Introduction
Introduction In the realm of studio photography, the mastery of lighting setups holds paramount importance. A well-executed lighting setup has the power to transform an ordinary portrait into a captivating work of art.
Understanding and utilizing various lighting techniques allows photographers to shape and control light in ways that enhance their subjects’ features, create desired moods, and convey messages through imagery. To embark on this journey into the world of lighting setups for studio portraits, it is essential to have a solid foundation in studio lighting basics.
Familiarize yourself with different light sources such as strobes, continuous lights, and modifiers like softboxes, umbrellas, and reflectors. Having a comprehensive understanding of essential studio lighting gear will enable you to make informed decisions when assembling your own setup.
The single-light setup is an excellent starting point for beginners delving into studio portrait photography. This straightforward approach involves using a single light source to illuminate the subject from a specific direction or angle.
By mastering studio lighting techniques within this setup, you can learn how light interacts with your subject’s features and experiment with various positions to achieve desired effects. Moving beyond the simplicity of a single-light setup leads us to explore the dynamic possibilities offered by two-light setups.
With two lights at your disposal, you can bring depth and dimensionality to your portraits by introducing contrasting light sources from different angles. Balancing these lights effectively can result in stunning images that accentuate facial features while maintaining pleasing shadows.
As your proficiency grows, so does your ability to wield multiple lights in more intricate three-light setups. Herein lies an opportunity for greater control over shadows and highlights within your frame.
This advanced technique opens up avenues for creative expression by allowing you to manipulate each light’s intensity and placement precisely. For those seeking even more complexity in their lighting setups, four-light arrangements present limitless options for experimentation and artistic exploration.
With four distinct light sources at work simultaneously, photographers can sculpt their subjects with unmatched precision, creating dramatic effects and enhancing three-dimensionality. In the remainder of this comprehensive guide on lighting setups for studio portraits, we will delve into specialized lighting techniques, mastering lighting ratios and placement, troubleshooting common lighting issues, and exploring post-processing techniques to further enhance your images.
By the end of this enlightening journey, you’ll be equipped with a wide array of studio lighting tips and tricks that will elevate your photography to new heights. So grab your essential gear, whether it’s a high-end DSLR or even just your trusty smartphone camera, for we are about to embark on an illuminating adventure in the captivating realm of studio portrait photography.
Understanding the Basics of Studio Lighting
Understanding the Basics of Studio Lighting Studio lighting serves as the foundation for capturing stunning and professional-looking portraits. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting your journey, grasping the fundamental concepts of studio lighting is essential.
In this section, we will explore the key elements that make up a successful studio lighting setup and how they contribute to creating visually pleasing images. To begin, let’s discuss the primary types of lighting setups used in studio photography.
The most straightforward option is the single-light setup, which involves using a single light source to illuminate your subject. This setup is ideal for creating dramatic and high-contrast images, emphasizing specific features or creating captivating shadows.
Moving on to more complex setups, we have the two-light setup. Here, two light sources are employed to provide a balanced illumination on both sides of your subject.
This technique helps achieve a more natural look by reducing harsh shadows and providing depth and dimension to your portraits. As we delve deeper into lighting setups for studio photography, we come across the versatile three-light setup.
With this arrangement, three lights are strategically positioned to highlight different aspects of your subject – typically referred to as key light, fill light, and hair light (or backlight). The key light is the primary source illuminating your subject, while fill light softens any remaining shadows on their face or body.
The hair light separates your subject from the background by adding a touch of rim lighting. For those seeking even greater control over their composition and visual impact in their photographs, there’s the four-light setup – an exceptional choice for achieving elaborate and dynamic results.
This setup allows you to highlight specific details within your frame by employing additional lights dedicated to accentuating certain areas such as background elements or props. In addition to these standard setups, there are numerous specialized techniques worth exploring when it comes to studio lighting.
These include but are not limited to butterfly lighting (creating striking catchlights under the nose), Rembrandt lighting (emulating the famous painter’s dramatic style), and split lighting (where one side of the face is in shadow while the other is fully illuminated). Each technique offers its own unique aesthetic and can be employed to convey different moods or emphasize specific facial features.
When embarking on your studio lighting journey, it’s crucial to have the right gear at your disposal. Essential studio lighting gear includes strobes or continuous lights, light modifiers such as softboxes and umbrellas, light stands, reflectors, and a reliable triggering system.
