Studio Lighting Setups Flashcards
7 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 7 Studio Lighting Setups flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of a hair light in a portrait studio setup?
Answer: To separate the subject from the background and add depth
A hair light is placed above and behind the subject to create a rim of light that separates the subject from the background, adding a sense of depth and dimension.
In a high-key lighting setup, what is the typical background color and how is it lit?
Answer: White background, overexposed by 1–2 stops relative to the subject
High-key lighting uses a white background that is intentionally overexposed by one to two stops compared to the subject, creating a bright, airy look with minimal shadows.
What does the term 'lighting ratio' refer to in studio photography?
Answer: The difference in brightness between the key light side and the fill light side of a subject
Lighting ratio describes the difference in exposure between the highlight side (key light) and the shadow side (fill light) of a subject, commonly expressed as 2:1, 3:1, or higher.
Which light modifier produces the softest, most wrapping light in a studio?
Answer: Large octabox
A large octabox produces very soft, wrapping light because its large surface area creates a light source with a wide apparent size relative to the subject.
When using a beauty dish, the subject should typically be positioned how?
Answer: Close to the dish so the catchlights are large and specular
Beauty dishes are designed to be used close to the subject, producing a signature round catchlight and a blend of specular and soft light that is ideal for beauty and portrait work.
What is 'feathering' a light source in studio photography?
Answer: Aiming the edge of the light modifier at the subject rather than the center
Feathering means angling the light source so that the edge of the beam strikes the subject, which produces softer and more even illumination than the hot center of the light.
In a clamshell lighting setup for portraits, where is the fill light typically positioned?
Answer: Directly below the subject's face, angled upward
A clamshell setup places the key light above the subject and a fill light or reflector directly below the face angled upward, creating even, flattering illumination with minimal shadows.