[analogheart]

I'm exploring drawing and shading the head at the moment. What I was wondering is when you guys learned this stuff how did you do it? Photo reference? If so do you think it would be useful to get a book on portrait lighting for photography and play around with some setups and copy the lighting style? Do you use one particular lighting setup when you draw a character in an interior setting?

[notic]

well, if you're learning how to draw anything you better start of with a simple singular light source.. remember that you will get bounced light, so that's complicated enough to start with.

having a strong primary light source will help you understand forms better

[Ranath]

lighting for photograph is way different from lighting for drawing. For drawing go for one light source (not directly in front - side, top, etc. works better as you get shadows) and bounce light. For photos... so complex, especially in fashion and advertisements, no way one could draw that!!

[M@.]

to start, I agree studying simple lighting setup is good. But as you get better, I definitely recommend studying studio lighting, movie lighting etc... and practicing photography yourself!
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