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Two light setup for self-portrait

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Self Portrait Tips

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#1 A ‘hard light’ i.e. a Speedlite fitted with a grid spot was my main or key light on the right for this type of lighting commonly known as ‘short lighting’. There was another speedlite also fitted with a grid spot for a backlight. I used the grids because I didn’t want the light to spill all over. I was too lazy to remove the picture hanging on the wall behind me, so this was the simple solution. See other picture.

When my new Canon 600EX-RT Speedlite and its companion ST-E3-RT transmitter arrived, I couldn’t find locate a model.

I’m not so fond of self-portraits for obvious reasons.

It’s tough to:

  • focus on where you think you’ll be
  • compose the shot unless you use live view mode and hook up to an external monitor
  • visualize the final picture especially if you want to light
  • talk to yourself and coax that expression you want out of yourself.

So if you’ll excuse this self-indulgence, perhaps it will give you some ideas on what you might do the next time you need a self-portrait.

Trying to figure out exactly where the backlight will be without the benefit of a model is pretty rough. Here you can see the flare.
#2 Trying to figure out exactly where the backlight will be without the benefit of a model is pretty rough. Here you can see the flare.

What you might need for a self-portrait

If you have access to a room that has directional light, then all you may need is a tripod and some sort of remote to trip the shutter.

The self-timer will work in a pinch.

But that means you have to memorize exactly where you are standing assuming you have to step out of the frame to push the shutter release.

Since I was already lighting myself and didn’t want this setup to get overly complicated, I decided against “Live View” and an external monitor.

By the way, you can probably substitute that with placing a full size mirror behind the camera position.

#3
#3 I wish the main light was a few inches higher on this. I like my expression but I can’t see any catchlights in my eyes. The backlight is perfect and so is the background.
#4
#4 Notice what happens when the light spills all over? My background is no longer dark and you can see the picture that’s hanging on the wall behind me.

 

The task at hand was to do a quick field test of my new Speedlite 600EX-RT and its transmitter the ST-E3-RT.

For now suffice to say that the new radio-based transmitter won’t trigger the older optical-based Speedlites that I owned namely the 550EX, the 580EX and the 580 EX-II.

But the new 600EX-RT Speedlite can be triggered by the older optical based system.

The setup in my living room. Does it surprise you there is no black backdrop? That's simply because I used the grid spot on the main light to stop the light from spilling all over and lighting the wall behind. Where there is no light, there is no color
The setup in my living room. Does it surprise you there is no black backdrop? That’s simply because I used the grid spot on the main light to stop the light from spilling all over and lighting the wall behind. Where there is no light, there is no color

Please take a moment to give me your opinion  

Thank you.
Peter Phun Photography

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2 thoughts on “Two light setup for self-portrait”

  2. Numero 3.

    Looks natural, good smile, and nice light.

    #1 the hairlight is too strong compared to the face
    #2 Although I like the lighting in this the best, it looks like you are about to sit on a tack. LOL
    #4 the hairlight is way too strong.

    Not bad, not bad, overall.

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