Shell lighting, often associated with vibrant, high-impact portraits, takes a creative turn in Lindsay Adler’s latest tutorial. This approach is the opposite of traditional usage, which aims to sculpt features with shadows rather than soften them.
Coming to you from Lindsay Adler Photography, this insightful video reveals an unexpected method for using clamshell lighting. Instead of the usual bright and soft effect, Adler shows how to create a sculpted look with pronounced shadows. Main light, one Photo taken D2 with one 5 degree grid, focuses a narrow beam on the subject’s face, ensuring precise illumination and deep shadows. Below, one strip soft box with a mesh that provides subtle fill light, highlighting the darkest areas without completely eliminating shadows. This setting contrasts with conventional high-key clamshell lighting, adding drama to your portraits.
Adler’s technique included a third light behind the subject, a ceiling strobe with gel. This light, directed low, creates a gradation effect on the background, adding depth and separation between subject and background.
The hard light from the 5-degree grid highlights the model’s features, while the fill light from the strip softbox maintains just enough detail in the shadows. Backlighting adds a subtle glow that enhances the overall composition. This method proves that even strong lighting can enhance beauty and effectiveness in portrait photography, especially when combined with thoughtful post-processing to enhance skin texture and tones .
Adler also demonstrates how minimal post-processing can achieve a polished final image. She adjusts the white balance, enhances skin tones, and uses Photoshop’s composite color feature to refine the edges of the hair. This balanced approach demonstrates how proper in-camera lighting can minimize the need for extensive editing, saving time while still producing high-quality results. Watch the video above for Adler’s full rundown.
If you want to continue learning about how to light a portrait, be sure to check out »Face Lighting: Lighting for Portraits and Headshots With Peter Hurley!”
