Understanding how to control and manipulate light can turn an ordinary photo into an extraordinary one. This is especially important when shooting in difficult conditions or trying to achieve a specific look, where ambient light alone may not be enough.
Coming to you from Jiggie AlejandrinoThis informative video delves into the nuances of lighting a subject in a way that adds depth and drama to your photos. Alejandrino walks you through candid photography, demonstrating how to use light to shape your subject and control the mood of your image. Rather than relying solely on natural light, he shows how strategic use of artificial light can enhance a scene, making your subject stand out from the background while still maintaining a natural look.
One of the key takeaways from this video is the importance of lighting the short side of your subject. By focusing light on this area, Alejandrino creates a sense of depth, making the image more dynamic. He also emphasizes the importance of controlling highlights and shadows, showing how even small adjustments to your lighting setup can have a significant impact on the final image. The idea is to balance the light so that your subject is lit in a pleasing way, without losing detail or creating harsh shadows.
Throughout the shoot, Alejandrino made a series of small, thoughtful adjustments—moving lights, repositioning subjects, and even adjusting props like plants to ensure the perfect composition. These adjustments emphasize the importance of paying attention to every element in the frame, not just the light, but also the setting and how it interacts with the subject. The goal is to create an image that feels natural and effortless, even if it takes a lot of work behind the scenes to achieve it.
A key feature of Alejandrino’s approach is his focus on subtlety. He doesn’t try to overwhelm a scene with light; instead, he uses it to complement existing elements, enhancing them rather than replacing them. This approach results in a more balanced and natural-looking photograph, where the subject stands out but still feels like part of the environment. Check out the video above for a full rundown from Alejandrino.
If you want to continue learning about portrait lighting, be sure to check out “Face Lighting: Lighting for Portraits and Headshots With Peter Hurley!”
