- 1). Set up your lights so they are in front of whatever it is you want to photograph or film. Strong frontal lighting is most similar to the kind of lighting used in a flash photograph. It is rather harsh and overpowering. The strong light focused directly on the subject tends to make the subject stand out very strongly and often magnifies his physical features. Strong frontal lighting is typically associated with the photographs of paparazzi. The individual, or celebrity, will appear to be caught in the camera's glare, much like a "deer in the headlights." This can be very good if you are doing an expose, but is not usually desirable.
- 2). Know that since frontal lighting focuses light directly on the subject, it makes it difficult to see details. It is as if the viewer is looking directly at someone who is standing in strong sunlight. They are outlined very clearly, but you do not get the sense of shadow. The lack of shadow exactly what makes this technique appealing to many professional photographers. Shadow, as any good painter knows, helps to define an object and give it three dimensions. With soft frontal lighting, the lack of shadow and detail will cause blemishes to disappear and make larger features appear smaller. The subject will also stand out more.
- 3). Understand that because frontal lighting makes things look flatter, it can be away of calling attention to color and basic form. If you are not looking to produce something three-dimensional, you can work with frontal lighting to create a work of art that is more like a painting. You can give your photographs or films an abstract quality. You can draw the viewer's attention to the way shapes and patterns make up your picture, rather than distract her with every flattering or unflattering detail.
- 4). When taking a portrait, frontal lighting does need to be placed directly in front of the subject's face. A slightly higher angle, while still frontal, will aid in diminishing wrinkles and other small lines. Focus the frontal light more narrowly on a particular part of the face, like the forehead, and watch as it brings out the change in shape as one moves over the different parts of the face and figure. Play around with the exact position of your lights and observe the effects. Frontal lighting can help erase or bring out the features you want.
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