Lighting a Portrait So It Becomes a Striking Sketch

Light shapes a face. It also decides how well a portrait will turn into a sketch, since sketch effects rely on shadows and edges.

Why light matters

A sketch conveys form through tone and line. If a face is lit flatly from the front, there's little shadow to work with. If it's lit from the side, shadows model the nose, cheeks and jaw, giving the sketch depth.

Basic lighting directions

Direction	Effect	Suitability for sketch
Front (flat)	even, few shadows	soft, but can look flat
Side (45 degrees)	shadows model the face	usually excellent
Full side (90 degrees)	half the face in shadow	dramatic
Back or rim light	glow around edges	moody, needs care
Top light	shadows under brows and nose	can look harsh

A simple window setup

1. Sit or stand near a window with soft daylight.
2. Turn the face slightly toward the window, so that light comes from the side.
3. Face the camera with a slight angle.
4. Keep the background plain, and away from the window's brightest area.
5. Take a few shots with slightly different angles.

Soft versus hard light

• Soft light (cloudy day, near a window) gives gentle shadow transitions, flattering for faces.
• Hard light (direct sun) creates sharp shadows and high contrast, which can look dramatic in sketch effects, but can also create harsh patches.

Avoid

• Overhead midday sun, which casts deep shadows in the eyes.
• Mixed light colours, such as a warm lamp plus cool daylight.
• Flash straight on, which flattens features.

The eyes

Try to keep light in the eyes. A small catchlight, a bright reflection in each eye, gives life to a portrait and translates well into drawings.

Angle and expression

• A slight head tilt adds interest.
• Eyes at or slightly above the camera feel engaging.
• A natural expression beats a stiff pose.
• Take many shots. People relax over time.

Background

Plain, uncluttered backgrounds help the effect focus on the face. A distant, softly blurred background works well.

Check before applying

Look at the photo. Can you see the shape of the face by its shadows? If so, it will probably make a good sketch.

Try it

Take three photos of the same person, lit from the front, the side and slightly from above. Apply the same effect to each and compare.

Try Color Photo Sketch →