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Embers
26th of March 2007 (Mon), 09:12
Hello,

What might be considered an appropriate or average distance between the main light and the subject in a basic portrait studio lighting set up?

I'm using an AB800 in a medium soft box and placing it on a 45 degree angle from the subject. Any thoughts on a ballpark figure would be most appreciated. Thanks.
akiwi
26th of March 2007 (Mon), 10:11
It depends a little on what main light you are using.
My New light I keep much closer than the old one I used to use. For Portraits about 1 meter (3 feet). The old one was I think about 150,000,000 km
Benji
26th of March 2007 (Mon), 16:19
Mine is usually around 30 to 36 inches.

Benji
Titus213
26th of March 2007 (Mon), 23:14
It depends a little on what main light you are using.
My New light I keep much closer than the old one I used to use. For Portraits about 1 meter (3 feet). The old one was I think about 150,000,000 km

So you're the one responsible for Global Warming...glad you got a new light.:lol:
HenryS
27th of March 2007 (Tue), 01:30
So you're the one responsible for Global Warming...glad you got a new light.

He meant the sun!
akiwi
27th of March 2007 (Tue), 07:57
He meant the sun!
<Said in best gameshow moderator voice >
You get 10 points annnddd a washing machine!!!! You can keep the washing machine or answer the next question.......
Az2Africa
27th of March 2007 (Tue), 08:02
The sun does cause global warming!!;)
Titus213
27th of March 2007 (Tue), 08:24
Well, put it this way - without the sun Al Gore would be out of business...
Longwatcher
27th of March 2007 (Tue), 10:43
As I once told my studio lighting instructor, I used an on-camera flash as main, but my fill light was a continuous source at 1AU.

Meanwhile back to the OP's question...
My main is normally about 4-5 feet from subject, but is a giant softbox and I am usually doing full body shots with mutliple poses. It is a compromise between time, space, and light.

For straight portrait head shots I would probably move the light in about half way so the shadows are more diffuse. For some product shots I did withthe product on a full head wig stand, I had the main almost right at the 2 foot mark. Very nice light that way. Not practical if the model is moving though.
Titus213
27th of March 2007 (Tue), 10:58
... Not practical if the model is moving though.

We just shot a very active 2 year-old and while she could sit for some shots we had to basically light the whole shooting area - and then try to keep her in focus....:lol:

The OP has probably asked a very basic question for seasoned portrait shooters but I didn't know the answer. I'll move my lights in closer, that's for sure.