How to Light Photos With Flashlights

A standard photography session utilizes lighting umbrellas and industry-standard light fixtures to illuminate the subject. If you are interested in creating a visually interesting photograph, foregoing the traditional lighting rules may provide the unusual image you desire. Using flashlights as a lighting source within a picture can create a dynamic contrast between the subject and the background, especially when done in a dimly lit environment.

• 1

  Position your subject in a dark or dimly lit room, and set up the camera to capture the appropriate angle for the photograph.

• 2

  Turn on the flashlight and point the beam of light directly at the subject. For a dynamic appearance, stand above the subject and point the light directly down on the center of the subject; down lighting can also be done from various angles to highlight certain sections of the subject. Take note that using a single flashlight will create harsh shadows, which may or may not be appropriate for the picture.

• 3

  Soften shadows created by the flashlight by using a traditional three-light setup. Position the main flashlight, and then use a dimmer flashlight on the opposite side of the main light to reduce shadowing. Place a flashlight directly behind the subject, and point the beam of light up toward the top of the subject. This will create a backlight, or light rim, around the subject's edges, which can be a very dramatic addition to a photo taken in a dark room.

• 4

  Decrease the exposure speed on the camera. Have the subject hold the flashlight and after you press the shutter button, tell the subject to move the flashlight in different directions. Due to the longer exposure, the light emitted by the flashlight will create trails, or light patterns. This will result in a dynamic and interesting photograph.