Help!

[rebeccaparkes]

Hi

This is not my photo - i was told i could post a link to a photo.
Im wondering if someone who specialises in portrait photography can help me understand the lighting requirements for a photo like this?

thanks

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=maternity+black+and+white&hl=en&safe=active&biw=1080&bih=797&tbm=isch&tbnid=ZOkAJxjWT3wyZM:&imgrefurl=http://tracitoddphotography.com/blog/2011/05/maternity-lexington-ky-maternity-photographer/&docid=M7s9RLZe2v1jXM&imgurl=http://tracitoddphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/paris-kentucky-maternity-photographer.jpg&w=850&h=567&ei=HbdTUcTFI4vQkQXv0oHwDg&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=548&vpy=477&dur=3203&hovh=183&hovw=275&tx=192&ty=112&page=2&tbnh=149&tbnw=249&start=26&ndsp=30&ved=1t:429,r:54,s:0,i:253

[I @ M]

One light, either a studio strobe or a speedlight projected through a softbox or a gridded beauty dish would get those results. There are probably a few more light shaping / modifying devices that could be employed other than the above two depending on space and light power.

[Bc Photo]

A beauty dish with grid will give you this effect. Also has an added bonus, because the light from the grid is so directional your background will disappear into darkness. No need for swapping backgrounds. I use a 70cm dish with grid, you can find them on ebay for a lil over $200.