Photography

Masterclass:
Understanding Light

urth.co/magazine
urth.co/magazine Rishi Raj @i.m.rishi 1
Contents
Module 1: Introduction to Light 03
Module 2: Natural Light Sources 04
Module 3: Artificial Light Sources 08
Module 4: Light and Colour Theory 11
Module 5: Lighting Techniques 13
Module 6: Creative Play with Light 16
Module 7: How to Avoid Common Lighting Mistakes 20
Module 8: Lighting Equipment 22
Module 9: Tools To Get You Started 24
Artist Credits 26

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Module 1
Introduction to Light

Photography is writing creative expression, fostering the

with light. That’s not just a mood and meaning behind every
image. Without robust insight into how
lofty expression – the word
it works, bringing an intended vision to
itself is derived from the life, technically and artistically, escapes
Greek terms phos (light) and our grasp. Commanding light also gives
graphe (writing or drawing). Yet you greater control over another core
its essence also holds true; photographic ingredient — shadow.

learning to use light is perhaps This comprehensive lighting

masterclass introduces the
the fundamental skill every
essential skills needed to create
photographer needs to know. beautiful images. We’ll delve into
By understanding how natural a diverse range of light sources,
and artificial illumination interact equipment and techniques throughout
with both camera and subject, it’s eight modules, helping you transform
possible to produce better, more dull shots into captivating photographs.
captivating images. Applicable to both the studio and under
Knowing the ins and outs of light the sun, this guide instils a well-rounded
is crucial to mastering photography’s lighting vocabulary that will enhance
more technical details. Yet, it goes your purpose and precision when telling
beyond that. Light guides our your story through photography.

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Module 2
Natural Light Sources

The sun’s natural energy often provides more than enough

luminosity to capture stunning images. In this module you’ll
learn to understand how natural light changes, along with
techniques to take advantage of it to elevate your work.

urth.co/magazine Ernesto Sumarkho @esumarkho4

Module 2 Natural Light Sources

Techniques to Work With Sunlight

A key skill in photography is learning to read the light

and there are two distinct conditions each day that
provide the ideal opportunity to capture your subject.
The first is ‘golden hour,’ where the sun reaches
a low angle shortly after sunrise and before sunset.
This lack of direct light yields delicate highlights,
softer shadows and richer colours.
The other period is called ‘blue hour’. With the sun just
below the horizon, gentle blue hues blanket landscapes
and portraits, reflecting a peaceful serenity.

Weather and Lighting

Shooting outdoors means facing the whims of

changing weather as evolving atmospheric conditions
shift the light. While early morning or late afternoon light
provokes carefully balanced contrast, the harsh midday sun
makes tempering exposure and shadow much harder.
Challenge yourself to shoot in diverse conditions.
For example, sunny days with streaky clouds are
excellent for shooting in black and white. Additionally,
attaching an ND filter helps photographers control
the light, particularly at its brightest.

Using Natural Light Creatively

Even if the sun is your only light source,

there’s no reason you can’t use it creatively.
Obscuring the majority of the sun behind your subject
or an object and leaving a few sun rays exposed adds
a glow from behind that draws attention to your desired
area of the photograph. The sun beaming down from
above can cast unappealing shadows on people and
landmarks, but with a basic reflector (or even a white piece
of paper) positioned at the correct angle, you can redirect
the light to lessen the harsh effect.
Many new photographers struggle to embrace
shadows, feeling like darkness equals lost potential.
Instead, think of shadows as another way to add
depth and intrigue to your work.
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Module 2 Natural Light Sources

Golden hour, Mandy Sham. Blue hour, Mandy Sham.

@peach.punk

Midday sun using an ND8 filter, Using natural light creatively, Benjamin Rayner.
Denisse Ariana Perez. @denisseaps @raynjermain

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Module 2 Natural Light Sources

Using lens flare to draw emphasis to the primary subject, Isabel Okoro.
@isabelokoro

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Module 3
Artificial Light Sources

Artificial light can help photographers achieve their ideal

aesthetic.
their ideal aesthetic.
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urth.co/magazine Dino Kužnik @dinokuznik8

