slr.jpg (29959 bytes)

 

Photography Class
Bong S. Eliab
First Semester
Humanities Division
School of Arts and Sciences
Ateneo de Davao University


Syllabus | NotesPapers | Projects

 

Lighting

 

 

Since reflected light is what photographic film uses to create images, lighting is clearly a key element in all kinds of photography.

SOURCES
Light sources are divided into two major categories,
  1. natural
    • Sunlight
    • Moonlight
    • Reflected daylight
  2. artificial.
    • Flash
    • Studio Lights
    • Lamps


Note that natural light is not necessarily outdoor, nor is artificial light exclusively indoor. Some of the best outdoor shots use flash to "fill" harsh shadows, while an indoor scene may rely entirely on filtered window light.

 

 

DIRECTION

Light may also be classified by its direction with relation to the subject. There are four of these classifications for light (natural or artificial).

coyote2.jpg (18753 bytes)

Overhead
high contrast - harsh shadows

This is a typical example of the harsh shadows that result when the sun is high in the sky. When it is necessary to shoot at this time of day, flash "fill" can help.


ratlweed.jpg (15140 bytes)

Front
flat, lacks depth, dimension


backlit3.jpg (32900 bytes)

Back
may require additional fill or reflector


fishhook.jpg (20080 bytes)

Side
good for bringing out textures, defining shapes

The side lighting brings out the texture of the petals and emphasizes the cactus spines.


coyote17.jpg (21965 bytes)

Overcast
(clouds filtering sun)
lower contrast, good for details, fewer shadows

The diffused light from an overcast or partly cloudy sky allows you to see the details of the coyote's expression and the variety of shades in his fur.

 

 


QUALITY

Another characteristic of light is the quality, often defined as "hard" or "soft." Hard light is very bright, resulting in sharp shadows, while soft light is diffused, displaying better range of details, as with the Overcast condition mentioned above.

toad02.jpg (34336 bytes)

night-time outdoor shot with artifical overhead lighting & flash

sleeper.jpg (27044 bytes)

early morning sunlight

 

 

 

 

Syllabus | NotesPapers | Projects

 

All Rights Reserved 2001
Ateneo de Davao University
13 December 2002