Clamshell Lighting Setup For Portraits

Understanding Clamshell Lighting

A few people have asked about the next steps for setting up clamshell lighting. This technique involves using two lights positioned to resemble the shape of a clam when viewed from the side. One light is placed above the subject, while the other is positioned below.

Setting Up Clamshell Lighting

To set it up, bring the lights in close to the model. The goal is to maintain a large, beautiful light source that creates captivating catch lights in the eyes.

Start by turning off the bottom light for a moment. With only the top light active, take a picture to assess the result. This setup can yield a beautiful shot on its own. The bottom light, even when off, may act as a slight reflector, providing a bit of lift.

Next, turn on the bottom light. Ensure both lights are set to the same power level to maintain balance. Take another shot, adjusting the model’s chin slightly for the best angle.

Adjusting Light Levels

While the initial results may look good, the bottom light can often be too strong. To correct this, reduce its intensity by two stops. The aim is to fill in shadows and enhance skin texture while adding a subtle catch light in the lower part of the eyes.

Take another photograph to see the improvements. You should notice that the bottom light now supports the top light effectively. If it still appears a bit bright, make further adjustments by reducing its power.

It’s important to note that I am not using a light meter. Instead, I rely on taking photographs, reviewing them, and making adjustments based on what I see.

Final Adjustments

After a few tweaks, the lighting should be nearly perfect. In this setup, the ratio of the lights is approximately four to one, with the top light acting as the key light and the bottom light filling in shadows.

Remember, these ratios can vary depending on your specific lights and modifiers. The bottom light should enhance the shadows while the top light remains the primary source.

With these adjustments, you will achieve effective clamshell lighting that beautifully highlights your subject.

Before And After Image