Aug 04 2008
One-sided lighting
My smallest run-and-gun kit includes just 2 lights. A small on camera catch-light and a rifa 44 quick-action softbox. I have often found that I can get a more natural look by positioning the rifa on the same side of the camera as the main light source.
Outside the studio the traditional “key from one side, fill from the other” maxim often produces a flat, artificial look. Inside the studio the flat, artificial look is known as the “studio look”, and is highly prized for the professional veneer it lends to productions.
At last those of us who have been breaking the rules of 3-point lighting theory need no longer feel guilty. We have a rule of our own: “Go craaazzzy - Fill from the key side“
