I love the whole process of photographing people, be that a glamour model, male bodybuilder, an outdoor location shoot, or studio portraiture.

Studio portraiture can be a challenge as you need to be in control of the whole set, from ensuring that the lighting is just how you want it, to making sure the ‘model’ is comfortable and establishing rapport to coach the right kind of expressions.  Perhaps the coaching element is the most important and often the most overlooked part of the shoot.  How many times have you seen a perfectly-lit portrait that is lacking in emotion or connection with the subject?

It’s so obvious, but when I’m photographing a person I talk to them.  Show interest in them.  Ask them questions about themselves.  Build a relationship with them.  Get them smiling.  Get them laughing.  Coax a ‘look’ from them.

A few weeks ago I was asked to be involved in a studio photography workshop.  The model was Jayde, a lovely girl and local beauty queen.  We ran through a few different lighting setups and ended with one of my favourite setups, with a beauty dish for the main light and a reflector to fill in the shadows under the chin.  This was supplemented with two back-lights to bring out her hair (see diagram).  A pretty simple setup that anyone can do with three lights.

Click on the pictures to enlarge and feel free to leave a comment below.