Module 3 Artificial Light Sources

Working with Artificial Lighting temperature with different forms

of artificial light, you can creatively
Learning the basics of artificial lighting control the mood of each image,
means grasping the purpose behind ranging from friendly and relaxed
the various light sources available. to melancholic and desolate.
While continuous LED lights provide a Coloured gels are transparent sheets
constant glow, strobes burst bright for a used by some photographers for
split-second after pressing the shutter. example, to alter the colour of artificial
Alternatively, tungsten lights are an light. When placed in front of light
affordable way to add warmth to a shot. sources, they add creative effects
Picture the finished image, by tinting scenes with various hues.
then consider how each aspect of
your lighting setup gets you closer
Using Artificial Light Creatively
to what you imagined.
The creative possibilities are
On Colour Temperature endless with artificial light. While
shooting with natural light often
We perceive lighting in terms of means relying on the sun as the
colour temperature. Warm tones only light source, artificial light helps
resemble orange and yellow, while photographers develop a carefully
cool tones appear as muted blues, considered aesthetic, designed to
purples and greens. foster a specific response.
When using lighting equipment, The While tried-and-true lighting
Kelvin scale (K) measures the colour setups offer a reliable foundation,
temperature of each light. Warm light think about lighting in terms of your
typically ranges from 2700K-3000K intended aesthetic. By exploring how
and cool light 4000K-6500K. each artificial light helps you realise
So, why does colour temperature a precise vision, you can produce
matter? By varying colour images that resonate with a unique
style and emotional power.

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Module 3 Artificial Light Sources

Experimenting with strobe lighting and magenta gels

in his series, Bleeding Magenta, Dino Kužnik .
@dinokuznik

Flash on background, Dino Kužnik.

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Module 4
Light and
Colour Theory
The way cameras interpret colour is quite different to the way
our eyes do, but the result is much the same. The colours
we see help us decipher everything from physical objects, to
complex emotions. Discerning how light and colour interact is
central to creating images that reflect your vision.

urth.co/magazine Mandy Sham @peach.punk11

Module 4 Light and Colour Theory

The Science of Colour Practical Applications

When light strikes an object, the Looking for visually compelling

colours we see depend on the object’s scenes doesn’t end with light, shadow,
composition. While sunlight consists texture and shape. To spark specific
of all colours, when it hits an object, the emotions within viewers, photographers
process of selective reflection means and designers use ‘colour harmonies’
only certain colours reach our eyes. to initiate certain moods and feelings.
For example, the pigments of a lemon Using a simple colour wheel, you’ll
have a chemistry that reflects yellow know how to create or contradict these
light while absorbing the other colours. harmonies to expand your creativity.
However, how we view colour isn’t We can explore complementary
just about photons and wavelengths; colours, like an orange setting sun
it’s also highly context-dependent. against blue ocean waves. An autumnal
According to colour psychology, at scene might feature analogous colours,
least part of our visual perception is where falling leaves in orange, red and
subconscious, where we associate yellow come from the same colour
certain colours with specific emotions wheel segment. To make your images
and experiences. Photographers more engaging and emotive, learn the
can leverage these relationships fundamental colour harmonies and
to enhance their work. what they represent.
There are a range of colour
harmonies to explore represented
in the charts below. Analogous offers
adjacent tones, Complementary pairs
opposites and Monochromatic focuses
on variations within one hue.

Monochromatic Analogous Complimentary

Triadic Split complimentary Tetradic

Colour harmonies.

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Module 5
Lighting Techniques

No matter how much you invest in lighting equipment,

you won’t produce the images you envision without learning
these indispensable lighting techniques. Mastering the
basics provides a solid foundation to build upon as you
explore more creative possibilities.

01
Three-Point Lighting

A key light is the primary and brightest light source in a

scene. It defines the subject, sets the mood, and establishes
the main illumination, playing a crucial role in shaping the
overall look of an image or video. Use a key light to illuminate
your subject. Then, add a backlight to highlight the edges,
preventing the subject from blending into the background
and giving the scene three-dimensional depth. Finally, a fill
light or reflector in front of the subject helps control shadows
created by the key light. If you only have one light, white walls
and foam boards can bounce the light as needed.

Backlight

SUBJECT

Fill Light
Key Light

CAMERA

Three-Point Lighting diagram.

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Module 5 Lighting Techniques

02
Low-Key vs. High-Key Lighting

Lighting is all about creating mood. For a bright, optimistic

ambience, shoot your subject with high-key lighting to
reduce shadows and contrast. Alternatively, low-key lighting
intensifies shadows and dark tones, heightening an image’s
drama and magnitude. These opposing atmospheres
illuminate how lighting dictates emotion and perception.

