Explained lighting schemes

One image is more valuable than one thousand words, but when it comes
to learn on lighting techniques, an only image is even more valuable.
Maurice Mc Duff ( Studio McMomo), from the canadian photographers association
QuebecPhotos, have prepared a set of photos with different lighting schemes, along an
explanation and visual schematics for each one of them, explaining how he did them. An
excellent opportunity to learn about new lighting schemes and to see how each detail in the
scheme its later reflected in the final photo.
You can also take a look at our other article about specific lighting for a model's face:
Explained lighting schemes, lighting a face
Scheme 1

Copyright Photo Maurice Mc Duff 2003-2007

Original white backgroung, resulting appearence light grey

1. Two superpose softboxes on the left. Value F8 @ ISO 100
2. One light with a diffuser to cut the subject shadow on the backgroung
3. Hairlight on top
3. Silver reflector near subject
Scheme 2

Copyright Photo Maurice Mc Duff 2003-2007

Original white backgroung, resulting appearence light grey

1. Two superpose softboxes on the left. Value F6,7 @ ISO 100
2. One light with a diffuser to cut the subject shadow on the backgroung
3. Silver reflector near subject
Scheme 3

Copyright Photo Maurice Mc Duff 2003-2007

Original white backgroung, resulting appearence light grey

1. Two superpose softboxes on the left. Value F8 @ ISO 100
2. Softbox F 5,6
3. One light with a diffuser to cut the subject shadow on the backgroung
Scheme 4

Copyright Photo Maurice Mc Duff 2003-2007

Black backgroung
1. Umbrella 60 in. silver at 9 feet high. Value F8 @ 100 ISO
2. Foamcore panel white
Scheme 5

Original white backgroung, resulting appearence white

1. Two superpose softboxes on the left. Value F11 @ ISO 100
2 and 3. Light with barndoors 8 feet high combine value F16
4. White reflector near subject
Scheme 6

Copyright Photo Maurice Mc Duff 2003-2007

Original white backgroung, resulting appearence white

1. Two superpose softboxes on the left. Value F8 @ ISO 100
2 and 3. Light with barndoors 8 feet high combine value F13
4. Silver reflector near subject
5. Fan
Scheme 7

Black background
1. Beauty dish reflector. Value F11 @ 100 ISO
Scheme 8

Copyright Photo Maurice Mc Duff 2003-2007

Red background hidden behind a white paper folding screen and a bath tub
1. Strip softbox. Value F8 @ 100 ISO
2. Softbox. Value F 5,6 @ 100 ISO
3 and 4. Flash with red filter directed at backdrop bottom
5 Cardboard
6. White paper folding screen elevated on a solid base.
Scheme 9

Original white backgroung, resulting appearence white

Mirror on the floor
1. Two superpose softboxes on the left. Value F 9,5 @ ISO 100
2 and 3. Light with barndoors 8 feet high combine value F16
3. Cardboard
Scheme 10

Copyright Photo Maurice Mc Duff 2003-2007

Background cloud canvas

Accessory, paper umbrella
1. Softbox, value F 9,5 @ 100 ISO
2- Strobe low power behind the umbrella
Scheme 11

Black background
1. Softbox. Value F11 @ 100 ISO
2. Cardboard
Scheme 12

Copyright Photo Maurice Mc Duff 2003-2007

Black background
1. Softbox. Value F8 @ 100 ISO
2. Strobe with barndoors and honeycomb grid 20 degres,variable intensity
3. Reflector white
Scheme 13

Dark grey background

Plexiglass sheet on the floor
1. Softbox elevated. Value F 9,5 @ 100 ISO
2. Silver reflector
3. Diffuser
4. Cardboard under the flash
Scheme 14

Copyright Photo Maurice Mc Duff 2003-2007

Original dark grey backgroung, resulting appearence very dark grey

1. Softbox on the left. Value F 9,5 @ ISO 100
2. Strip softbox F 5,6
3. Strobe (high) with barndoors and grid, 20 degree on the backgroung, low intensity
Scheme 15

White backgroung, model on the ground

1. One softbox positioned horizontally over the subject. Value F 7,1 @ ISO 100
2 and 3. Light with barndoors 8 feet high combine value F16
Scheme 16

Copyright Photo Maurice Mc Duff 2003-2007

White background
1. One softbox. Value F 11 @ ISO 100
2. Strobe with color gel red and barndoors on the floor value +F22

You can also take a look at our other article about specific lighting for a model's face:
Explained lighting schemes, lighting a face