Chapter 12: Lighting

Direction of Light The direction of light is important because it affects shadows. Light can emphasize or diminish texture and volume. It can also create a mood. When figuring out how to light a scene you have to take into account not only the direction of the light but also the position of the camera.

Compare these types of lighting

Side Lighting examples

Front Lighting examples

Back Lighting

Overhead Lighting

Under Lighting

Lighting and Mood The mood of a photograph can be enhanced by lighting and the position of the light. Side lighting is sometimes used to show off texture such as rugged facial features. Front lighting can be used to decrease shadows and smooth skin texture. Strong light from behind the subject creates a silhoutte.

Degree Of Diffusion Direct light creates hard-edged, dark shadows. A spotlight is one source of direct light. Harsh lighting causes lots of contrast. Directional diffused light is partially direct with some diffused or scattered rays. Light appears to come from a definite direction and creates distinct shadows, but with edges that are softer than those of direct light.

Degree Of Diffusion Diffused light scatters onto the subject from many directions and creates soft edges.

Available Light The light that already exists in a scene is “available light”. A clear, sunny day creates bright highlights and dark, hard edged shadows. On an overcast day, at dusk, or in the shade, the light will be soft and diffused. The light changes as the time of day changes. It changes in color and direction.

 Outdoor evening light Available window light 

Indoor lighting can be contrasty or flat, depending on the source of light. When shooting, expose for the most important parts of the picture. Light indoors is often relatively dim. If you want to use the existing light and not add an additional light source, you may have to use a slow shutter speed and/or wide aperture. Indoor Light

Most photographs made with artificial light employ more than one light source. The most natural-looking light imitates the sun. Lighting can influence the emotional character of an image.

Underlight

Frontlight

Sidelight

Backlight

Quiz

Diffused light scatters onto the subject from many different directions a)True b)false

_______ light already exists in a scene a)Soft b)Available c)Diffused d)Reflected

_______ light that comes from behind the subject is for silhouettes a)Side b)Diffused c)Back d)Reflected

Light changes as the time of day changes a)True b)False

Texture is prominent in ______ lighting a)Soft b)Back c)Front d)Side

what kind of lighting was used?