Investing in quality equipment that suits your specific needs will greatly enhance your ability to control and manipulate light effectively. Understanding these studio lighting basics sets a solid foundation for exploring more advanced techniques.
By familiarizing yourself with various setups and acquiring the necessary gear, you’re well on your way to mastering studio lighting techniques that will elevate your portrait photography game. In the subsequent sections of this article, we will delve into specific setups and provide practical tips for troubleshooting common lighting issues – helping you achieve stunning results in every photoshoot.
Essential Gear for Studio Lighting
Essential Gear for Studio Lighting When it comes to creating stunning portraits in a studio setting, having the right gear is crucial. Here, we will explore the essential studio lighting equipment that every photographer should consider investing in.
First and foremost, a high-quality camera is a must. While modern smartphones offer impressive capabilities, using a dedicated camera allows for greater control over settings and image quality.
Look for a camera with manual mode options and the ability to connect to external lighting equipment. Next on the list is a sturdy tripod.
This tool is indispensable for achieving sharp, well-composed shots. A tripod not only provides stability but also frees up your hands to adjust lighting setups or interact with your subject without compromising image quality.
To control and shape light precisely, lighting modifiers are essential. Softboxes and umbrellas are popular choices as they help diffuse light evenly and create gentle shadows on your subject’s face.
Reflectors are another valuable tool that can be used to bounce light back onto your subject or fill in shadowed areas. In addition to modifiers, you will need light sources themselves.
Studio strobes offer powerful bursts of light perfect for freezing motion and illuminating large spaces. Continuous lights provide constant illumination and are ideal for creating cinematic effects or capturing videos alongside still images.
To trigger off-camera flashes or strobes remotely, invest in a reliable wireless trigger system. This handy device allows you to control multiple lights simultaneously from your camera position without any untidy wires cluttering up your shooting space.
Last but not least, various light stands will come in handy when setting up your preferred lighting arrangements. These sturdy supports ensure that your lights stay securely positioned throughout the shoot, giving you peace of mind while focusing on capturing stunning images.
Remember that while having high-quality gear is important, it’s equally crucial to know how to use it effectively in various lighting setups for studio photography scenarios. Experimenting with different combinations of equipment will help you find what works best for your style and the specific mood you want to convey in your images.
By investing in essential studio lighting gear and mastering studio lighting techniques, you will be well-equipped to create breathtaking portraits that capture the essence and beauty of your subjects. So, grab your camera, set up those lights, and embark on a journey of creativity where every click brings forth a masterpiece worthy of admiration.
Classic Single-Light Setups
When it comes to studio photography, mastering lighting techniques is essential for creating stunning portraits. While multi-light setups offer versatility and control, classic single-light setups can be just as effective in achieving captivating results.
In this section, we will explore some popular single-light setups that can elevate your studio portraits to new levels of artistry. The first single-light setup we will discuss is the “Rembrandt Lighting.” Named after the renowned Dutch painter, Rembrandt van Rijn, this technique creates a beautiful interplay of light and shadow on the subject’s face.
To achieve this look, place your light source slightly above and to the side of your subject at a 45-degree angle. This positioning creates a triangular patch of light on the shadow side of the face while casting a soft glow on the rest of it.
The result is a dramatic portrait with a distinct Rembrandt-esque feel. Another classic single-light setup worth exploring is known as “Loop Lighting.” This technique involves positioning your light source at an angle about 30-45 degrees from the camera axis and slightly higher than eye level.
The key here is to create a subtle loop-shaped shadow under the subject’s nose, giving depth and dimension to their face. Loop lighting adds an element of elegance and sophistication to portraits, making it highly popular among photographers.
For those wanting to experiment with high contrast and moody aesthetics, “Split Lighting” is an excellent choice. This setup involves placing your light source directly to one side—either left or right—of your subject’s face.
By illuminating only one half while casting deep shadows on the other half, you achieve a striking division between light and dark. Split lighting works particularly well for creating intense portraits with an edgy atmosphere or emphasizing strong facial features like cheekbones or jawlines.
Moving onto “Butterfly Lighting,” this unique setup gets its name from its characteristic butterfly-shaped shadow under the subject’s nose. To achieve this setup, place your light source directly in front and slightly above your subject, angling it downwards.
