Choose the 2 best window self portraits and post in a gallery in open lab
Discuss why you chose each. Post to discussion 6 in student posts
Author: Ken Pelka (Page 4 of 15)
Needed for this class
- Camera or cameraphone
- A window w/daylight
- A model if possible or you can take self-portraits
Portrait Lighting Styles
There are a 5 basic lighting styles for portrait photography. Each style is defined by how light falls on the face. The examples below were all shot with lights in a studio but you can replicate these patterns with window light.
- Rembrandt Light – the model is face forward, main light is at 45 degrees and casts a light on the opposite side of the face to form a triangle on the cheek.
2. Broad Light-model’s face in 3/4 view-light falls on the side of the face with the visible ear. Good for controlling the reflections on glasses.
3. Short Light-model’s face is in 3/4 view, the light falls on the side of the face with where the ear is not visible
Both of these are examples of short light.
4. Butterfly Light, Clamshell or beauty or glamour light-model is face forward, front light.
5. Split Light-model is face forward, the main light is at 90 degrees to the camera and falls on one side of the face.
When we shoot portraits in the studio, we can move the lights around the model. When shooting a portrait with a window, we have to ask the model to move their position in relation to the window.
This video shows how to use a window to create Rembrandt, split, broad and short light.
And while not exactly a portrait, window light is terrific for creating silhouettes.
To create a silhouette, have the subject stand close to the window and aim the camera towards the window. Set the exposure for what is outside the window so the subject is very underexposed.
Lab Exercises
Please complete the following lab exercises, creating a post on Openlab with the category indicated to share your results.
Homework Assignment
Needed for this assignment
- Camera or cameraphone
- recommended: tripod
- A window with daylight
Create a series of 20 self portraits using window light. This can be done with a phone or a camera.
You should be near or next to a window during the day.
The window can be in the photo or you can just use the light from the window.
Pay attention what is in the frame and make sure the background adds to the photo and is not distracting.
Your photos should use light, expression and the relationship between you and the surroundings to be expressive. No props. If you have curtains or venetian blinds, you may use them as elements in the photos.
You need to use the camera’s or cameraphone’s timer. Set up the camera to frame where you will be. Try books on a shelf or lean your phone on the window sill if you do not have a tripod. Focus on the spot where you will be and press the shutter and jump into frame.
Experiment with different expressions and gestures and different framing (how much of you is in the frame
Upload all to flickr self portraits.
Post best 2 in a gallery and discuss why you chose each one
Post to discussion 6
Also 2 best to group
Here are some examples shot by students in Professor Pelka’s class:
For Professor Pelka’s Photo 1 class.
Shot for Professor Pelka’s Photo 1 class
Shot for Professor Pelka’s Photo 1 class
Shot for Professor Pelka’s class
Review the portrait lighting styles: Rembrandt, Broad, Butterfly, Short, and Split light.
Standing by a light source , create a self-portrait in each lighting style. Put them into a post with the category below. Clearly label each one with the lighting style . Answer the questions: Which lighting style was most difficult to create? Which gave you the best result ?
Post to open lab. student post/lab 10 light positions
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