Sip & Snaps
cheat sheet
Understanding Light
Natural Light: Soft and flattering for portraits​
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Hard
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Soft
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Understanding Light
Artificial Light: Consistent and versatile
Affordable Lighting Tools
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LED Lights
(Ring Light, Panel Light)
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Reflectors
Softbox Lighting
Mobile Tripods
Backdrop
Understanding Different Light Colors
Hands-On Session
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- Experiment with different tools and setups
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- Adjust angles and distance of light sources
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- Use diffusers or reflectors to modify light
Tips for Portrait Photography
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Use Portrait mode on your iPhone, iPhone X and later, and iPhone 8 Plus, you can use the Portrait Lighting feature to apply studio-quality lighting effects to your Portrait mode images. Choose from five effects:
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Studio Light, to brighten facial features.
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Contour Light, for more dramatic directional lighting.
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Stage Light, to isolate your subject in the spotlight.
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Stage Light Mono, for stage light in a classic black and white.
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High-Key Light Mono, for a grayscale subject on a white background.
Avoid Using Wide-Angle Lenses for Portraits:
Don’t use wide-angle lenses for portraits, as they can distort facial features, especially when shooting up close. Use a standard lens (50mm or higher) for a more natural look.​
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Use the Rule of Thirds:
Position your subject along one of the grid’s intersections for a more dynamic composition.
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Light at a 45° Angle:
Position your subject along one of the grid’s intersections for a more dynamic composition.
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Quick Editing with Mobile Apps
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- Apps to try: Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, VSCO​​​​​​
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- Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation
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- Use filters sparingly to maintain a natural look
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- Crop and straighten for better composition
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