LIGHTING GUIDE

Master professional portrait lighting with these 20 essential studio setups

REMBRANDT WITH A PORTALITE SOFTBOX REMBRANDT THROUGH AN UMBRELLA REMBRANDT WITH A HONEYCOMB GRID REMBRANDT WITH A SILVER UMBRELLA

KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, KIT: One D-lite RX4 head,
Stand, one Portalite Softbox one Clip-lock Stand, one 16cm Reflector, one Clip-lock Stand, one 18cm Reflector one Clip-lock Stand, one 16cm Reflector,
Position the light high and to the side to one Shoot-through Umbrella with Honeycomb one Silver Umbrella
create a triangle on the model’s cheek. The Position the light high and to the side as with Position the light in the same manner as the Position the light in the same manner as the
shadow of the nose should point towards the the ‘Rembrandt with a Portalite Softbox’ previous ‘Rembrandt’ techniques; the light previous ‘Rembrandt’ techniques. The light
edge of the lips. The Portalite creates a soft setup. The light is slightly less contrasty, through the honeycomb grid is stronger and bouncing from the silver umbrella is more
directional effect. because the light is less directional more dramatic. The grid makes it very easy direct and wraps around the features of the
and there is always some reflection to direct the light on to the model and away face yet still creates the shadow from the
from the studio surroundings. from the background, which becomes dark. nose towards the mouth.

REMBRANDT SHORT REMBRANDT BROAD SPLIT SPLIT WITH FILL

KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock
Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stand, one Portalite Softbox, one
Use the principles of ‘Rembrandt’ lighting Use the principles of ‘Rembrandt’ lighting Position a light to one side of the model in small reflector
to create the triangle of light on the face. to create the triangle of light on the face. such a way that no light spills onto the other Position a light to one side of the model in
Position the model’s head at an angle and Position the model’s head at an angle and side of the face, with a shadow line running such a way that no light spills onto the far
light it from the left side, so the side of the light it from the right side, so the side of the down the centre. We’ve used a softbox here, side of the face, with a shadow line running
face closer to the camera falls into shade. face closest to the camera is lit. but any of the light modifiers would work. down the centre. Position a reflector on the
opposite side to bounce light back into the
face and fill some of the shadows.

SPLIT/SHORT SPLIT/BROAD KEY WITH A CLOSE PORTALITE SOFTBOX KEY WITH A FAR AWAY PORTALITE SOFTBOX

KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock
Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stand, one Portalite Softbox
Use the ‘Split’ technique with no light spilling Use the ‘Split’ technique with no light spilling Position the softbox above and to one side of Position the softbox above and to one side
onto one side of the face and pose the model onto one side of the face and pose the model the model for a classic ‘Rembrandt’ effect. of the model for a classic ‘Rebrandt’ effect.
so that her head is at an angle. Position the so that her head is at an angle. Position the Place the softbox half a metre away, this This time place the softbox two metres or
light so that the far (short) side is lit and the light so that the near (broad) side is lit and will create softer shadows. Look at the soft more away; this will create more defined
rest of the face is in shadow. the rest of the face is in shadow. shadow from the nose. Notice also shadows. Look how hard the shadow from
the darkened background, also due to the nose is.
the Portalite being closer.

LOOP BUTTERFLY FLAT LIGHT CLAMSHELL

KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: One D-lite RX4 head, one Clip-lock KIT: Two D-lite RX4 heads, two Clip-lock KIT: Two D-lite RX4 heads, two Clip-lock
Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stand, one Portalite Softbox Stands, two Portalite Softboxes Stands, two Portalite Softboxes
This setup is similar to ‘Rembrandt’, but Position one light above and directly in line Use a second D-lite Strobe and Portalite This is a great beauty setup. Position one
rather than creating a closed triangle of light with the centre of the subject’s face. Notice softbox for this setup and position both softbox slightly above the model in the
on the unlit cheek, the shadow from the nose how there’s an even shadow under the nose. lights (each set to the same power and the centre and angled downwards and one
should create a loop pointing towards the It’s best if this shadow doesn’t reach all the same angle) either side of the model at head slightly below, also in the centre but angled
corner of the mouth. way down to the upper lip. height. This will give a very even light. Notice upwards. A boom arm to support the top
the lack of shadows. light is useful but not essential.

Studio lighting simplified LOOP WITH A BACKGROUND LIGHT LOOP WITH A RIM LIGHT For your success…
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KIT: Two D-lite RX4 heads, two Clip-lock KIT: Two D-lite RX4 heads, two Clip-lock 12-month complimentary subscription to their online business
Stands, one Portalite Softbox Stands, one Portalite Softbox, one 18cm
Use a simple ‘Loop’ or ‘Rembrandt’ setup Reflector with Honeycomb Grid development programmes. Plus, a voucher worth £100 towards
and position a second light behind the Use a simple ‘Loop’ or ‘Rembrandt’ setup, any seminar of your choice!
model, pointing at the background. Adjust but add a second light with an 18cm Reflector
the strength and angle of the flash to vary and Grid attached (or use a snoot) placed
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the intensity and the gradient of the light behind the model. Angle the D-lite precisely,
2 on the background. using the modelling light so that the light
catches the edge of the model’s hair. BROCHURES AND DOWNLOADS

5
3 HIGH KEY KEY AND FILL

6 7

www.theflashcentre.com/downloads
KIT: Two D-lite RX4 heads, KIT: Two D-lite RX4 heads, two Clip-lock
two Clip-lock Stands, one Portalite Stands, two Portalite Softboxes
Softbox, one Pop-up Reflector
Use one D-lite with the Softbox as your key
Set a key light above the subject and at a 45
degree angle to create a basic ‘Loop’ setup.
THE FLASH CENTRE, LIGHTING YOUR WAY…
light and a large silver reflector to bounce Position a second light in a lower position
2x D-LITE 4 HEADS 1x TUBE BAG light back into the face. To make the and to the other side of the model, reduce its
1 400 Ws strobes with modelling lamps and 5 Carry and store your heads etc background completely white, place the power to roughly half that of your key light.
built-in radio receivers second D-lite behind the model, point it at
2x HEAD CAPS
2x CLIP LOCK STANDS 6 the backdrop and use a higher power setting.
2 Three sections extending to 2.3m, quick
Protect your strobes when not in use

1x 16cm REFLECTOR
and easy to use
7 Very useful when using umbrellas or
SKYPORT TRANSMITTER
3 Fits to the hotshoe of your camera giving
as an accessory on its own

2x PORTALITE SOFTBOXES
wireless synchronisation and remote control
8 Made with the same quality material
1x STAND BAG
4 Carry and store your stands and accessories
as the Elinchrom Rotalux range, giving
great light performance

GREY D-LITE D-LITE STROBE D-LITE STROBE D-LITE STROBE SILVER EL SHOOT EL SILVER
BACKGROUND STROBE
WITH 16CM
WITH 18CM
REFLECTOR
WITH SNOOT WITH PORTALITE
SOFTBOX
POP-UP
REFLECTOR
THROUGH
UMBRELLA
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