Summary: Glamour photography requires creative lighting techniques. Lighting like a pro can be challenging, but with planning and improvisation you can create a moody portrait with great results and minimal expense.

    Advice on how to be creative is always subject to

Using the three lights purchased at a local hardware store, we were able to create this portrait. Nikon digital camera, ISO 200, f5.6 at 1/15th second exposure. The file was converted to black and white in Adobe Photoshop.

•  Hot lights…Use simple utility lights with a 100-watt bulb.  The “hot lights” are less complicated to use than electronic flash.  The light from them is easily visible and you can see where shadows fall. These lights are easily positioned and less expensive.  However, be aware that the lights do become hot, so use them with caution.

• Select the “incandescent light” setting on your digital camera to allow for color correction.  Better yet, set your camera to the monochrome or black-and-white mode.

• Use a tripod. The “hot lights” provide less intense light. You will need a steady camera for slower shutter speeds.

• Select an aperture setting to suit your needs.  A setting of f11 for greater detail or f2.8 to enhance the selective focus point like the eyes of your subject.

• If you are using a point and shoot camera, turn off the automatic flash to get the best results.

• Study other photographer’s lighting

  The same setup was used for this portrait that mimics a classic glamour pose. Nikon digital camera, ISO 200, f5.6 at 1/15th second exposure. The file converted to black and white in Adobe Photoshop

  techniques.  Look for the light source on their subjects. Try to recreate their “look or style” and then apply your own creative composition, lighting and poses.

• Practice, practice and practice some more.

For a minimal investment of $30, we purchased this simplistic lighting kit at a hardware store to create a portrait.