Lighting : Keep it in mind.

I was going to try and write something really good with tons of examples but I don't think I need to. In fact something shorter and to the point is probably going to be more beneficial.

Lighting is the most important thing that goes into taking a picture (in my opinion, but it probably is in general). Just think about it... if there is no light, you get a black image...Can't see without it.

So... Make sure you consider your lighting when you are taking a picture, and not just if you have them on and how bright they are - but where they are.

Here are a few really basic samples (not chams, this was eaiser to work with!) of what moving a light around can do.

This is with all the lights in the room on, nothing done on purpose... Just general room light.
AmbientLighting.jpg


Now the rest of these pictures are with all the normal lights off and only one desk lamp to sort of exaggerate the effect of light placement.

This one has the lamp off to the side
1lightA.jpg


This one has the light off to the side and behind it
1lightB.jpg


This one has the light pretty much pointed straight at it from the front. Notice how much flatter it looks..
1lightC-1.jpg


Ok - Now... The point is I didn't want to write a blog saying "this is how you do it" because you can do it however you like. All I want you to do is just... keep it in mind. Lighting can really shape your subject and make it pop... Also, if your pictures are very grainy, you can usually add more light and it will help reduce that so you get better quality images. Too much light can wash things out, too little light can make it hard to see (or make your pictures very grainy)

I was going to talk about soft and hard lighting as well, but I think I will save that for another day.

Thanks for reading, if you liked it or have questions please leave me a comment!
-Ben

Comments

very very interesting, so basically what you're saying is the perfect lighting is not too intense but not too soft either and it shouldn't come only from one side.

E.g: daylight on a sunny day is the perfect lighting.

mmm...right? ?
 
Great examples, you seem to break down the basics very well ;)

A great book for people to check out is "Welcome to Digital photgraphy 2nd Edition" by Marcia Reifman. It goes over several thing like purchasing a camera, compositon and camera settings. Great book for the beginner.

Then again I am a book nerd lol

Keep up the great blogs!
 
italian chameleon;bt1048 said:
very very interesting, so basically what you're saying is the perfect lighting is not too intense but not too soft either and it shouldn't come only from one side.

E.g: daylight on a sunny day is the perfect lighting.

mmm...right? ?

Hey! What I am saying is - there is no perfect lighting! Thats why I had to write this the way I did. Lighting is to taste, but most of the time people dont even consider the lighting. This is just a reminder for everyone to take a step back and think about it before they decide they got "the shot" or whatever.

And in my opinion- the best time to shoot outside is actually on a cloudy day. The clouds will diffuse the sunlight and make it much softer. Its personal preference. I think you almost always get "nicer" looking pictures with softer light. Hard light has its place too though, it is more "edgy" and casts crisper shadows. I would be more than happy to write a soft/hard light blog soon if you're really interested in it.

Sorry for the long response, this is just one of those things you can't say "this is the right way to do it" but I DO want people to try different set ups so they can see it for themselves.

Thanks!
 
Olimpia;bt1046 said:
Very clear examples! Very effective


jessica;bt1052 said:
Great examples, you seem to break down the basics very well ;)

Keep up the great blogs!

Thank you both! It's encouraging to see some people actually read this. I think I may do a soft light/hard light (maybe even color temp? gasp!) sequel to this...:)
 

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