These are the students’ assignment results, where they were to create a 1:3 lighting ratio on the subjects. They could add a background color or just white. They could also have fun, but they had to demonstrate the 1:3 lighting setup.

Assignment Description:
1:3 lighting ratio. This photo uses classic lighting.

Items:

Softbox
This light is your leading light. Get a light reading with just this first. The light should be 45 degrees off the axis of the camera and 45 degrees above the subject’s eyes.

Subject
Your subject should have the main light lighting only part of the face, and the shadows should be just a little to show the 1:3 ratio.

White backdrop
Keep the subject a few feet from the background, and do not use more lights to light it.

(D)SLR
Choose the lowest ISO. Use a portrait lens of 50mm if you don’t have a full-frame camera can work. No more than 100mm.

Octobox
The Octobox is your fill light; get just a reading of this 2nd. Be sure it is 1/2 the power (1 f/stop less) than the leading light. After this is done, get a 3rd light reading of both lights, which will be the setting for the camera. It can be level with the eyes, but you may have to move up with glasses to avoid glare.

© 2015 Benjamin Marsden