Lighting: The Wonder of Photography

By James Hardens


What's the Different in Direct and Indirect Lighting?

With two categories of lighting possible in photography, it's helpful to know the differences. Although each has its own function, knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each will help you in setting up your lighting. Knowing how each type can help you is essential.

With direct lighting, you have a source that shines directly on your subject. Even though this type of lighting can sometimes be harsh (or even have too much of a hue to be helpful), it does allow you the energy and brightness that you'll need for your scene. The nice thing about indirect lighting is that not only is it softer, but it can also have less of a hue to mess with your white balance. But, the downside is that indirect lighting can be difficult to control.

Because the goal of studio photography is often to turn direct into indirect lighting, photographers usually spend money on reflectors. However, a large budget can also be spent on lamps, beauty dishes, and any number of studio equipment to help with indirect lighting. But, the great think is that direct can be transformed to indirect lighting without much expense.

Incredibly, even a piece of paper towel can be used to transform direct to indirect lighting. If you place it over your flash bulb (at a good distance), you can disperse the light in several different directions. Even though a reflector can work in the same way, you'll find that the simplicity and effectiveness makes this a great option.

How Do I Use Lighting?

Although direct and indirect lighting have value in setting up your lighting, you'll need to clearly understand the difference in order to achieve the success you're looking for with your images. By emphasizing shadows or textures, you can use direct lighting to bring out the best detail in your photos. For indirect lighting, you have the chance to coordinate lighting so that you can orchestrate the mood that will best help you convey your idea.

Finding out where your light is coming from, especially the angle, helps you to better control what's happening when it comes to lighting. Even on cloudy days, this will be important to utilizing shadows to their best advantage. But, if your subject is not in your direct lighting, you'll find that you can virtually shoot from any angle.

Having Fun with Lighting

Having fun with lighting is the best part about experimenting with it! If you set your exposure time long enough or even use a timer, you'll be able to draw an unforgettable message in light. By using a torch, you can start the exposure, write your message, pause at the end with a steady hand, then allow the time to expire before moving out of the frame. This is just one example of how to have fun with lighting.

Finally, check your results on your screen and then adjust the speed accordingly. By wearing black, you'll be able to move in and out of the scene almost undetected. Then, consider adding a little variety of color by using colored gels or wraps to place over the torch.




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