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The right set up will ensure you get the best shot.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Place the actor on a chair about eight feet from the backdrop. If this is not possible, position the subject as far away from the backdrop as can be managed in the space.
Determine which side you wish to light your subject from, either the left or the right. Once chosen, set up your light approximately 3 to 5 feet to the appropriate side of your subject and 3 to 5 feet in front of your subject. This distance will vary depending on the intensity of the light you are using but a good rule of thumb is that the light source should be at a 45 degree angle to your subject.
If you are using a constant light, meaning a light that stays on all the time, you should aim the light towards your subject. If you are using a strobe light, meaning a light that fires off a brief, high intensity burst, then you will point the light away from your subject and attach an umbrella which will bounce this burst of light towards your subject - 2). Position a large reflector approximately three feet away to the side of the actor on the opposite side of where your main light or key light will be. For instance, if your main light is placed to the left of your subject, place this reflector to the right, and vice versa. Make sure the flat surface of the reflector is directly facing the appropriate side of the person's face. Remember, its purpose is to bounce light onto this side of your subject's face. Place another smaller reflector at about waist height, pointing upwards directly in front of the actor. This reduces shadows under the chin. Make sure it's low enough that you do not see the reflector in your shot. If you do not have a stand, get the actor to hold the reflector on their lap at a 45 degree angle towards their face.
- 3). Stand at least five feet away from the subject and use a zoom lens. Ideally one with a range somewhere between 70-200mm. Remember, a standard 50mm lens mimics what the human eye sees. Anything higher than 50mm is considered a zoom lens. Anything lower than 50mm is considered a wide angle lens. By using a zoom lens on your subject, you will achieve something called lens compression. Lens compression will proportionally compress the planes of a person's face and create a more flattering portrait. This is a standard technique often used by professional photographers.
- 4). Depending on whether or not you are using a tripod for your camera, you'll want to set your shutter speed somewhere between 60 and 125 of a second. Remember, the shutter speed is the amount of time your camera's shutter remains open in order to let light in. Anything below 60th of a second will require a tripod to prevent blur from camera shake. Set your aperture to either F8 or F11 The aperture works like your pupil. The wider it is the more light that comes in and vice versa. For example, F 5.6 lets in more light than F8. However the more open your aperture, the less depth of field you have. If you have too little depth of field, you risk parts of your subject becoming blurred. Start with F8 or F11. You can always adjust your aperture up or down to achieve the lightning effect you desire.
- 5). Take lots of pictures! Have your subject try different angles, poses and expressions, but try to avoid a straight on shot where the subject is looking directly at the camera.
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