Photo Tip - How To Use A Hair Light In Portrait Photography!

[seoxeee]

Today's portrait photography photo tip begins our discussion of specialty lights… specifically, the photography hair light. We will explore what it is, how to use it and some precautions.

So far, in our study of portrait photography lighting, we've learned that the majority of the time we will use a three light setup - the main light, the fill light and the separation light. This will do for the vast majority of our portraits. In fact, many professional photographers will go an entire career and never use more than the basic three.

But, at times there is a need for additional lighting. That said…

Caution: it is easy to get into the more is better mindset. Fight to avoid it! Just because you HAVE more lights, doesn't mean you should use them! Every light you add to the mix exponentially adds to the busy light of messing up your portrait.

But, on the other hand, properly used, specialty lights can add a lot!

Our first specialty light - and the most commonly used - is the hair light. The hair light is just what it says it is - it's a light that is used to light the hair.

The hair light is positioned above and behind the subject. It can either be off to the side or directly behind your model, depending on your creative outlook.

As it shines down, it will create light on both the hair and upper shoulders - so this one is frequently confused with and used as a separation light, because it does actually separate the subject from the backdrop.

Often, photographers will use a hair light to do double duty, particularly in a situation where a model has dark hair and is in front of a dark backdrop.

There are a few cautions you need to take when using a hair light…

First - the exposure value. This is where the vast majority of photographers mess up on the hair light. They make it too bright.