When positioning lights to establish the desired lighting, it is best to position each light separately with
the other lights off. Some photographers start with the background light, then move to the main, fill, and
hair lights.
Numerous variations can be incorporated in light positions to satisfy the individual aspects of each
subject such as spectacles, baldness, and prominent facial scars or skin blemishes.
10.
Lighting Ratios.
The lighting ratio refers to the relative intensities at the subject position of the main light plus the fill
light, as compared to the fill alone. This ratio creates the contrast of the portrait. The lighting ratio for
portraits should usually be about 3:1 or 4:1. Higher ratios are more dramatic but are likely to be
unacceptable for official record portraits. Generally, 3:1 is considered the maximum ratio for good color
portraits.
There are four methods of determining and adjusting lighting ratios: square root method, f/stop distance
scale method, power setting method, and flash meter method. Let's discuss each of these methods
individually.
a. Square Root Method. This method involves using a formula for setting up a ratio:
NOTE:
Square root values for the ratios which you will most commonly encounter are as follows:
1-17
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