As a photographer, one must know that it is not as simple as pointing and shooting. This is especially true if one wants to turn out some really professional looking shots that have been thought out properly. Thinking up a shot is more than just coming up with poses for the subject. It's about controlling the light and the dark. And this is exactly what a photographer has to be wary about, whether it's light coming from a continuous source like a lamp or from an external flash or strobes. Here are a few techniques that a photographer might choose to work with.

• Broad – This type of lighting is done to help make the side of a face brighter than any other place. Of course, it will only illuminate the side that faces the camera. This type of lighting is also known as a corrective technique because it makes faces look wider than they actually are.

• Short – Unlike broad lighting, this does exactly the opposite. It's meant to brighten the part of the face that is away from the camera. This is most efficient for subjects that have just an oval face. By using a weaker light, it can help narrow down a face and this is why it is also known as narrow lighting. This is a great technique to use on people who want to look slimmer on the face than they really are.

• Butterfly – This technique is quite difficult to use on men and should be used on women who have ears that are covered by their hair. This is because it can be very unflattering as the ears can be highlighted more than other parts of the face. The technique works by having the light pointed directly in front of the subject. The light should be placed in a way that a small shadow will be cast just under the nose. The effect is quite desirable to many women.

• Rembrandt – Just as the name suggests, this technique gives off a very nice artistic effect. It is attained by using the short and butterfly techniques. The main light that is used should be placed high above and behind the subject so that it brightens up the side of the face that is looking away from the camera.

These are just some of the techniques that are used in the studio with lights and they can be very effective especially if you have a photography business. Now, although these are great effects, nothing is better than natural light. But the natural effect can also be somewhat reproduced in a studio setting. This doesn't mean that you should buy as many bulbs as you can. Actually, you will only need 1 light and make sure to position it in all sorts of ways, such as the earlier mentioned techniques. Another weaker light can be used so that you can come up with different effects, dramatic or not. Just make sure the placement of the lights gives a natural effect. Playing with light and shadow is the secret to great photography.