How to create a low key boudoir – The Lighting Series #1

In this chapter of the Lighting Series, we are looking at a simple low-key portrait. Here, the skill lies in precise lighting and the posing of your model.

Equipment

• 1x Striplight 140cm x 30cm on 500Ws Monoblock
• Black Molton background

Setup

This setup uses a light source next to or just behind the model. A striplight works best here so that there’s a clean edge drawn across the model.

In order to maintain a really dark black background – and so as not to have to darken it later in Photoshop – use a black cloth. This will absorb a lot of the incidental light.

What’s exciting about this setup is the clear shapes that it produces, and the expanse of negative space around the model.

I prefer to position the light source slightly higher, meaning that the light comes from a more natural direction with the shadows falling downwards. We automatically query shadows that fall overhead so I try to avoid them.

The more harmonious and realistic the picture looks, the fewer questions it will provoke in the viewer.

Important: the edge of the light shouldn’t be broken. This may require some posing instructions for your model to keep the line clean.

Positioning

 

Downloads

For the pictures in the article, we used the light simulation Set.A.Light 3D. You can download the lighting setup and try everything for yourself.

If you’ve never worked with Set.a.Light before, you should give it a try! There is also a free demo version on the website, which you can use to open our set.