hero lighting technique

well finally getting a practical for my digital course. We have a "male
model" coming in. I have chosen to light him using "hero method." This is
typically used by politicians, etc. Camera is placed slightly lower than
the standing man. Makes him taller and authorative. Light from back and
side gives strong shadow outlines, giving the chiselled jaw look. So i'm
thinking probably just the one light source. Far back and focused in order
to optimise contrast. to one side to put on side of face in heavy shadow.
Have his head tilted up and looking past me gazing into the future.

I chose this type of lighting given the profile of the model by the teacher.
He does kung fu. He is also a dancer. Very fit and strong. Slightly vain
so i think this will appeal. He also wants to act. So i'm going for the
action hero look. This shot will go in his portfolio and i'd expect him to
supply this if he was auditioning for a tough guy role. I might even dig up
a toy gun. maybe even dark sunglasses.

Any advice guys. That would be useful advice of course.

Deathwalker wrote:
well finally getting a practical for my digital course. We have a "male
model" coming in. I have chosen to light him using "hero method." This is
typically used by politicians, etc. Camera is placed slightly lower than
the standing man. Makes him taller and authorative. Light from back and
side gives strong shadow outlines, giving the chiselled jaw look. So i'm
thinking probably just the one light source. Far back and focused in order
to optimise contrast. to one side to put on side of face in heavy shadow.
Have his head tilted up and looking past me gazing into the future.

....Assumes the model doesn't have a weak looking chin...

....'looking to the past' is to the left (from viewer pov) and
slightly down,

....'looking to the future' is to the right (from viewer pov) and
level or up. I believe this is the look you really want.

Above is from TIME magazine several years ago where they explain
how they typicially portray politicians on their cover. Can't
remember who was on the cover though.
Might have been this one:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/ar...880822,00.html


I chose this type of lighting given the profile of the model by the teacher.
He does kung fu. He is also a dancer. Very fit and strong. Slightly vain
so i think this will appeal. He also wants to act. So i'm going for the
action hero look. This shot will go in his portfolio and i'd expect him to
supply this if he was auditioning for a tough guy role. I might even dig up
a toy gun. maybe even dark sunglasses.

simplicity.

Cheers,
Alan


--
--e-meil: there's no such thing as a FreeLunch.--

"Alan Browne" wrote in message
I chose this type of lighting given the profile of the model by the
teacher.
He does kung fu. He is also a dancer. Very fit and strong. Slightly
vain
so i think this will appeal. He also wants to act. So i'm going for
the
action hero look. This shot will go in his portfolio and i'd expect him
to
supply this if he was auditioning for a tough guy role. I might even
dig up
a toy gun. maybe even dark sunglasses.

simplicity.

Cheers,
Alan


elaborate please.


Thanks for the link by the way.