Photography Tips and Tricks: Lighting - Portrait Magazine, May 2010 Issue
Photography Tips and Tricks: Lighting By Emily
Hello again friends. In April’s issue we talked about Step 1 of 6, Subject Matter.
We only have 5 more steps until we reach our ultimate goal of creating that perfect image. These steps are here to help all photographers no matter what your skill set may be. Whether you have never touched a camera in your life or you take photos daily, these steps will help you advance your skills and keep you on track in your pursuit of being photographers and creating some beautiful images.
Spencer Wright by Sam Bassett
Use these steps as a guide and a resource when you find something, someone, a place, or an event to photograph. And remember to carry that camera with you everywhere. Alright fellow photographers, let’s get started on Step 2.
Step 2: Lighting
Lighting is a very important element in creating a photograph. Lighting can affect the mood and feeling of a photograph, as well as help convey a certain meaning or message. For starters, here are a few questions to consider once you have your subject matter chosen: A) where is the light hitting the subject? B) What do I want to be the central focus of the photograph? C) How do I want lighting to affect the mood/feeling or concept (meaning) of the photograph? These questions will really help you determine what you want that final image to look like. For example, if my subject matter is a person, and I want him or her to be the main focus in the image, I would make sure the light has more of an emphasis on them. (In an image, our eyes are automatically drawn to white or something that is being accented by light). You can also focus on more specific details, for example if you want the main focus in your image to be on the subject matter’s hands, then make sure the main light source is accenting the hands. Also, depending on the aesthetic or look you are going for, you may want the hands to be completely in focus and closer to the camera lens while everything else is out of focus. But in some cases, the light can be accenting the subject matter as well as be blurry. Your personal preference and style will take shape and you may prefer your images 100% in focus, partially in focus, or a mix of both. I love looking at other photographer’s work because their style is often different and it’s inspiring to see the images other photographers create.
Take a look at Polly Chandler’s work below. Notice how the main focal point of the images have a light source (whether it be natural lighting or artificial) accenting and drawing your eye directly towards what she has created to be her subject matter.
Polly Chandler’s Photography
As for the technical aspects of lighting in photography, the list of equipment and usage of the equipment is quite long. When it came to learning about the technical aspects of lighting, I was more of a hands on learner. But since we are only in the virtual world of the internet, I think the best resource to get a general understanding would be to take a look at a few videos I have chosen. When you’re watching the videos, here are some terms to listen for:
Key Light: the main light that illuminates the subject being photographed Fill Light: a light used to eliminate or soften shadows caused by the main source of illumination. Back Light: a light source placed behind the subject matter or scene to create a highlight that separates the subject from the background. Reflector: In photography are simply any item used to reflect light towards your subject. Reflectors can be used with a flash or in lieu of a flash. Reflectors vary from those found in hardware stores to expensive professional units. When using them be sure they are neutral in color so they don't add a color cast. (Color Cast is due to an excess of a color pigment or of light. It is most obvious in gray and near gray areas). However, there are gold reflectors and make colors look warmer. Reflectors allow you to "open up" shadows by reflecting light into the shadows on your subject. Sometimes we want shadows in our photos but we don't want quite as much shadow as the lighting conditions are giving us. Umbrella: A lighting accessory consisting of reflective fabric stretched over a metal frame. Umbrellas are used to reflect soft, even light onto a subject. Soft Box: A 'framed' diffuser that fits over the Light and creates a more natural soft light. Diffuser: any material that can scatter or diffuse light. The effect is to soften the light and reduce harsh shadows. The closer a diffuser is to a light source the less it scatters light. External Flash: A supplementary flash unit that connects to the camera with a cable, or is triggered by the light from the camera’s internal flash. Many fun and creative effects can be created with external flash. (If you don’t have the money to buy an external flash use other light sources (lamps, SUNSHINE! or use the flash that comes with your camera). Strobes: are basically larger and more powerful versions of your camera's built-in flash. They are cooler than continuous lights mainly because they fire very short bursts of light. Hot Lights: Continuous lighting that generates more heat than light. Example: tungsten lights
These terms are a lot to remember. And trust me I still have a hard time remembering the names of everything. So if you don’t know them or understand them all completely, don’t worry, you’re still a photographer! Do you enjoy taking photos? Do you create images that you enjoy looking at and show your friends? Well then yup, you’re a photographer! Don’t let these terms scare you.
Keep in mind when watching these videos that most of these are covering portrait photography. Most often, the rules also apply to subject matter that isn’t walking and breathing. Objects often need similar lighting techniques. (Refer back to Polly Chandler’s photo of the mirror, glass jar, and scissors).
Final Tips of the Day:
Don’t be afraid to experiment with lighting. Try outdoor, try indoor, try using anything you can think of as a Key Light. Hot lamps work just fine (or even lights used in your garage or lanterns used for camping). Try anything and everything. You don’t have to spend a gazillion dollars to create a professional studio lighting affect. Be creative. Shoot your passions. Have fun!
Here’s what’s coming up in the next few months: Step 3)Composition: Portrait’s May issue Step 4) Technical aspects-Shutter speed, aperture (f-stop), depth of field: Portrait’s June issue Step 5)Editing: Portrait’s July issue Step 6) Enjoy the art you have created and share with friends!
Good luck and happy shooting!
