If you’re putting together a photo book or practicing your still life photography, lighting is one of the most important factors to consider. You don’t have to be an expert to set up indoor photography lighting. Simply stick to the general rules below to get crisp, stunning results.

Do:

Use natural light.

You don’t have to invest in professional-grade lighting equipment to snap the perfect pictures for your photo book. Often, natural lighting gives you bright illumination without being too harsh. To take advantage of this, choose a room with plenty of windows, and position your subject opposite the light source. Try to avoid having windows behind them as this can obscure the subject. If you find there are still troublesome shadows, use lamps for side lighting.

Start simple.

Lighting doesn’t have to be complicated. For general portraits, choose simple lighting. Mixed overhead fluorescents and floor lamps will generally remove problematic shadows and enhance features. It’s best to invest in lights that you can easily adjust, so you can find the right setting for the subject and background.

Don’t:

Be afraid to experiment.

As you snap portraits, experiment with different lighting approaches. Try front lighting to bring your subject into focus, side lighting to add depth, and backlighting to create a glowing effect. Try different colored lights and filters as well. You’ll see that a few small changes can completely transform your photo.

Forget the background.

When positioning your subject, avoid areas with windows, wall mirrors, and glass features in the background as they will create unwanted reflections. Before you shoot, take an extensive survey of your background. Remove any items that can create a glare or reflection. This is especially important if you’re using a flash.

A professional printing job is the best way to preserve your photos. Nulmaging Professional is proud to be a leading service in Covington, KY, and they offer a wide variety of photo printing options. Build a traditional photo book or something more unique like photo prints on metal. They offer several convenient digital printing packages. Begin designing your photo book today on their website, and call (859) 261-7427 to talk to a member of the team.