Studio Backlighting with Continuous Lights

 

When I posted these black and white studio photos on my Jill Wellington Photography

Facebook page, several people contacted me to ask how I lit them.

I want to share the photography technique with you.

 

I love how her hair just ignites with the backlight,

yet the lighting on her face is soft and beautiful.

 

 

 

I have continuous lights in my little basement studio.

When shooting outdoors, I love backlighting in the sun,

So, I decided to set up the back light as if it

was the sun...nice and high "in the sky" to the right of my subject.

 

Then I used a reflector to bounce the light

back into the subject's face.

 

 

I also used a fan to blow her hair.

 

 

The key to the soft light on the face is using

a reflector rather than a harsh light.

 

  

 I really enjoyed experimenting with the

technique on my lovely daughter

with the long flowing hair.

 

The photos were also beautiful in color.

 

I loved capturing the "sun" haze.

 

 

 

 

Here's without the haze...such beautiful soft light!

No harsh shadows on the face.

 

 

I also tried adding a texture as a "wall" behind her and like this, too.

 

 

Try this technique if you have access to studio lighting!