Introduction to Light

1. Introduction to Light

2. Let’s define Exposure • Exposure is 1.the amount of light that falls on the sensor that records the image in the camera 2. A combination of correct settings between the aperture, shutter speed and ISO • Exposure = time x intensity • The level of light varies from scene to scene. There is a huge difference between the amount of light falling in full sunlight compared to the same scene at dusk. • If the camera lets too much light in, the image will be overexposed---it will look very pale and bleached out. If there is not enough light, the image will be underexposed and appear too dark.

3. Rules of Light • Think of a photograph as an imprint of the light falling on a scene. For the camera to make an accurate image, the camera has to adjust the exposure. • The camera can be set to different levels of sensitivity to light. In very low light situations, you need a higher level of sensitivity to record the scene. To do this, you will adjust the ISO level. • Normal ISO setting for daylight is ISO 100 • Dull interior- ISO 200 • Nighttime ISO 400-800

4. Hard Light • Hard lighting is a way to describe the effect of strong directional light. • Characterized by hard edges and a sharp division between light and shadow. • The strong contrasting shapes will create an abstract sense of pattern, which will add drama to a composition. • The negative aspect of this form of light is that you will lose detail in the shadows or highlights, making it inappropriate for most portrait work, unless you use a fill flash or a reflector to bounce light back into the shadow.

6. Soft Light Occurs when light is diffused by atmosphere and clouds, or by reflective surfaces, such as a wall or water. This produces a softer effect that is more atmospheric. A reduction of contrast between the light and the shadow areas leads to a softer definition of form and more definition of detail in the shadows. Suitable for portrait work.

8. Ambient Light/Available light Ambient light is the light that exists in a sceneThe term usually refers to sources of light that are already available naturally (e.g. the sun, moon, lightning) or artificial light already being used (e.g. to light a room). Ambient light can effect the color cast on a photo so be sure to adjust your white balance.

9. Directional Light • You can dramatically effect the way light works in your composition through where you stand while taking the shot, or where you position your subject in relation to the direction of the light. • By moving around your subject you can completely alter the feeling of the shot. • Whether the subject is lit from the front, side or back affects the mood of the shot, allowing the light to play of the subject in various ways.

11. Side Lighting: As you might expect Side Lighting is when the lighting is coming from the side. This usually provides a great deal of contrast, can create long shadows and adds depth to the image. This type of lighting can add a dramatic flare to architectural and portraiture photography.

12. Back Lighting: Back lighting is when light is behind your subject and is directed at you and your camera. This type of lighting creates silhouettes quiet easily. Combined with certain atmospheric conditions such as fog or airborne dust you can get dramatic lighting effects.

13. Rim Lighting: When light comes in at an acute angle it can create highlights along the edges of your subject. The stark contrast that it provides highlights shape and form. This type of lighting adds impact to macro, wildlife, nature and fine art nude photography.

14. Reflective Light: Light reflected in a scene from a reflective surface that the light falls on. The subject, the floor, a wall, or table can bounce light back into the shadows. As the shadows are lightened, the contrast between the light and shadow will diminish, and you will be able to see more details in the shadow areas.

15. Low-level light • Some of the best lighting for photography. • Early morning and twilight (sunrise and sunset) and known as the “magic or golden” hours for photographers when the light creates a visual harmony across a scene. • Low-Level light often results in silhouettes • In low-light situations, change your ISO to 400 and above( if you have to get the shot and you don’t have a tripod)

16. Natural Light • Shifts direction and temperature depending on the time of day and year. • Can be affected by atmospheric and weather conditions. Clouds move---diffusing, blocking and reflecting light of day, providing different variations of light, evoking different emotions. • Outside light • Light outside will be brighter and yet more diffused than light inside. Overcast days can be some of the best days to photograph because light bounces off and reflects from different surfaces, reducing shadows and showing more detail. • Inside light • Use the window like a lamp illuminating your subject. Photographing with the window behind you will provide even lighting. Facing the window will put forms in silhouette. Standing parallel to the window will make forms rim lit. • Seasonal light • Spring light is sharp and bright on cloudless days. • Summer light is softer and warmer in tone • Autumn light is more golden and diffused. • Winter light is cooler in tone, and the shadows are longer as the sun in lower in the sky

18. Activity with a Partner • How can we use lighting to take the best photograph? Select a subject that can be moved indoors and out. Take 3 or 4 sets of photos with different options of lighting. Some examples: under the covers with a flashlight, one lamp in a dark room, three lamps at different angles, by a window, next to mirrors, outside at noon, under an umbrella, outside at sunset, etc. How does the lighting bring out different moods of your subject? What do you like the best? • Remember to adjust your ISO and white balance correctly • Each person should upload and turn-in 4 different photos of your partner with different types of lighting into the turn-in folder

19. Review • Identify the type and direction of lighting in the following photos: • Hard light • Soft light • Top light • Front light • Side light • Backlight

20. Hard light or soft light?

25. By the end of the hour: • Each person must have 4 examples: before and after outside and before and after inside ( different from yesterdays examples) • Background must be non-distracting. (have you subject against a plain wall or laying/sitting in the grass) • Examples should show soft, even lighting. No hard light should be visible. • Show me all 4 examples by the end of the hour.

26. By the end of the hour: • 1. Using the silver reflector and the White board, take a before and after of your subject. (4 total photos) • 2. Must be outside only. If the light is too harsh, move to complete shade. • 3. Background must be non-distracting. (have your subject against a plain wall or laying/sitting in the grass) • 4. Examples should show soft, even lighting. No hard light should be visible. • 6. The reflector should be facing the direction of the light and then angled toward your subject. • 5. Show me your examples by the end of the hour.