One of the girls here at work saw some of my black & white work, and has asked me if I would take some shots of her for a modeling portfolio she's putting together (why she asked me, instead of the guy in our Creative department who does this for a living, I don't know). Anyway... I'm still working with my little totally automatic digital snapshot camera, and whatever available table lamps I can find kicking around (like I said, she should have asked the professional :-) ). Just wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how I should approach this, if at all. I'm thinking probably outdoor shots, with natural light will be my best bet, but I'm definately open to suggestions. -Taltos

candlelight makes interesting lighting too.I am not a pro but I have a friend who is, I can ask her for you. :)

could be because you would be a lot less expensive than the "pro". besides it would be a good learning experience for you... Jack

Go for it mate, try window light and some sort of reflector to push light back into the shadows. I use my projector screen. I would stay away from flash unless you can get some studio lights. Make no promises but have fun. :O)

Sounds like it could be a good collaborative project if you both go into it as a "Let's see what comes out," type of thing. Find out what her ideas are. Without a lot of equipment, or experience using it, outside is maybe your best choice (if you can find a cloudy day to eliminate harsh shadows). The window light suggestion coming from the side is also good. I'd suggest a tripod.

I just use an open window, a tripod, and a fold up windshield reflector:) I found this list somewhere, might help Broad Lighting- Illuminates the side of the face facing the camera. Used to widen thin or narrow faces. Short Lighting- Also known as "narrow lighting" illuminates the side of the face turned away from the camera. Used to narrow the face. Butterfly Lighting- Main light positioned directly in front of the face which casts a shadow directly beneath the nose and chin. Also known as "glamour lighting" due to its wide spread use in the early days of cinema. Rembrant Lighting- A combination of short and butterfly lighting. The light is positioned to one side of the face turned away from the camera. Corrective Lighting Techniques Back to menu Prominate forehead- Tilt chin upward and lower camera position. Long Nose- Tilt chin upward, position face directly toward lens, lower the main light, and lower camera position. Narrow Chin- Tilt chin upward. Angular Nose- Minimize feature by turning the face directly toward the lens. Broad face- Raise the camera position, use short lighting, turn the face at a 3/4 position. Narrow Face- Lower the main light, use broad lighting. Double Chin- Raise the main light, tilt chin upward, use a high camera position. Facial Deffects- Scars/birthmarks keep hidden on the shadowed side of face. Prominate Ears- Hde far ear behind the head, keep near ear in shadow, consider using a profile view. Deep Set Eyes- Lower main light, use lower light ratios. Protuding eyes- Have the subject look slightly downwards. Heavyset Figure- Use short lighting, use low key lighting, use dark clothing, blend body with background tone.

Ugly- Paper bag over head. Really ugly- Paper bag over head and one over camera.