This positioning creates a soft, diffused light that wraps around the face while casting a distinct shadow. Butterfly lighting is often used in beauty and fashion photography as it emphasizes the subject’s facial contours and produces a flattering, angelic glow.
We have “Backlighting.” As the name implies, this setup involves placing your light source behind your subject to create a halo-like effect. By positioning the light behind the subject and exposing for their silhouette, you can create striking portraits with an ethereal feel.
Backlighting adds depth to images by separating the subject from their background and can be particularly effective when shooting subjects with interesting shapes or hair details. Single-light setups offer versatility and creativity in studio photography.
Whether you want to capture dramatic Rembrandt-style portraits or experiment with moody split lighting techniques, mastering classic single-light setups will enhance your ability to create compelling imagery. Remember that these setups are just starting points; feel free to explore variations and adapt them according to your creative vision.
With essential studio lighting gear and a solid understanding of studio lighting basics, you can confidently embark on your photographic journey towards creating visually stunning portraits using single-light setups.
Dynamic Two-Light Setups
Dynamic Two-Light Setups One of the most versatile and widely used lighting setups for studio photography is the dynamic two-light setup. This configuration allows photographers to add depth, dimension, and drama to their portraits by strategically placing two light sources.
By manipulating the position, intensity, and quality of these lights, you can create stunning visual effects that elevate your images to new heights. The key to a successful two-light setup lies in understanding how each light contributes to the overall composition.
One light serves as the main or key light, providing the primary illumination on the subject. The other light acts as a fill or accent light, complementing the main light by reducing shadows and adding highlights in specific areas.
To create a classic two-light setup, start with your main light positioned at a 45-degree angle relative to your subject. This placement ensures flattering illumination while creating depth through shadowing.
Experiment with different modifiers like softboxes or beauty dishes to control the quality of light and achieve desired softness or harshness. Next, position your fill or accent light opposite to your main light source but at a lower intensity level.
This secondary source helps balance out shadows caused by the main light while adding subtle highlights on certain features like hair or clothing textures. Consider using a reflector or grid modifier on this fill light for more precise control over its effect on specific areas.
When working with a two-light setup, it’s crucial to maintain proper lighting ratios between your main and fill lights. Adjusting their relative power output allows you to manipulate contrast levels and highlight specific areas of interest within your composition.
For example, if you desire dramatic contrast with deep shadows, increase the brightness of your key light while reducing that of your fill light. Beyond traditional two-point lighting setups, there are countless variations that can yield unique results depending on your creative vision.
For instance, using gels on one or both lights can introduce captivating color effects into your portraits. Additionally, incorporating additional modifiers like snoots or grids can help focus the light and create intriguing patterns or spotlights on your subject.
Mastering studio lighting techniques takes time and practice, but a dynamic two-light setup provides an excellent foundation for exploring the possibilities. By understanding how to manipulate your main and fill lights, as well as experimenting with various modifiers and creative techniques, you can elevate your studio portraits to new levels of professionalism and visual impact.
Remember that each lighting setup is just a starting point; don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt based on the specific subject, mood, or message you want to convey. With patience and dedication, you’ll unlock the power of studio lighting to create captivating portraits that leave a lasting impression on both you and your audience.
Versatile Three-Light Setups
Versatile Three-Light Setups When it comes to achieving professional-grade studio portraits, a three-light setup provides ample flexibility and control over the lighting environment.
By strategically positioning the lights, photographers can create a wide range of lighting effects and bring out the desired mood in their images. In this section, we will explore some versatile three-light setups that will elevate your studio photography to new heights.
One popular three-light setup is the classic key-light, fill-light, and hair-light configuration. The key light serves as the primary light source and is typically positioned at a 45-degree angle from the subject.
It provides the main illumination and highlights the subject’s features. The fill light is placed on the opposite side of the key light to soften shadows and balance out any harsh lighting.
The hair light is positioned behind and above the subject to add depth by highlighting their hair or shoulders. Another effective three-light setup involves using two lights with softboxes or diffusers as main lights on either side of your subject and a third light as a background light.
This configuration creates even illumination on both sides of your subject while providing separation from the background through subtle backlighting. By adjusting the intensity of each light individually, you can control highlights, shadows, and overall contrast in your photos.
