Photography LightingThe photography lighting you choose is essential in achieving quality results. There are only two types, natural and artificial. Natural refers to the sun and artificial encompasses all other forms. By carefully considering and placing photography lighting, you can prevent harshness, unwanted shadows and other downfalls that can hamper the ultimate outcome of your pictures or videos.The most important aspect to consider when shooting photos or film is staging. By properly staging your subject using photography lighting techniques, even an amateur can obtain professional results. Staging consists of placing people and objects in the best position possible for quality shots and/or incorporating photography lighting to correct flaws. When taking pictures and videos outside, the main focus will be the presence or lack of sunshine. The finest time for this is an hour after the sun comes up or an hour before it goes down. This photography lighting period is often referred to as the “golden hours” because of the attractive affects the orange hues produce. Of course, it is not always possible to work within this timeframe. However, there are tips you can use to correct the problems caused by the sun. If at all possible, avoid the noon hour. The sun directly over a subject tends to cause unflattering shadows. If you are not able to evade the twelve o’clock hour, try following these steps to decrease the sun’s negative impact and improve the photography lighting. Place the subject in the shade ensuring that the background is not brighter than the person or object you are filming. Having the sunlight stream in from behind the subject is the best option. You can also use a sheet of white poster board held pointing up at the subject to counteract any shadowing. These simple solutions will increase the odds of achieving a quality outcome. When working at night or inside you will need to incorporate photography lighting to brighten up your subject. There are several products to choose from, but the crucial factor is to set-up a triangular effect with your photography lighting. For this scenario there are two facets of photography lighting to be concerned with, hard light and soft light. Hard light or key light is directed at the subject to create harsh defined shadows. Soft light or fill light is diffused, not focused and typically reflected off of a surface to provide an even distribution over the focus. The last step is backlighting. This will sharpen the subject and fade out the background. When staging, it is important to set up your camera between the key and fill. By strategically placing them around the item or person to be shot, you will prevent harshness, shadows and the feared red-eye. To create the triangle approach you will need three stands with photography lighting attached to each. The key light should be above the person or object you are trying to capture. The fill light on the other hand should reflect up onto the subject for definition. For the best result you should attach a dimmer switch so that you can have more control. Keep in mind that the distance the camera is from the target will also affect outcome. If you are working in a room with natural and artificial elements, position the person facing the sunlight; this will prevent unwanted glare and shadows. Professional diffusers are available to create the appropriate soft photography lighting. In addition, tents and domes can be used to produce quality pictures of objects. There are also reflectors that you can use in conjunction to photography lighting to achieve the desired effect. By incorporating these suggestions at the next family get together you will have professional quality photos. However, don’t be surprised if everyone is asking you for copies or to shoot pictures for the whole family. |
