This project is based on a scenario for a commercial photographer needing a job aid for their photographers to remind them of proper lighting technique.

1. A quick reference guide to creating optimal lighting in studio portraits
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3 Point Lighting Set Up
• Begin by locating a spot that will
serve as your photo studio area
• Set up your drop cloth background
• Mark a spot with a taped X indicating
where your subject will stand or sit
when they pose
• Next you will set up your main light
with a shoot through umbrella to the
left of your subject (or camera right)
• Set the light at full power, 5 feet away
from the subject and at a 45-degree
angle between the camera and subject
BACKDROP SET UP
MAIN (KEY) LIGHT
• Now you will set up your fill light with
a shoot through umbrella to the right of
your subject (or camera left)
• Set the light at half power, 5 feet
away from the subject and at a 45-
degree angle between the camera and
subject
FILL LIGHT
• Finally you will set up your back light to
the right of your subject (or camera left)
behind the backdrop
• Set the light at half power and angle it
down at the subject’s hairline. It should be
6 feet away from the subject and at a 45-
degree angle between the backdrop and
the subject
BACK LIGHT
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FINAL STEPS
• Check your lighting for each subject and pose and make adjustments as needed to ensure
optimal lighting
• Take 3 test shots to ensure that your lighting set up is projecting well and creating a quality
photograph that will not require touch ups. Make additional lighting adjustments as needed