• Lighting is the most important element in portrait photography.fashion photography image by Randy McKown from Fotolia.com
  
  People are one of the most common subjects in photography. If you are doing portrait photography, the most important thing is to make your subject look good. To achieve this, you must manipulate lighting wisely. Lighting plays a big factor in your picture and can be the difference between a good picture and a bad picture.
  
  

Single External Flash

• A flash is a good way to manipulate light. If your external flash is able to swivel, you can bounce the flash off the ceiling or wall instead of shooting your subject straight on. If your flash is shot straight on, your picture will turn out harsh and can appear unflattering and amateurish. Bouncing the flash off the wall creates more a dramatic lighting effect that isn't too harsh on your subject. Bounce the flash off the ceiling to create a more diffused picture with even shadows.
  
  

Two External Flashes

• If you use two external flashes, you'll have more options with your lighting. One flash can determine the overall look of the scene while the other can provide soft, fill light to fill out unwanted shadows. Place one flash 45 degrees above and 45 degrees to one side of your camera. Place a reflector or a fill light next to your camera to diffuse shadows.
  
  

Natural Lighting

• Natural lighting is a good source of light if you don't have any external flashes. The best time of day to shoot is in the late afternoon, when the sun is low in the sky. When the sun is lower, your subject is less likely to squint. The angle that the sun is in relation to your subject will create flattering shadows that aren't too harsh. Another great time to shoot portrait photography in natural light is in overcast weather. The lighting will be even and diffused, creating a flattering photograph for your subject.
  
  

Windows and Natural Lighting

• Position your subject next to a large, open window. You can use a large white poster board as a reflector to fill out undesired shadows. Place the large white poster board to the side of your subject to reflect excess light that comes through the window.