No matter what photographic endeavors’ you pursue you need
to have a good grasp on light.
We use it to create our images, set the tone and feeling, and tell a story.
1. Quantity
The intensity of light can also be referred to as quantity of light. It refers to the amount or strength of light.
2. Quality
The quality of light is something we describe based upon our visual perception. Light is either soft or hard.
Soft light creates smooth, gradual transitions from light to dark without strong shadows.
Hard light is harsh, directional, and casts strong shadows and bright highlights.
As a general rule, the bigger the light source in relation to your subject, the softer the light is. Moving that light source closer to the subject, will also help soften the light.
3. Color Temperature
You need to have a basic understanding of color temperature and white balance. These elements can have a large impact on your photograph. Color is dependent on the type of lighting you are using for your subject. it can cause undesirable color casting in your shots. Color temperatures are measured with the Kelvin scale and range from roughly 1000K on the warm, red end to 10,000K on the cool, blue end of the scale. As a point of reference, daylight and electronic flash fall into the 5000 to 5500°K range; tungsten/incandescent bulbs are rated at about 2500°K to 2800°K.
4. Direction
Direction is simply where the light appears to be coming from. Controlling this is easy in a studio setting. All you need to do is move your key light (main light) into a position that creates the look you want.
The intensity of light can also be referred to as quantity of light. It refers to the amount or strength of light.
2. Quality
The quality of light is something we describe based upon our visual perception. Light is either soft or hard.
Soft light creates smooth, gradual transitions from light to dark without strong shadows.
Hard light is harsh, directional, and casts strong shadows and bright highlights.
As a general rule, the bigger the light source in relation to your subject, the softer the light is. Moving that light source closer to the subject, will also help soften the light.
3. Color Temperature
You need to have a basic understanding of color temperature and white balance. These elements can have a large impact on your photograph. Color is dependent on the type of lighting you are using for your subject. it can cause undesirable color casting in your shots. Color temperatures are measured with the Kelvin scale and range from roughly 1000K on the warm, red end to 10,000K on the cool, blue end of the scale. As a point of reference, daylight and electronic flash fall into the 5000 to 5500°K range; tungsten/incandescent bulbs are rated at about 2500°K to 2800°K.
4. Direction
Direction is simply where the light appears to be coming from. Controlling this is easy in a studio setting. All you need to do is move your key light (main light) into a position that creates the look you want.
