Discover the magic formula for soft and flattering portrait lighting, crafted by Sony Artisan and renowned photographer, Scott Robert Lim. Whether you're shooting in a studio or outdoors, this guide will help you create stunning portraits that highlight your subject in the best light.
Photo by Scott Robert Lim. Sony Alpha 9 III. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master. 1/6400-sec., f/1.8, ISO 125
The Magic Formula For Soft Lighting
Lim's formula is straightforward: use a diffuser that is three feet or larger, positioned three feet or closer to your subject. This setup ensures a professional-grade soft lighting effect, perfect for both studio and outdoor shoots. If you have access to a large softbox or even a simple 33-inch translucent umbrella, you can achieve beautiful results by following this guideline.
BTS from Scott Robert Lim's workshop
Why Focus On Light Quality?
When starting out, many photographers invest in powerful lights and softboxes, but Lim emphasizes that quality matters more than power. A light's ability to create gentle, gradual shadows is key to a flattering portrait. This means positioning your light source close enough to your subject to produce soft, seamless shadows that define facial features without harsh lines.
Photo by Scott Robert Lim. Sony Alpha 9 III. Sony 50mm f/1.2 G Master.
Creating Shadows With Intention
Mastering portrait photography involves more than just lighting your subject; it’s about using light to shape shadows. Lim uses the Sony Alpha 9 III (Buy Now) to focus on shadow creation. By strategically introducing shadows, you bring out the natural contours and features of your subject, adding depth and dimension to your portraits.
Photo by Scott Robert Lim. Sony Alpha 9 III. Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master II. 1/160-sec., f/2.8, ISO 125
Practical Tips For Photographers
Lim shares practical advice for achieving professional lighting on a budget. Even with a modest setup, like a budget-friendly umbrella, you can achieve incredible lighting by ensuring your diffuser is the right size and properly positioned. This technique allows for flexibility and creativity, enabling you to adapt to different shooting environments and challenges.
Photo by Scott Robert Lim. Sony Alpha 9 III. Sony 16-25mm f/2.8 G. 1/3200-sec., f/3.5, ISO 800
By incorporating Scott Robert Lim's magic formula into your photography practice, you can consistently produce soft, flattering portraits. This approach not only enhances your portraits but also builds a solid foundation for your photography skills.
For more tips and techniques from Scott Robert Lim, explore his Alpha Universe Profile and follow him on Instagram @scottrobertlim.
To level up your portraits with global shutter, purchase the Alpha 9 III.
See more of Scott Robert Lim’s kit in the video below and to shop this kit, check out What's In My Bag: Everything You Need For An On-Location Portrait Session.
