Portrait - light

[Zachery]

Hi, I just visited the link to portrait taking for beginners, given by a group member. Very interesting stuff, but I've got just one question. When they mention use of light, eg using foil or a white box, am I to assume that you need to take the picture using the flash, or can you take it without?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Village Idiot]

Hi, I just visited the link to portrait taking for beginners, given by a group member. Very interesting stuff, but I've got just one question. When they mention use of light, eg using foil or a white box, am I to assume that you need to take the picture using the flash, or can you take it without?

Thanks in advance.

Generally yes, you need light sources. It doesn't have to be a strobe, but they're generally the best option as you have the most control over them. A light source could be anything from the sun, to a desk lamp.

 

[Big Mike]

eg using foil or a white box

Those are light modifiers....things that help you to shape and control the light. Not actual light sources.

Yes, a flash can be your light source, but it doesn't have to be.

And if you are talking about the camera's built-in flash...then no, that is not what you want to use at all.

 

[Zachery]

Thanks, Big Mike, that's what I thought.