Incorporating colored gels into your three-light setup opens up endless creative possibilities for studio photography. For instance, placing gels on one or two of your lights can give you vibrant backgrounds or create dramatic color contrasts on your subjects.
You could use complementary colors for an eye-catching visual impact or experiment with hues that match specific moods you want to convey in your photographs. For those interested in highlighting specific elements within their compositions, consider exploring rim lighting as part of your three-light setup.
This technique involves placing one off-camera flash behind your subject at an angle that creates a thin strip of light along their edges. The rim lighting adds a beautiful halo effect, emphasizing the shape and contours of your subject.
Combined with the key light and fill light, this setup produces stunning depth and dimensionality. Remember that mastering studio lighting techniques takes practice and experimentation.
Don’t be afraid to try different three-light setups and adjust their positions, angles, or intensities to achieve the desired effect. With persistence, you will uncover your unique style and discover new ways to bring your portraits to life.
As a final note, post-processing techniques can further enhance the impact of your studio photographs. With modern editing tools readily available on smartphones or dedicated software programs, you can fine-tune lighting adjustments, refine colors, and eliminate any imperfections that may have been missed during the shoot.
By combining your skills in lighting setups with proficient post-processing techniques, you will be well-equipped to create breathtaking studio portraits that captivate viewers’ attention for years to come. Please let me know if you need any further assistance or if there are any specific points you’d like me to elaborate on!
Creative Four-Light Setups
Creative Four-Light Setups Mastering studio lighting techniques allows photographers to push their creative boundaries and capture stunning portraits. While a three-light setup may suffice for many scenarios, a four-light setup adds an extra layer of versatility and depth to your images.
In this section, we will explore various creative four-light setups that can elevate your studio photography to new heights. One popular four-light setup is the “Rembrandt Lighting” technique.
This technique involves using a key light, fill light, hair light, and background light to create a classic Rembrandt-style portrait with dramatic contrast and soft shadows. The key light is positioned at a 45-degree angle from the subject’s face, while the fill light helps soften shadows on the opposite side.
The hair light adds separation from the background by highlighting the subject’s hair or shoulders, while the background light ensures that the backdrop is evenly lit. Another exciting four-light setup is known as “Split Lighting.” This technique is perfect for creating bold and dynamic portraits with a strong play of lights and shadows.
It involves positioning two key lights directly opposite each other, illuminating only one side of the subject’s face while leaving the other side in darkness. The fill light helps balance out some of the shadows created by this dramatic lighting setup, while a hair light adds depth and dimension.
For those seeking to experiment with color and mood in their portraits, consider incorporating colored gels into your four-light setup. By adding gels to different lights in your setup – such as placing blue or orange gels on two accent lights – you can create striking color contrasts that add visual interest to your images.
Combined with proper posing and expression from your subject, this technique can produce captivating portraits that evoke specific emotions. If you’re looking for an elegant yet creative touch in your studio photography, try using a butterfly lighting setup with four lights.
Also known as “Glamour Lighting,” this style is often used in fashion and beauty photography. It involves positioning a key light directly in front of the subject, slightly above eye level, while two accent lights are placed on each side to create highlights on the cheekbones.
A backdrop light can be added to provide separation and depth. For photographers who enjoy experimenting with shadows and silhouettes, a four-light setup can produce stunning results.
By placing a key light behind the subject facing away from the camera and using two accent lights at various angles to illuminate the edges of the subject’s profile, you can create dramatic silhouettes against a well-lit background. A fill light may also be used to add subtle details or soften some shadows if desired.
Exploring creative four-light setups opens up endless possibilities for studio lighting setups. By understanding different techniques such as Rembrandt lighting, split lighting, incorporating colored gels, utilizing butterfly lighting, and playing with shadows and silhouettes, you can unleash your creativity in studio photography.
Remember to experiment with different positions and intensities of your lights while keeping in mind your overall vision for each portrait. With essential studio lighting gear in hand and these creative four-light setups at your disposal, you’ll be well-equipped to capture breathtaking images that leave a lasting impression on viewers.
Specialized Lighting Techniques
When it comes to studio photography, specialized lighting techniques can elevate your portraits to a whole new level. These techniques allow you to experiment with different lighting setups for studio photography and create unique and captivating images. In this section, we will explore some of the most effective specialized lighting techniques that you can incorporate into your studio portrait sessions.
