The First Studio Portrait Kit includes two 250 watt tungsten lamps (and 2 umbrellas and 2 stands), which provide plenty of light output even when used with umbrellas. Generally, two lights can be arranged in a number of ways to produce high quality portraits. Having a third light available, extends the possibilities even further.

The Traditional Three Light Portrait
In the following example, we will show you step by step how we setup the First Studio lights to create a classic, three light portrait. For this setup we arranged the lights to include a key light, fill light, and hair light.

The Rembrandt Triangle
First, we positioned our model against a neutral gray backdrop. Then, we placed one First Studio light with umbrella to the left, at approximately 45 degrees, and slightly above the model (figure 1). This light would serve as our key light.

This is known as a somewhat traditional way to position the key light. The idea is to illuminate 3/4 of the face. When the light is positioned just right, you can sometimes achieve a small triangle of light under the eye on the shadow side of the face (figure 2). For these reasons, this style of lighting is often referred to as 3/4 lighting or Rembrandt lighting (Rembrandt used the triangle of light technique for most of his portraiture).

Adding Light to the Shadows
Next, we positioned our fill light just to the right of the camera and at about twice the distance away from the model as the key light (figure 3). The fill light is meant to add a hint of light into the shadow areas. Is should not overpower the key light. On average a ratio of 2:1 (key to fill) works well for this type of portrait.

The fill light worked perfectly to bring some detail into the shadow areas without overpowering the key light (figure 4).

Adding a Hair Light for Extra Sparkle
Our final step to complete this traditional three light portrait, was to add a hair light. To do this we used a Photoflex LiteDisc Holder to serve as a mini boom arm. We attached a First Studio lamp to the Disc Holder and used a 2214 LiteStand to support the mini boom. With this simple three-part assembly, we were able to raise the hair light high above the model's head thereby controlling the light intensity in relation to the other two lights. In this example the hair light was positioned behind, slightly to the right, and about 4 feet above the model's head (figure 5).

The hair light is often called the separation light because it separates the model from the background. As you can see in this final result (figure 6), the hair light served its purpose adding more sparkle and dimension to an otherwise flat looking portrait.

Shown below (figure 7), is a side by side comparison of each of the results leading up to the final shot.

• The first result (left) was made using only one light, the key light in the 3/4 position.
• In the second image (middle) we added a fill light to brighten up the shadow areas.
• For the final image (right) we incorporated the third light using it as a hair light.

It should be clear from the example above that traditional, three light portraiture is truly a snap with the First Studio Portrait Kit especially when a third First Studio Lamp is available. Next, let's explore a slightly different approach to portrait lighting.

Experimenting with Split Lighting
In the following example, we will demonstrate a more dramatic lighting scenario, which often works well for male subjects. The common terms for the following lighting technique are side lighting or split lighting.

For split lighting, the idea is to place the main light to the side of the subject so that only half of the face is illuminated while the other half of the face is completely lost in shadow. To do this we place a First Studio light with umbrella directly to the left of the model (figure 8).

The result (figure 9) shows that exactly half of the face is lit, while the other half is almost completely black, void of any detail. For a very dramatic look, this shot could definitely stand on its own.

For our purposes, we wanted to build this shot further to create a well rounded portrait with detail in the shadows. Our next step was to add the fill light. We positioned the second light to the right of the camera in exactly the same way that we did in the previous 3/4 style portrait (figure 10).

By having the fill light far enough away from the subject, we were able to add just a little hint of shadow detail (figure 11). This way the dramatic effect of split lighting was still present in the image.

The Low Key Background Light
Then, we mounted the third lamp onto a small light stand and aimed it at the neutral gray background to the far right of the model (figure 12).

In the final result we can see how the background light added a nice low key gradient behind the subject (figure 13) helping to separate the model from the dark background. It is important to note that the background light was not aimed directly behind the subject as this would have made the background much brighter. Since our goal was to maintain a dark or low key feeling for this shot, we positioned the background light far to the right so that only the farthest edge of the light was actually affecting the background area directly behind the subject.

Below, we can compare each step taken to achieve this example of split lighting.

• First, we positioned the key light to the left of the model to achieve a perfect split light (left).
• Next, we positioned our fill light to add a hint of detail to the shadow areas (middle).
• Then, we added a background light to add some separation between the model and the background (right).

As you can see, the Photoflex First Studio Portrait Kit opens up many possibilities for portrait lighting. When you are just starting out and your budget is limited, making an investment in professional lighting gear can be daunting to say the least.

The First Studio Portrait Kit makes it easy to skip the nonessential, tremendously overpriced gadgets and begin taking professional quality portraits without breaking the bank.