Tips for Lighting People

Harsh light is not flattering; soft light creates a warmer feel.

Avoid strong nose shadows or any strong contrast on the face. Place the key light on the same side as the camera and fill the shadows.

Avoid reflections from glasses. You may need to adjust the position of the subject and/or lights to do this.

Beware bald heads — they can reflect a lot of light and appear over-exposed. Try weakening or softening the light with a diffusion gel.

Soft light and diffusion helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

See also:

• Tips: Lighting Safety
• More Lighting Tutorials