One popular technique is the use of colored gels on your lights. By attaching colored gels to your strobes or continuous lights, you can add a splash of vibrant color to your portraits.
Experiment with different gel colors to create various moods and atmospheres. For example, using warm tones like orange or red can evoke a cozy and intimate feel, while cooler tones like blue or green can create a more ethereal or mysterious ambiance.
Another technique is called high-key lighting. This technique involves creating bright and evenly lit images with minimal shadows.
To achieve this effect, use multiple light sources placed strategically around your subject and set them at low power settings. High-key lighting is often used in fashion photography or for creating clean and minimalist portraits that emphasize the subject’s features.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is low-key lighting. This technique involves using strong contrasts between light and shadow to create dramatic and moody portraits.
By positioning one or two lights at specific angles relative to your subject, you can selectively illuminate certain parts of their face or body while leaving other areas in darkness. Low-key lighting is particularly effective for conveying emotions such as mystery, intensity, or power.
One specialized technique that adds depth to your images is backlighting. By placing a light source behind your subject and shooting towards it, you create an outline around their silhouette which separates them from the background.
Backlighting adds a sense of drama and dimensionality to your portraits while also creating visually stunning effects when combined with subjects that have translucent elements like hair or fabric. Consider experimenting with creative light modifiers such as diffusers, reflectors, or grids.
Diffusers soften and distribute the light to create a flattering and even illumination, while reflectors bounce light back onto the subject to fill in shadows or create specific highlights. Grids control the spread of light and allow for more precise lighting control.
These accessories can be used in combination with different lighting setups to achieve your desired artistic vision. Remember that mastering specialized lighting techniques is not only about technical proficiency but also about creativity and experimentation.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try new things. With practice, you will develop your own unique style and signature look in studio portraiture.
As you become more confident in utilizing these specialized lighting techniques, you can further enhance your images through post-processing techniques. Adjusting color tones, contrast levels, or adding subtle vignettes can help refine your portraits and bring out their full potential.
Whether you are using a professional camera or capturing photos with your smartphone camera, understanding these specialized lighting techniques will undoubtedly elevate the quality of your studio portraits. Keep exploring and pushing boundaries to create stunning works of art that captivate viewers’ attention.
Mastering Lighting Ratios and Placement
Mastering Lighting Ratios and Placement In the realm of studio photography, understanding lighting ratios and proper placement is crucial to achieving stunning portraits.
Lighting ratios refer to the relative intensity of light falling on different parts of the subject, while placement involves positioning the lights strategically for optimal results. To create visually appealing images with depth and dimension, it is essential to master these aspects of studio lighting.
In this section, we will delve into various techniques to help you grasp lighting ratios and perfect placement. When it comes to lighting ratios, a common approach is the classic three-to-one ratio, also known as Rembrandt lighting.
This technique involves using one key light positioned at a 45-degree angle on one side of the subject’s face. The opposite side should be filled in with a reflector or a fill light set at half the intensity of the main light.
This setup creates a beautiful play of light and shadow, adding depth and definition to your subject’s features. Another popular technique is called split lighting, which results in a striking contrast between one side of the face illuminated by light and the other in deep shadow.
For this setup, position your main light directly to one side of your subject’s face at approximately 90 degrees angle. This will cast a strong shadow on one side while creating an intense highlight on the other.
For those seeking more dramatic effects or desiring more control over shadows, experimenting with four-light setups can be incredibly rewarding. By placing two lights behind your subject—one on each side—you can illuminate their hair or create an eye-catching rim light effect that separates them from their background.
Combine this setup with your main key light for overall illumination while adding depth and visual interest. Mastering placement techniques goes hand in hand with understanding lighting ratios.
The distance between your lights and your subject will greatly impact how they interact with each other and create different moods within your images. Moving a softbox closer to your subject will result in softer, more diffused light, while placing it farther away will create a harder, more defined light source.
Experimenting with different distances and angles can transform the overall look and feel of your portraits. Mastering lighting ratios and placement is crucial for achieving captivating studio portraits.
Whether employing classic single-light setups or complex four-light arrangements, understanding how to manipulate the intensity and direction of light is key. By experimenting with different techniques and exploring the interplay between lighting ratios and placement, you can take your studio photography to new heights.
