Although portrait photography may seem simple to most, it is actually one of the trickiest photographic skills and takes years to master. On the plus side, because of the posed and scheduled nature of portrait photography, it is also one of the easiest ones to practice. If youre considering starting a studio in your garage or living room, here are a few handy tips to keep in mind before you call your subject in for the shoot.

Brighter Isn’t Always Better
Harsh, bright lights will definitely give you lots of illumination and make photographing your subject super simple. However, harsh bright lights are rarely flattering and should be avoided especially if you want natural results. Portrait lighting is best achieved with soft light. You can get this quality of light in the shade, on overcast days or by using photo umbrella reflectors in the studio. Soft, even light is easier to work with and will help compliment your subject without accenting their possible flaws.

Light Setup
Two lights should be enough for portrait lighting. You should use one main light to determine the tone and direction of your light, then place a second light near the camera to help offset it. This will soften any harsh shadows and help even out the contrast. Another way you can get this effect is by placing a light above the camera and one fill reflector below the camera. Both of these solutions will give you great results with very little equipment.

Use What You Have
If you dont have the cash to invest in a professional light setup, you can often get near-professional results by moving a couple of desk or floor lamps around. If you want even more control, try using bed sheets to reflect the light around the room. Look around your house for possible lighting equipment and you may find some unique opportunities to use for your portraits.

Dont Forget the Sun
Often times, we think of portrait photography as studio photography, but that doesn’t mean you have to be in a studio for professional results. You can get incredible results using natural light if you know how to properly use it. For example, if you have a large window in your house, you can use it as a source of natural light. If youre shooting outside, one of those big sheets of construction Styrofoam can work as a great reflector- just point it at your subject and it will help minimize harsh shadows.

Much like every other sort of photography, portraiture requires practice, patience, and a whole lot of love. What it doesnt require is a whole lot of professional equipment or piles of cash. Be creative with your materials and subjects and you’ll be surprised at how great the results can look displayed in a wood picture frame. Portrait lighting is all about subtlety, but that doesnt mean that its not incredibly fun!