Christy. 03.2007

Since my new ebook, 10 Ways to Improve Your Boudoir Photography NOW, was released, I’ve been getting detailed questions about my style of lighting for boudoir.  Although the book isn’t an instructional on the complete techniques of portraiture lighting, there is a whole section dedicated to quick setups with limited gear.  That’s where I provide the full  details of what I shoot with, and how I approach the lighting for the majority of my boudoir work.  The point I try to make is that you can produce magazine-quality images by using simple and relatively inexpensive lighting equipment — really ANY light sources will work.

For the look I like, I use standard shoot-through umbrellas.   The configuration you see here is typical of my style;  a couple of lights opposite each other.  I usually shoot at ISO 100 at 1/250 sec, f/4.0, 50mm lens.  As I explain in the book, my style of lighting comes from the desire for consistency, ease of use (quick adjustments), and saving time for both me and the client.  I don’t want to spend time messing around with light meters, or multi-light setups when my clients are expecting a huge variety of looks in a short session.   So, two lights are more than enough, and often just one is needed.

The diagram above shows what I will often use for a bed shot.  The gray line on the left side of the graphic denotes a white wall or backdrop, which adds a little extra fill on one side.  The light on the left of the diagram is being used somewhat as a “kicker” to help highlight the subject against the darker background, and the main light is positioned similarly to a portrait light in relation to her face.  Finally, I’ve added a note about dropping the shutter speed to 1/40 or so if I choose to pickup some ambient light off a lamp (orange spot) for example.

A variation of this setup is seen in the image below:

Well, photographers might think it’s funny…

I keep reading about how photographers have this magic ability to experience the world with better eyes than other people.  Our experience is like everyone else’s.  I think we just see what we want to see. — Ed Verosky

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To me, photography is an art of observation.  It’s about finding something interesting in an ordinary place.  I’ve found it has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them. — Elliott Erwitt