Photography Lesson #5 - Lighting

OK, anyone can do this one. I want to see some posts this time. I know some of you are doing this and not posting. Don't be shy, we will love it.

There are different kinds of light:

-Hard Light - That directly overhead sunlight that creates harsh shadows- avoid this light

-Soft Light – Indirect light such as an overcast day, in the shade, inside by a light window,  and early morning or late afternoon light

-Natural Light – Soft light but comes from the sun

-Front Light – Light shining directly into the face or subject (I like to face my subjects directly toward a bright window or toward the sun on an overcast day).

-Side Light – Light shining onto the side of the subject

-Back Light – Light shining from behind the subject

                                                           Side lighting

                                 Front lighting (notice the catch lights)

The best light is soft, natural light of course and it can come from the front, side or back. But even soft, natural light can be different. For example early morning light tends to be cooler and blue and late evening light tends to be warmer and more yellow.

                                       Back lighting with flare                                  

                 Soft, natural light – open shade

Back Lighting is hard to achieve but can be very rewarding. It gives you a softer look about the subject and colors are a little more washed out but they are very popular and can be quite artistic. Try catching to sun peeking through some tree branch or most of the sun hidden behind the subject. Flare can make a picture more interesting. Just make sure that the flare is not on the subject’s face. I will typically take a shot or two and see where the flare is and then change it by moving a bit if I need to.

From here on out it would be a good idea to explore your house and discover where the best light is and at what time of day. Also start noticing light and where it is coming from and what it does to a subject. This will help you when you are taking pictures. You need to just notice where the light is coming from and how to best place your subject.

Catch lights are those lights that you see in a subject’s eyes that just lights them up. If you place them just right toward the light source you will see those lights. You will often see yourself taking their picture in their eyes. It would have to be a close up portrait or they wouldn’t be close enough for you to see the catch lights.

                                                 Catch lights

Indoor lighting tips:

1-      Turn on all the lights and open all the blinds all the way to allow as much light in as possible. You can even open up a door.

2-      Bring your subject to the light such as facing a window but be careful not to put your own shadow in the way.

3-      You can raise your ISO, open your aperture or f/stop and lower your shutter speed. All of which will let more light in.

Outdoor lighting tips:

1-      Shoot at the best time of day, early morning or late evening.

2-      Watch for overcast days. You can shoot all day long.

3-      Find open shade to take your photo’s in which means lots of light. Too much shade can cause problems.

4-      Notice how the light is hitting your subject and whether or not you have harsh shadows.

5-      Use fill flash for bright, sunny days.

Assignment:

Practice front, back and side lighting both inside and outside. Practice getting some catch lights. Post one of each on the blog.