T he studio is a special area where magic can take place—and often does. It is where men, women, and children go every day to have their portraits taken. Some want a family portrait, others need a business headshot, and still others are looking to document an anniversary or birthday. In the studio, there are school portraits taken daily, as well as images of brides and grooms—all for the sole purpose of preserving memories.
Making people look and feel their best is the primary goal of the studio photographer. Posing is important in achieving this. But the lighting of the portrait subject can either make or break the image—and understanding the numerous controls, tools, and creative possibilities of lighting contributes greatly to the success of any studio photographer’s work.
Portrait photographers in big cities and small towns have been actively documenting lives in their communities for more than a hundred years. In a new digital world, with billions of cell phone images being taken annually, there is still something special about the ability of professional studio photography to reveal a deeper essence of someone’s personality—or to tell a story centered around a desired quality, style, or mood. As a young teenager, I vividly recall my mother’s excitement as we all got dressed and prepared for our family portrait sessions. Those portraits, from more than forty years ago, are some of my most prized possessions. I keep them in a labeled box that will be the first thing I grab in the event of a fire, earthquake, or other disaster.
I have been teaching about lighting for a while now, and it is my hope that this book will help you with lighting techniques and teach you how to control the outcome from each of your sessions. I want to help you create something truly meaningful. Most importantly, I hope that the lessons and examples in this book will reinforce for you the importance of creating exceptional work when you take on the role and responsibility of producing lasting images and family heirlooms.