lighting
lighting 65light is photography’s very reason for existing,
but there is no single type of perfect light;
different types of imagery demand different
types of light. hard, one-directional light would
not suit a soft-focus, romantic portrait, but you
can use it to create graphic abstracts. A spotlight
from below might create an atmosphere of
mystery, but would usually be completely
inappropriate for glamour
images. this section will
show you how you can make
use of daylight, indoors and
outdoors, and how to use
basic studio lighting.
there are many variables
in the nature of light: its
intensity, brightness, direction,
color, number and size of light
sources, and so on. Your
perception of light changes, too. Put yourself in
the middle of a room and look at the light in front
of you. turn around and look again. Where does
the light come from, where are the shadows?
look up and down. Move to a corner, a doorway,
a window. Each time the light will look different.
if you are able to recognize and analyze light,
you will be able to choose what will best suit
your image, initially using available indoor or
outdoor light, and then moving on to experiment
with studio or other forms of artificial lighting
to create the atmosphere you want.
there is light wherever you can see your
surroundings—and wherever there are light
switches! For the most natural, authentic feel
to an image, try to go with available light
or just a single artificial light source.
light dictates the overall look and feel of your
image. But it can contribute
in other ways too. Use the
interplay of light and shadow
to dress your model. Sculpt
the body with light. highlight
some areas, hide others.
look for ways to create
intriguing special effects
with just natural light.
learn to understand the
possibilities presented by
every kind of light, and experiment even if there
is hardly any light—in a moonlit meadow, for
example. You can still create arresting images
when faced with poor light—you may not achieve
what you had originally planned, but you might
be pleasantly surprised at the results.
Some effects you just can’t create with
available light, so try studio lighting too. Rent
equipment, try it out, and only buy it when you’re
sure you’re going to make frequent use of it.Try to go
with available
light, or just
a single light
source