Behind every good lighting is a shadow that gives shape and size to the subject. The complex interaction between what you illuminate and what you keep in the shadows – this is what brings visual interest and brings creative sharpness to the images. In studio lighting, this is the raw material with which to work and with which to create the right one.

The main or key light source simply provides the main lighting for the subject. You can create some amazing portraits using a single light source, but what if you want to add something else? Here comes the time when accent lighting comes into play. What is it like?

Accent lighting is usually created by a controlled light source that highlights specific areas of the subject. He can lighten the model’s hair to visually separate it from the background, or it can be a side light that illuminates sweat drops on the athlete after an intense workout. This light is necessary to give a certain form to the elements of the photo, allowing the eyes to feel the various dimensions of the image. Continue reading →