The Main Light: The Dominant Source
Where do you start when making a photograph with artificial light? Using lights
like photofloods or electronic flash that you bring to a scene and arrange yourself
requires a bit more thought than making a photograph by available light where
you begin with the light that is already there and observe what it is doing to the
subject.
The most natural-looking light imitates that from the sun (see Figure 21.10): One
main light source casting one dominant set of shadows—so usually the place to
begin is by positioning the main light. This light, also called the key light, should
create the only visible shadows, or at least the most important ones, if a natural
effect is desired. Two or three equally bright lights producing multiple shadows create
a feeling of artificiality and confusion. The position of the main light affects the
appearance of texture and volume, as seen in Figures 21.10–15. Flat frontal lighting
(see Figure 21.11) decreases both texture and volume, while lighting that rakes
across surface features (as seen from camera position) increases it.
Natural light usually comes from a height above that of the subject (see Figure
21.12), so this is the most common position for the main source of artificial light.
Lighting from a very low angle can suggest mystery, drama, or even menace just
because it seems unnatural. Monsters in horror movies are often lit from below (see
Figure 21.13).
Some types of lighting have been traditionally associated with certain subjects. Side
lighting has long been considered appropriate for masculine portraits because it
emphasizes rugged facial features (see Figure 21.14). Butterfly lighting was often used
in the past for idealized portraits of Hollywood movie stars. The lighting is named for
the symmetrical shadow underneath the nose. The main light is placed high and in
front of the subject, which smoothes the shadows of skin texture, while producing
sculptured facial contours.
Lighting can influence the emotional character of an image. Figures 21.10–15 show
how the mood of a photograph can be influenced merely by changing the position
of one light. If photographs never lie, some of these images at least bend the truth
about the subject’s personality.
Most photographs made with artificial light employ more than one light source. A
fill light or reflector is almost always used to lighten shadows. Sometimes, an accent
light is used to produce bright highlights, and a background light is added to create
tonal separation between the subject and background. Any one of these lights alone
will not create the image necessary (see Figure 21.15). They must work together.
Here is more information on the lighting arrangements demonstrated in the previous
figures. These concepts are applicable to portrait lighting, and all photography
using artificial light.
The Main Light: The Dominant Source
Where do you start when making a photograph with artificial light? Using lights
like photofloods or electronic flash that you bring to a scene and arrange yourself
requires a bit more thought than making a photograph by available light where
you begin with the light that is already there and observe what it is doing to the
subject.
The most natural-looking light imitates that from the sun (see Figure 21.10): One
main light source casting one dominant set of shadows—so usually the place to
begin is by positioning the main light. This light, also called the key light, should
create the only visible shadows, or at least the most important ones, if a natural
effect is desired. Two or three equally bright lights producing multiple shadows create
a feeling of artificiality and confusion. The position of the main light affects the
appearance of texture and volume, as seen in Figures 21.10–15. Flat frontal lighting
(see Figure 21.11) decreases both texture and volume, while lighting that rakes
across surface features (as seen from camera position) increases it.
Natural light usually comes from a height above that of the subject (see Figure
21.12), so this is the most common position for the main source of artificial light.
Lighting from a very low angle can suggest mystery, drama, or even menace just
because it seems unnatural. Monsters in horror movies are often lit from below (see
Figure 21.13).
Some types of lighting have been traditionally associated with certain subjects. Side
lighting has long been considered appropriate for masculine portraits because it
emphasizes rugged facial features (see Figure 21.14). Butterfly lighting was often used
in the past for idealized portraits of Hollywood movie stars. The lighting is named for
the symmetrical shadow underneath the nose. The main light is placed high and in
front of the subject, which smoothes the shadows of skin texture, while producing
sculptured facial contours.
Lighting can influence the emotional character of an image. Figures 21.10–15 show
how the mood of a photograph can be influenced merely by changing the position
of one light. If photographs never lie, some of these images at least bend the truth
about the subject’s personality.
Most photographs made with artificial light employ more than one light source. A
fill light or reflector is almost always used to lighten shadows. Sometimes, an accent
light is used to produce bright highlights, and a background light is added to create
tonal separation between the subject and background. Any one of these lights alone
will not create the image necessary (see Figure 21.15). They must work together.
Here is more information on the lighting arrangements demonstrated in the previous
figures. These concepts are applicable to portrait lighting, and all photography
using artificial light.
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