High-key lighting, Rishi Raj. Low-key lighting, Rishi Raj.

@i.m.rishi

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Module 5 Lighting Techniques

03
Portrait Lighting

Natural or artificial, lighting is crucial for capturing dynamic

portraits. Set at 45 degrees and slightly above the subject,
‘Rembrandt lighting’ casts a delicate shadow across the face,
with a subtle triangle appearing on the shadowy side. Move
the key light to 90 degrees for ‘split lighting’ as the shadow
becomes more dramatic. Opposite the key light, a reflector
can help strike an elegant balance between light and shadow.

SUBJECT

Reflector

Key Light

CAMERA

Rembrandt lighting diagram.

Rembrant lighting, Sarah Pabst.

@_sarahpabst_

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Module 6
Creative Play with Light

Finding creative expression within the light brings a whole

new meaning to your work. Not only do flawlessly exposed
images look incredible, but they also allow you to capture
the stories you want to tell.

Using a 6-point star filter from the Urth Stellar Kit to create a starburst effect.

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Module 6 Creative Play with Light

Light as a Creative Tool

Lighting is more than just illumination.

Using it as a creative tool to deliver a message
or mood to the audience is made possible
when you use light in compelling ways.
Experiment with modifiers like coloured gels
or use glass prisms to obscure your subject
and kickstart imaginative ideas.

Silhouettes and Shadows

Striking a profound balance between light

and shadow helps convey narratives. For
photojournalism and documentary photography,
expressive silhouettes and beams of light casting
shadows on your subject and background can
heighten what you want to say.

Light as a creative tool, Dino Kužnik. Silhouettes and shadows, Fabien Voileau.
@dinokuznik @fabien_voileau

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Module 6 Creative Play with Light

Bokeh and Lens Flare

Bokeh is one of the easiest ways to focus

attention on your subject and create an eye-
pleasing depth of field. Catching the light at the
right angle can also lead to a natural lens flare,
which is wonderful for adding a warm, sun-
drenched effect to a portrait or landscape.

Mixed Lighting

You don’t always have to avoid mixed lighting.

Shooting indoors, you can light the subject
with natural light while using artificial light to
add depth to the background. You can also
combine filters to explore mixed lighting, like
an ND filter for shooting in harsh light and a
CPL filter to control water reflections.

Bokeh and lens flare, Narelle Autio. Mixed lighting, Carla Step.
@chillioctopus @carlastep

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Module 6 Creative Play with Light

Unconventional Light Sources

Light coming from unexpected places can lead

to fascinating creative ideas. For example, light
reflecting off water might cast subtle shadows on
a subject. You can also find inspiration using bright
moonlight or distant city lights. Experiment with
light to expand your photographic creativity.

Light reflecting off water to create a rainbow, Linus Bergman.

@liinusbergman

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Module 7
How to Avoid Common
Lighting Mistakes
There’s always more to learn about lighting and
photography, with simple mistakes catching out even
the most experienced professionals. Overcome the most
common issues by learning to troubleshoot your setup
and work with poor-quality lighting.

Overexposure and Underexposure

Comprising shutter speed, aperture and ISO,

‘the exposure triangle’ determines an image’s
brightness. Consider your creative objective
to decide which setting is most important, like
shutter speed for motion or aperture for depth.
Then, adjust the other settings to achieve an
exposure that fits your vision.
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Module 7 How to Avoid Common Lighting Mistakes

Harsh Shadows

Don’t let harsh shadows stop you from shooting.

Moving your subject’s position under the sunlight
can highlight appealing angles. You can also
add a diffused flash, a reflector or use locations
near bright surfaces to bounce light into the right
places. Plus, an ND filter tames light and makes
shadows part of your creative process.

Mixed Light

Mixed light is when multiple light sources clash on

a subject. Turn off any lights that interfere with the
primary key light, like lamps imposing on sunlight
streaming through a window. For portraits, use a
single light source for the subject and another for
the background, as this keeps lights with different
temperatures from getting jumbled together.

Common Pitfalls

Avoid common pitfalls to shoot better

images. If you’re worried about losing details
in your shadows, add a reflector to capture
more information and create more dynamic
shots. For example, when shooting portraits,
position a softbox, reflector or natural light
source, to add a gleam to your subject’s eye,
adding depth to your portrait. This technique
is referred to as a ‘catchlight.’ Lighting directly
in the front of the subject can also lead to flat
images. Use angles and height to produce
more shadow, depth and contrast.

