(C)KarenSquires

The old master painters often used one light source. The idea was to mimic our one natural source of light, the sun.  Not only do I love this look, but I feel it's the easiest to use.

The simplest way to do this is to position your subject next to a window that doesn't have direct sun streaming though it. That light is too harsh. Either wait till another time of the day when the light is not so harsh, or go to another window.

Have your subject stand close to the window facing the glass. Izobel was about 1ft away from the window in this portrait. Slowly turn your subject's head toward you while watching the way the light falls on their face. You're looking for the window light to barely light the opposite cheek under the opposite eye. There should be some shadow on the side of the nose that's away from the window.

Even though one light source is simple, it takes time to get it right, so just keep practicing.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen