Front, Back, and Overhead Lighting Tips | Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey

Many factors can influence the results of a studio portrait session, but perhaps the biggest one is the lighting position. With the power of flash, it’s normal to completely overpower the room lights, so where you position the flash becomes even more critical.

In this video, photographer Gavin Hoey guides you through three basic lighting positions and shares some inspirational images for each. Starting with the classic and most versatile choice of front light, Gavin shows how it can create soft-lit portraits with minimal shadows. Or, by slightly moving the light to the side, you can add depth with some soft, subtle shadows.

Next, Gavin lifts the light overhead using a C-Stand, grip arm, and, most importantly, a sandbag for stability. This light position needs some knowledge on how to pose a model for incredible light in their eyes, but as Gavin shows, it’s worth doing.

Finally, Gavin places the softbox behind the model for dramatic backlight. Although this is potentially the most limiting of light positions, it also offers the most creative portrait ideas of the three lighting positions.

Gavin Hoey is a freelance photographer, writer, and trainer of all things photographic. Gavin has a real passion for sharing his photography and Photoshop knowledge. In 2008, he started recording and uploading video tutorials to YouTube. His work is regularly featured in photography magazines, websites, and videos.

Video Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:46 Camera settings for flash
1:31 Setting up a front light
2:28 Move the front light
2:55 Photo Session with front flash
3:45 Overhead light safety
4:41 Problems with overhead light
5:55 Photo Session with overhead flash
6:34 Backlight problems and solutions
7:40 Photo Session with back flash
8:16 Outro

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