chaPter 1: the five characteristics of Light 23
In direct sunlight, there is often too much contrast. Here the details in the shadows of
the tire treads merge to black. We might be able to see most of the details between
the two extremes. Yet, as shown in Figure 1.15, the camera cannot record this full
range of light and shadow. So, as the photographer, I decided to expose for the
detail in the hood and let the shadows fall where they may. As you can see, the tread
of the tires cannot be distinguished from the wheel well or from the asphalt.
As we will explore in greater detail later in the book, one option is to add light into
the shadow areas so that the dynamic range of the scene is reduced to the range that
the camera can record. In Figure 1.16, you can see can see many more shadow details
because I used two Speedlites to create fill flash (Figure 1.17).
[1-Contrast 3.tif]
FIguRe 1.17
By adding fill flash, the contrast is reduced into the dynamic range that the camera can record.
So, shadow details are revealed.