Last Updated on 09/29/2015 by Chris Gampat
Want more Useful Photography Tips? Click here.
Illuminating someone’s face when using a flash is pretty simple to do and really all about positioning more than anything else. Best of all, you can do it all with one light source.
If you’re using natural light:
– Don’t have your subject look into the sun.
– Find diffused light; like that under a tree, awning, or in a building.
– Preferably, find a reflective surface that bounces light back into the person’s face.
– Place the reflected light source in front of or slightly to the side of the person.
If you’re using a flash in the hot shoe:
– Bounce the flash output off of a surface to the side and slightly behind you.
– Have the subject face you directly.
– Do not bounce the flash directly off of the ceiling. You’ll create shadows under the eyes.
If you’re using a flash/strobe out of the hot shoe:
– Put the flash in a large modifier–one that is larger than the person’s face
– Place the light modifier with the flash in front of the subject/slightly to the side
In all of these situations, try to turn the subject’s face slightly towards the light source. This will create more direct illumination onto the eyes.
Get rid of the ads!
Did you enjoy reading this article as much as we enjoyed writing it? There's a way to support us and our reporting, getting ad-free navigation and more as a bonus. Subscribe to us for less than a coffee per month —just $3.99— or take advantage of our yearly subscription with a hefty discount for only $25.- An ad-free experience
- A free mystery box for Lightroom or Capture One
- All the books in our store
- 20% discount on Capture One
- 30% discount on Imalume Photo Theft Protection
- 20% off Herbs and Kettle Tea Company.