RickRandhawa wrote in post #11387065
Most everything I've done has been with one light. Here's a link to my latest work:
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=966413The reason I only use one light is because I've been scared to use it since Im not sure what to do with it? I have a 2nd light+reflector+20/30 degree grids that I would like to use it for indoor rim lighting but have some questions.
1. Where do u set the rim light in relation to the main light? (example: 1 stop below main light, etc)
2. Where exactly do you aim the main light for a 2/3rd body shot? (Shoulder? Lower back?)
3. Anything else I should know about actual rim light placement for indoor work?
Thanks!
Hi Rick,
The best answer to all of your questions can only come from you. And I'm very serious about this, this is not a "smart-alec" answer. Different people like their rim lights set at different powers and coming from different angles. If I were you, I would do a simple test with a wife, girlfriend, sister, neighbor, whom ever...... I would start off with a main light in "Butterfly Lighting Position" and do a rim light at a 45 degree angle behind the model and do a test at 1-stop below main exposure, then match the main exposure, then one stop above. When posing the model, make sure she is angled to the left on some shots, then to the right on some. This is so that you can see how the light will affect the backside of her (hair, back, legs, butt, etc...) and how it will affect the front side of her (light spilling onto her face and nose, chest, mid-section, etc...). The slowly bring the light around (in a circular pattern) where is more at a 20-something or 30-something degree angle to the model, but still behind her, angle wise. Then do this whole exercise all over again. Now, do the same to the opposite side of her and repeat the above steps.....
Now, place the main light at a 45 degree angle to the model (where there is a shadow to the opposite side of her..... whether or not you choose to fill in the shadows or not is up to you). Then using the rim light, follow the above steps to where the rim light is at a 45 degree angle on the shadow side of the model (opposite of the main) at different power settings, then to the opposite side of the model (same side as your main light). And test once again.....
Pull up all of your images in photoshop, then determine for yourself, what is the best lighting scheme for "Rick" and his preference..... You'll be surprised how your vision will be different from others..... Best of Luck to you!