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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,
- natural
- Sunlight
- Moonlight
- Reflected daylight
- 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.
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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).
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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. |
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Front
flat, lacks depth, dimension |
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Back
may require additional fill or reflector |
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Side
good for bringing out textures, defining shapes
The side lighting brings out the texture of the petals and emphasizes
the cactus spines. |
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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.
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night-time outdoor shot with artifical overhead lighting
& flash |
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early morning sunlight |
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