Portrait Photography Techniques Flashcards
6 cards from real Photography practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Portrait Photography Techniques flashcards as text
What role does a 'fill light' play in a portrait lighting setup?
Answer: It reduces shadows cast by the main (key) light
Fill light is positioned opposite the key light to soften and control the depth of shadows without eliminating them entirely.
Which camera mode gives a portrait photographer the most direct control over depth of field?
Answer: Aperture Priority (Av/A)
Aperture Priority mode lets the photographer set the exact aperture while the camera automatically selects the corresponding shutter speed for correct exposure.
What is a 'beauty dish' light modifier designed to produce?
Answer: Soft, directional light with a slight wrap and crisp specular highlights
A beauty dish creates a flattering light quality—softer than bare flash but more defined than a large softbox—making it popular for beauty and fashion portraits.
What does a 'hair light' accomplish in a portrait lighting setup?
Answer: Separates the subject's hair from the background
A hair light, placed above and behind the subject, adds a rim of light to the hair that prevents it from merging with a dark background.
What is the purpose of using a gold reflector when photographing portraits outdoors?
Answer: To add a warm, sun-kissed glow to skin tones
A gold reflector bounces warm, golden-toned light onto the subject, simulating the warmth of late-afternoon sunlight and enhancing skin tones.
In portrait photography, what is the 'butterfly lighting' pattern named after?
Answer: The butterfly-shaped shadow that forms under the subject's nose
Butterfly lighting places the main light directly in front of and above the subject, creating a small shadow below the nose that resembles a butterfly.