One of my favorite studio lighting techniques is something I call the single sidelight. In this setup a single light source is placed at the back of one side of the set, at the edge of the background. The light is aimed forward toward the model. So the light is actually behind and to one side of the model. This creates a very controlled and dramatic feel to the lighting. Here’s a sample setup:
In the image above:
1. DIY Softbox. A plastic container wrapped in a white curtain placed on top of the baby’s high-chair with a 500w photo flood shooting through it. It doesn’t get more DIY than that.
2. Tape to stretch the wrinkles out of the background.
3. Chair to give the model something to pose on.
4. Butt wipes. Useful for changing poopie diapers. Not really part of the set.
5. Black background cloth.
All of that, to get this:
To soften the light I will either feather it, or use some kind of modifier, like a softbox or even a white sheet hung over something. If I feather, I’ll angle the light forward so that only the very edge of the light touches the model. This lights the model with the softest portion of the light, but it also throws a lot of light at the lens. A lens hood or gobo should be used to prevent flare.
What you need:
1. Single light source. a studio flood, or even a 500w halogen work lamp will do
2. White cloth to use as a simple diffuser
3. Black or dark cloth to use as a background
4. Black card or piece of fabric to use as a gobo (optional)
5. Willing model
How to shoot it:
1. Set up your background and lighting
2. Put your model in the middle of the set around 1.5 meters (4 feet) from the background.
3. Ask your model to turn her body slightly toward the light until you’re happy with the light and shadows falling on her body.
4. Keeping the same angle, ask your model to move closer or further from the camera and look how the light changes. Shoot what looks best.
Next Steps:
1. Try adding a second light on the opposite side of the set, or using a reflector to toss some light back into the shadow side of the model’s figure.
2. Use a spot light on the background to separate the model from the black background.
3. Use a spot light to create an interesting rim light on the shadow side of the model’s figure. This is another way to create some background separation.
