3 Basic Lighting Setups for Great Photos

So, you have some great photography lighting equipment but you aren’t sure how to best use it. Or, you’re still looking for photography lighting equipment, but you don’t know what you need for what you’ll be doing. Don’t sweat it! In this article, we’ll be looking 3 basic lighting setups for great photos that you can use to help you get the best pictures that you can snap.

1. Paramount lighting.  Paramount lighting is a style of lighting setup that is used with females due to the high cheekbones and good skin tones that are focused on – it makes men look hollow. The main light is high and directly in front of the subject’s face, the filler light is under the main light, and the overhead light opposite the main light should only hit the hair, not the forehead or face. This creates a very “highlighted” look and can make some amazing portraits.

2. Rembrandt Lighting. The Rembrandt Lighting setup makes a small highlight on the shadowed cheek of the person you’re photographing. The main light is down and to the side of the subject. The overhead lights are closer to the subject, and the background light should be put overhead. This creates highlights on the cheeks that make the eyes and cheekbones stand out on the subject – it’s more commonly used in males, but females are also featured.

3. Profile Lighting. Profile lighting provides a very stunning look that focuses on the features of the subject’s face. As suggested by the name, the subject’s face will be turned 90 degrees from the camera. It makes the features on the subject’s face look more elegant. The main light is placed behind the subject so that it makes the face “pop” out in the image. The hair and neck will also stand out, which means you need to be careful how the main light is positioned. The background light is positioned to the side of the subject, depending on how they are sitting and what way their head is tilted.

So what sort of setup will you use? What are you looking for in your studio that will make it different than other photography studios? How will you setup your room so that you can get the best portraits and pictures with your lighting setup? Most setups call for anywhere from 3 to 5 lights, so consider that when you’re setting up your studio. 

Setups are quite simple to do without a lot of hassle and strain on what you are already doing. They can be placed in different areas of the room and not take up any space if you do it correctly. There are a variety of photography lights out there to choose from, and each of them have their own pros and cons when it comes to whether you should use them or not. Do your research and determine which lights you want to purchase and what sorts of setups you are going to use.

If you’re looking for a great place to buy photography lighting equipment, consider TheLAShop. They have all of the photography lighting equipment that you will ever need, and they will help you choose exactly what you need for your studio or other purposes. Check out The LA Shop today.