauty dish

The beauty dish is a special light shaper that creates a mixture of soft and directional light. The flash or continuous light is reflected back into the light shaper by a small, centrally mounted reflector and from there is directed forwards via the large, reflective inside of the light shaper. The double reflection of the light creates a defined light with soft shadows, which is particularly suitable for beauty and fashion shots.

Umbrellas

Umbrellas are versatile light shapers that can be used as reflectors or diffusers. Reflector umbrellas reflect the light back onto the subject and create a soft light with a wide cone of light, while diffuser umbrellas scatter the light through a semi-transparent surface and thus enable very soft illumination.

Spot attachment for continuous light

A spot attachment concentrates the light on a small area and creates a strong, sharp cone of light. This enables targeted lighting and the highlighting of certain details in the subject. Spot attachments are sometimes supplied with plug-in masks, e.g. to simulate the shadow cast by a window frame or to give the light different geometric shapes. This makes spot attachments ideal for creative lighting design.

What other accessories can be used to direct and shape the light in the photo studio?

In addition to the light shapers for artificial light sources already mentioned, there are other accessories that can be used to direct light and achieve creative effects.

Folding reflectors and polystyrene

Reflectors are indispensable aids in the studio for controlling the light in shadow areas and achieving balanced illumination. A folding reflector is very flexible and can be quickly moved and bent into different positions to brighten up specific areas of the picture. Large polystyrene walls provide an even and diffuse reflection of light for full-body portraits, for example, but are rigid and are usually set upright on a base.

Diffuser

A diffuser is semi-translucent and is used to avoid harsh shadows. It is placed in front of the light source and diffuses the light evenly. Diffusers are ideal for portraits and close-ups as they create a very soft and pleasant light.

Color foils

You can use color foils to color the light and achieve creative color effects. The foils are stretched in front of the light source and create artistic effects.

Combination of different light shapers

Combining different light shapers in a light setup can significantly increase the quality and creativity of your shots, as you can create different lighting accents in this way.

Example of a combined light setup

• Main light:

  A softbox or beauty dish to illuminate the subject softly and evenly. This creates flattering ambient lighting.

• Fill light:

  A weaker artificial light with a softbox, a folding reflector or a large polystyrene plate to brighten up shadows and achieve a balanced light distribution.

• Background light:

  A spot attachment, a normal reflector or a light with a softbox to illuminate the background and achieve a depth effect.

• Accent light:

  A narrow softbox with a honeycomb grid to emphasize certain details on the face or clothing and add depth to the image.

Do artificial light lamps in the studio need a high light output?

Very powerful artificial light is primarily required when large areas need to be evenly illuminated or the subject is far away from the light source. This is the case, for example, when photographing in large studios or halls where the light has to travel a long distance to illuminate the subject. Powerful flash units or continuous lights are helpful here to ensure that sufficient light is available, even when working with a smaller aperture for a greater depth of field. Softboxes reduce the light intensity, so stronger light sources are sometimes required here too.

This is where a weaker light output is completely sufficient and can even be an advantage. In small studios or for close-ups such as in macro photography, a lower light output often makes more sense, as the light does not have to travel a long way and the risk of overexposure or overly harsh shadows is minimized. One example is portrait photography in a small studio, where the light sources are very close to the model. Here, weaker continuous lights or flash units provide pleasant, soft lighting that flatters the skin tones and does not dazzle the model in the shot. In food photography, too, it often makes more sense to work with a lower light output. The aim here is often to create a natural and inviting lighting mood that makes the food appear appetizing. Excessively strong light can lead to unnatural reflections and harsh shadows that detract from the overall picture. Instead, soft continuous lights or large softboxes are used to distribute the light evenly and softly.

What do I need to bear in mind with the bayonet of flash and continuous lights?

The bayonet is the interface between the light source and the light shaper. A universal and widely used bayonet system is the Bowens bayonet. This system offers a large selection of compatible light shapers and accessories from many different manufacturers, giving you great flexibility and many creative possibilities.

Other systems such as the Profoto or Elinchrom bayonet also offer high-quality options, but are often more expensive and less universally applicable. If you already own artificial light sources or would like to buy new artificial light sources for existing light shapers, always make sure that the bayonet systems are compatible when purchasing. In some cases, adapters are also available so that light shapers can be used on different bayonet systems.

What is the average cost of studio lighting?

The cost of lighting equipment can vary greatly depending on the quality and brand of the equipment. Entry-level sets with basic equipment, such as a flash unit or a continuous light lamp with softbox and tripod, are already available for around 300 to 500 euros.

Professional equipment such as high-quality flash systems with several flash heads, powerful continuous lights and various light shapers can cost several thousand euros. Additional accessories such as reflectors, diffusers and color foils increase the total cost. It is important to carefully consider your needs and budget and, if necessary, invest in stages in order to gradually assemble high-quality equipment.

Conclusion

Lighting in the photo studio is an art in itself that requires a lot of practice and experience. However, with the right basics and the right equipment, you can achieve impressive results. Whether daylight or artificial light, flash or continuous light, with the right light shapers and accessories you can master any lighting situation. Invest in good equipment, learn the techniques and give your creativity free rein - then nothing will stand in the way of great studio shots.