Studio & Portrait Photography Techniques Flashcards
7 cards from real Photography and Media 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 & Portrait Photography Techniques flashcards as text
What is the primary purpose of a key light in a studio portrait setup?
Answer: To serve as the main light source illuminating the subject
The key light is the dominant, primary light source that defines the main illumination and shadow structure on a portrait subject.
In portrait photography, what does a 'catch light' refer to?
Answer: The specular highlight reflected in a subject's eyes
Catch lights are the small specular reflections of light sources visible in a subject's eyes, adding life and sparkle to portraits.
What is the typical ratio for a 3:1 lighting ratio in portrait photography?
Answer: The key light is three times brighter than the fill light
A 3:1 lighting ratio means the key light side of the face receives three times more light than the fill light side, creating moderate shadow depth.
Which backdrop color is most commonly used for high-key portrait photography?
Answer: White
High-key photography uses bright, white backgrounds to create an airy, minimal-shadow aesthetic with an overall bright exposure.
What is a softbox primarily used for in studio photography?
Answer: Diffusing and softening the light source to reduce harsh shadows
A softbox diffuses light through a translucent panel, creating a large, even light source that produces soft shadows and flattering results on skin.
What does 'short lighting' mean in portrait photography?
Answer: The key light illuminates the side of the face turned away from the camera
Short lighting (also called narrow lighting) illuminates the smaller, shadow side of the face visible to the camera, creating a slimming effect.
What is the function of a hair light in a portrait studio setup?
Answer: To separate the subject from the background by lighting the hair
A hair light is placed above and behind the subject to add definition and separation between the hair and background, giving depth to the portrait.