Taking photographs on a roof is a great way to get a sweeping, dramatic shot. In this video, commercial photographer and lighting expert Jay P. Morgan demonstrates how to use ambient light combined with two strobes for unique portraits:
Morgan’s task was to shoot professional portraits of three bank executives at East West Bank in Pasadena. For a compelling background, he took to the bank’s roof for its great views of the city’s downtown. At first, when the sun was higher in the sky, Morgan used one key light to soften the shadows on his subjects’ faces. When the sun began to set, the photographer realized he could add more interest to the background by shooting into the setting sun.
One of the resulting portraits, using ambient light, one key light and one fill light.
Capturing a portrait like this on your own is relatively simple. Some guidelines:
“It’s really important to not just take whatever you’re given, but to make sure you find what you want.” – Jay P. Morgan
[via PictureCorrect Photography Tips]