Using color light in portrait is a fascinating method that can dramatically impact the mood, atmosphere, and overall feel of an image. Photographers often use colored gels or filters over their lights to achieve different effects. This works well, however being able to alter the hue and saturation of your lights with the flick of a button or turn of a dial is quite beneficial. This is why RGB LED light comes into play. In this article, we will tell you 3 common ways to use color lighting in portrait photography, with the help of RGB lights to create various colors of lighting of adjustable saturation.
Use color light in portrait to create various color backdrops
Creating a collection of various color backdrops can be time-consuming and necessitates more storage space. A great technique to get around this is to direct an RGB LED light at a white background. Simply select your desired color, and you'll have a new color backdrop! See how the YouTuber KN film uses COLBOR CL60R to create different colors of backdrops.
Video by KN film
Depending on the size and arrangement of your lights, you may encounter uneven lighting on the backdrop. However, this is not a problem because you can play with the positions and modifiers you use to achieve even portrait lighting.
Here’s a straightforward method in just a few steps:
- Position the subject at a distance from the background.
- Direct your primary light towards the subject.
- Aim your RGB light at the backdrop.
- Adjust the lighting and exposure ratios between your lights and camera.
- Capture the photo.
Use RGB light in portrait to direct color lighting to the subject’s face
Another technique to get a distinct look in your portrait work is to apply color directly to the subject. This approach differs significantly from the typical lighting used by 95% of portrait photographers, and the options are unlimited. You can play with single or two light setups to add color light in portrait.
Single light setup: Position a compact RGB light to the side. This creates a concentrated colored light on the subject’s face against a black background. Alternatively, move the light slightly backward to produce a colored rim light that outlines the subject's silhouette. Another option is to use a broader light source, allowing the color to spread across the entire scene, setting the mood while providing softer illumination that accentuates the subject’s features.
Two light setup with RGB fill light: You can use two lights in your photograph: maintain a white light as your primary source and use an RGB light as a fill light. With this setup, you'll add a hint of color on the side—whether it's a subtle glow or a vibrant saturated hue, the choice is yours. Alternatively, position the main light towards the front and use the colored light as a rim light coming from behind and to the side. Another option is to let the fill light spill into the background, which will color the entire scene.
Use split color lighting setup for more creative portrait photography
Split color lighting is a method in which you approach a subject's shape using color from your tonal ranges. For certain subjects, you establish a baseline color temperature with the key light, while for others, you might employ complementary colors without concern for skin tones.
A simple setup utilizes three lights: a key (or main) light and two kickers (sidelights or lights that complement the key) equipped with RGB options. Below are how you can achieve this setup of color light in portrait.
Step 1: Adjust the skin tone of your subject using the key light, considering the varying reflectivity of different skin tones. Darker skin is generally easier to illuminate due to its wider dynamic range, especially if the subject is sweating. This provides more data for the camera sensor.
Step 2: Identify which parts of the subject's body will be illuminated by RGB lights. Test shots can help ensure that where different lights overlap, there are no distracting color combinations. This is often most challenging with lights positioned behind the subject and angled towards the camera, potentially affecting areas like the subject's nose. To prevent this, consider flagging or blocking these lights from hitting problematic areas of the subject's face.
Step 3: Assess how the color cast from kicker lights will affect any part of your background. This is typically straightforward when shooting portraits.
Step 4: Ensure your camera's exposure and light intensity are properly adjusted using a light meter. Utilizing a light meter remains crucial to achieving the ideal light ratio that best suits your sensor's capabilities.
Step 5: Set your camera's white balance manually to match the color temperature of the key light. Using Auto White Balance with split color lighting can lead to undesirable outcomes and potential frustrations.