Lighting Tips for Studio Fine Art Photography Portraits

Creating beautiful fine art painterly portraits in a studio can seem daunting, but getting the lighting right is super important to achieving that desired look.
One common mistake I often notice photographers make, is overlooking the importance of the right lighting setup. Before diving into post-processing, it's crucial to nail down the basics during the shoot.

First of all, let's talk about the light itself. You don't need a ton of fancy equipment to get started. In fact, simplicity can be your best friend here. Instead of overwhelming yourself with multiple lights, start with just one. By using a single light source, you gain more control over its direction and intensity, which is essential for creating those beautiful painterly portraits.

Let’s talk about modifiers. These tools can shape and soften the light to achieve different effects. Whether it's a softbox, umbrella, or diffuser, choosing the right modifier can make all the difference in the final result. Experiment with different options to see which one best suits the mood and style you're aiming for in your portraits.

Another tip to keep in mind is the placement of your light. Positioning it at different angles relative to your subject can drastically alter the mood in your photos. Don't be afraid to play around and see how subtle adjustments can transform the overall look of your portraits. Also, don’t be afraid of shadows. It ads depth and dimension to your images.

Lastly, don't forget about the importance of practice and experimentation. Lighting is as much an art as it is a science, and the more you play around with different setups, the better you'll become at achieving the results you envision.

So, the next time you're gearing up for a studio portrait session, remember these tips for lighting. With the right foundation in place, you'll be well on your way to creating stunning fine art portraits that truly stand out.

Below is an example of how the light and shadows change when you move the light source closer or further away from you subject.

Both images were taken with the same light. On the left the light is further away and on the right the light is much closer.