Shooting RAW vs JPEG

Always make sure you shoot in the right format.

JPEGs are easier to store and share, but
you’re sacrificing significant image quality and
editing potential. Instead, RAW allows for deep
adjustments to exposure, white balance, and
colour grading without significant loss of image
quality. Therefore, use RAW when you want to print
your images or refine them in post-production.

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Module 8
Lighting Equipment

The choices can feel almost infinite when delving

into lighting equipment. Yet overcomplicating your
kit is a quick way to kill your creativity.
Here’s how to make the right decisions.

Choosing Your Equipment Mobility and Flexibility

Purchase lighting equipment based Your lights and modifiers should be easy
on your needs, not wants. By knowing to use and adjust. Rather than getting
precisely how and what you intend to tired and frustrated during shoots in the
shoot, you can identify the essential studio or in the field, your tools should
pieces while adding DIY solutions complement your creative process.
wherever possible.

Streamlining Your Kit Lighting Modifiers

Although it’s tempting to invest in Remember, good composition

gear for every conceivable situation, captured in unworkable light isn’t
learning how to push what you already worthwhile. So, consider the importance
have to its limits means you’ll become of reflectors, diffusers, softboxes
a better photographer. and filters to augment the light and
achieve superior results.

Versatility Over Quantity DIY Lighting Hacks

Always opt for versatility over Not every shot needs expensive
quantity. Not only is it a far more lighting to enhance image quality.
budget-conscious decision, but For example, aluminium foil or white
streamlining your options means paper makes for a basic reflector,
doing more with less to achieve while a pillowcase draped over
the same creative results. the light source might add the
perfect amount of diffusion.

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Module 8 Lighting Equipment

Lighting Equipment Options

Speedlights and Flash Units

Compact bursts for dynamic situations.

Continuous Lights
Steady illumination for video or extended shoots.

Softboxes
Diffuse light for more flattering portraits.

Reflectors
Bounce and enhance natural light or fill shadows.

Diffusers
Spread and soften harsh light, avoiding harsh shadows.

Colour Gels
Modify light colour for creative effects.

Lens Filters
Modify or block light for creative control and enhanced visual effects.

DIY Reflectors
Everyday items like aluminium foil or white paper.

Portable Light Stands

Ensure stability and flexibility.

Consider these essentials for optimal results with

the artificial light sources mentioned in Module 3.

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Module 9
Tools To Get
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urth.co/magazine 24
Module 9 Tools To Get You Started

The tools below are key for mastering light effectively.

Filter Kits ↗

Investing in a well-rounded kit of essential filters like the Urth

Magnetic Essentials Filter Kit Plus+, will instantly expand
your creative possibilities, particularly when working with
natural light. The UV Filter sharpens photos and protects
your lens, the CPL Polarising Filter enhances contrast
and colour, while the ND8 Filter and ND1000 filters allow
experimentation with long exposures in all light conditions.

Polarizing Filters ↗

A CPL (Circular Polarizing) filter reduces reflections,

glare and enhances colour and contrast. Essential for
cutting polarized light, it’s ideal for boosting saturation
in skies, reducing reflections in water, and overall,
delivering crisper, more vibrant images.

Starburst Filters ↗

Starburst filters, placed over a camera lens, create

a celestial effect by diffracting light into star-like patterns
around bright points. This adds a captivating and magical
touch to scenes, enhancing the visual appeal of lights,
reflections, or highlights. It’s a creative tool to infuse
a bit of sparkle and charm into your photos.

ND Filters ↗

An ND filter limits light without altering colour,

facilitating creative effects like long exposures and
cinematic focus. It balances exposures in challenging
light conditions, enhancing control over visual storytelling.
A kit like The ND Selects Filter Kit Plus+ is a great place to
begin experimenting with a range of creative effects.
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Artist Credits

Carla Step
Dino Kužnik
Ernesto Sumarkho
Fabien Voileau
Isabel Okoro
Linus Bergman
Mandy Sham
Narelle Autio
Rishi Raj
Sarah Pabst
Benjamin Rayner
Denisse Ariana Pérez

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Photography Masterclass:
Understanding Light