essential skills: photographic lighting
Direction
In the studio
The direction of light determines where shadows fall and their source can be described by their
relative position to the subject. Shadows create texture, shape, form and perspective. Without
shadows photographs can appear flat and visually dull. A subject lit From one side or behind
will not only separate the subject from its background but also give it dimension. A front
lit subject may disappear into the background and lack form or texture. In nature the most
interesting and dramatic lighting occurs early and late in the day. Observing and adapting these
situations is a starting point to studio lighting.
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Mark Galer
On location
Many ltfcation photographs look Hat and uninteresting. Photographers arriving at a location
when the sun is high find a flat, even illumination to the environment. The colors can look
washed out and there is little or no light and shade to create modelling and texture. The mood
and atmosphere of a location can be greatly enhanced by the realization that most successful
location images are taken when the sun is low, dawn or dusk, or as it breaks through cloud
cover to give uneven and directional illumination. When the sun is high or diffused by cloud
cover the mood and the subject contrast usually remain constant. when the sun is low the
photographer can often choose a variety of moods by controlling the quantity, quality and
position of shadows within the image. Colors are often rich and intense and morning mists can
increase the mood dramatically.