Remember that practice, patience, and a willingness to learn from each session are vital to becoming proficient in studio lighting techniques. So grab your essential studio lighting gear, set up your lights with care, and embark on a journey of capturing breathtaking photos with your smartphone or professional camera alike!
Troubleshooting Common Lighting Issues
10. Troubleshooting Common Lighting Issues Without fail, every photographer will encounter challenges when working with studio lighting setups for their portraits.
These obstacles can range from unwanted shadows and reflections to overexposed highlights or insufficient light. However, armed with a solid understanding of studio lighting basics and some expert tips, you’ll be adept at troubleshooting these common issues.
One frequent problem that arises is harsh shadows appearing on the subject’s face. This can be caused by using a single light setup without any modifiers.
To soften the shadows, consider using a diffuser or softbox to spread the light more evenly across the subject’s face. Alternatively, adjusting the placement of the light source or experimenting with different angles may also help reduce harsh shadowing.
Another issue that often arises is unwanted reflections or glare on shiny surfaces such as glasses or reflective objects within the frame. This can be particularly challenging but can be mitigated by adjusting the placement of your lights to minimize direct reflection, using polarizing filters for lenses to reduce glare, or employing specialized lighting techniques like cross-lighting to create a more pleasing result.
Overexposed highlights can occur when too much light is directed towards specific areas of your subject or backdrop. To manage this issue effectively, consider reducing the intensity of your key light and employing fill lights strategically to balance out any areas that are overly bright.
Post-processing techniques such as adjusting exposure in editing software can also help salvage images affected by overexposure. Insufficient lighting is another common challenge faced in studio photography.
This occurs when not enough light is being directed onto your subject resulting in underexposed images and loss of detail. To rectify this problem, you may need to introduce additional lights into your setup – a two-light or three-light setup might provide the necessary illumination required for capturing well-exposed photos.
One must acknowledge that not everyone possesses professional studio lighting gear right away; many photographers begin their journey with just a smartphone camera. While the challenges and limitations are inherent with such devices, there are ways to optimize the available lighting.
Positioning your subject near a natural light source like a window can serve as an excellent starting point. Additionally, using reflectors or improvised diffusers made from white cardboard or fabric can help manipulate and soften the available light.
Mastering studio lighting techniques involves trial and error, experimentation, and continuous learning. Troubleshooting common lighting issues requires patience and persistence alongside technical knowledge.
Remember that each issue is an opportunity for growth and improvement in your craft. By incorporating creative problem-solving techniques, utilizing essential studio lighting gear wisely, and adapting to different shooting environments, you will enhance your ability to capture stunning portraits regardless of any challenges that may arise along the way.
Conclusion
Mastering lighting setups for studio portraits is an essential skill for any professional or aspiring photographer. By understanding the studio lighting basics and equipping yourself with essential gear, you can achieve stunning results that elevate your photographs to a whole new level.
The versatility of single-light setups allows you to create dramatic and moody portraits, while two-light setups provide depth and dimension to your subjects. Three-light setups offer even more control over lighting ratios and placement, allowing you to sculpt light precisely according to your vision.
For those seeking to push boundaries and explore their creativity further, four-light setups open up a world of possibilities. By incorporating specialized lighting techniques such as rim lighting or color gels, you can add an artistic touch to your images that truly sets them apart.
Experimentation with different arrangements and modifiers will yield unique results that showcase your creative vision. While having the right equipment is crucial, it’s important not to underestimate the power of post-processing techniques in enhancing your studio photographs.
Utilizing software tools like Photoshop or Lightroom can help refine details, adjust color balance, and create a cohesive look across your portfolio. Although this article has primarily focused on studio photography using professional gear, it’s worth mentioning that even if you don’t have access to dedicated studio equipment, you can still apply many of these principles using just a smartphone camera or basic lighting setup at home.
With some creativity and resourcefulness, you can achieve impressive results with limited resources. The world of studio portrait photography is vast and ever-evolving.
By mastering studio lighting techniques and continuously honing your skills through practice and experimentation, you will unlock endless possibilities for capturing stunning images that leave a lasting impression on viewers. So go forth with confidence armed with these studio lighting tips and tricks – let light be your brushstroke as you paint breathtaking portraits one click at a time!
