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Basic photography lightning

March 2023
March 2023
DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.24150.73284

Authors:

Umer Hameed
University of Liverpool

Citations (1)

Abstract

Using a flash softbox or taking the flash off camera and putting it on a
stand with an umbrella allows photographers to take a small, hard
light source and create soft lighting. Used together, the direction and
softness of the light can be used to create different effects and moods
in a photograph.

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Types of Light
• Natural Light
• Artificial Light

• Natural Light: Very obviously, everything that glows naturally.

The sun, moon, fireflies, etc..
• Artificial Light: Man-made lights. The light bulbs.

Different time , different light

• What is so exciting?

• Light changes throughout the day.

• Same scene, but different feel at
different times.
• Best time for photography is usually
sunrise/sunset.
• Soft golden light. Also called the golden
hour.
• Use the lights to your best advantage.

Artificial Light
• Many kinds of
artificial lights
Incandescent The
old school bulb,
produces warm
light. Fluorescent
Regular Joe you find
everywhere. Warm
or cold.

10 Many kinds of artificial lights Halogen Commonly used in

cars. Very bright, very hot. Flash Photographer’s best friend.

• Shadow: We should
already know this. Dark
area where light is blocked
by an opaque object.
• Highlight: Opposite of
shadow. Bright area where
light directly falls on.
• Core: Transition between
highlight and shadow.

• Hard VS Soft Light Hard light:

• Harsh lighting that has a very

defined core and strong sharp
shadows. Soft light: Gentle
lighting that has a smooth
core and soft shadows.

Square Inverse Law

• Square Inverse Law All serious photographers should know
this.
• Intensity of light = 1 / Distance² Or simply put, the closer the
light, the more focused and stronger it is.

Square Inverse Law

Three-point lighting
• Three-point lighting is a
standard method used in
visual media such as theatre,
video, film, still photography
and computer-generated
imagery.

The Three-Point lighting setup

• The key light, backlight, and fill light all make up the three-
point lighting setup. Three-point lighting is a standard
method used in visual media. By using three separate
positions, the cinematographer can illuminate the subject
any way they want, while also controlling shadows produced
by direct lighting.

Backlighting
• What is Backlight? A backlight hits an actor or object from behind. It is placed
higher than the object it is lighting. Backlights are used to separate an object or an
actor from a background. They give more shape and depth. Backlights help the
frame feel three-dimensional.
Backlight Summary:
• The sun is a great backlight - you can use a reflector or bounce the sun at a lesser
intensity back the subject.
• If a backlight is placed behind an actor at an angle, the backlight is called a
"kicker."

Fill Lighting
• What is a Fill Light? A fill light cancels out the shadows
created by the key light. A fill light is placed on the opposite
of the key light, and usually not as powerful as the key.
Fill Light Summary:
• Remove shadows created by the key,
• Does not create shadows or it’s own characteristics.

Key light
• A key light is the primary light source of the scene. It is the most intense and
direct light source. Generally, the key light will illuminate the form of the subject
or actor.
Key light summary:
• Avoid placing your key light near the camera or your light will become flat and
featureless.
• Create a dramatic mood by using the key behind the subject
• A key light is the primary light in a three-point lighting setup.

Thanks

Citations (1) References (0)

HARMONY OF LIGHT AND SHADOW: KEY ASPECTS

OF LIGHTING IN PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

Article Mar 2024

Ruslana Buryk · Maryna Bratitsel

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